Intuitive Machines (LUNR) said Friday it has won a roughly $2.5 million study contract from NASA to advance lunar logistics handling and offloading, as well as surface cargo and mobility.

The study contract, which has a one-year performance period expected to start in the coming months, aims to advance learning in managing daily challenges in the lunar environment identified by NASA's Moon to Mars architecture, the company said.

The company said it plans to use the award to focus on technologies related to transporting lunar payloads using its heavy-cargo-class lunar lander that is currently being developed.

Shares of Intuitive Machines were up 3.5% in premarket activity Friday.