# Intuitive Machines Adds Space Expertise

Intuitive Machines appointed former National Reconnaissance Office Director Christopher Scolese to its board after Michael Blitzer resigned, adding senior civil and national-security space experience as the company pursues commercial and government-facing growth. The announcement does not identify a new procurement or contract award. It also references a historical **$1.8 billion** classified NRO contract involving Starshield and the Defense R&D Summit scheduled for February 4, 2027, which will cover advanced space technologies, quantum computing, and trusted AI.

- Government buyers and contractors should distinguish the board appointment from a procurement action: the announcement provides no solicitation, award, or new funding for Intuitive Machines.
- The historical NRO contract is relevant market context for national-security satellite activity, but the signal does not establish a direct relationship between that contract and Intuitive Machines.
- The February 4, 2027 summit may offer industry stakeholders a venue to discuss the stated technology areas; the signal provides no registration details or procurement deadlines.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

### Vendors
- Intuitive Machines ()
- SpaceX ()

### Sources
- [Christopher Scolese Joins Intuitive Machines Board](https://www.govconwire.com/articles/intuitive-machines-christopher-scolese-board-appointment) - GovCon Wire