Ford Aerospace, with a Space Systems Division located in Palo Alto, was the aerospace and defense arm of the Ford Motor Company until 1990. As a manufacturer, Ford Aerospace was involved in satellite and space systems, including the construction of mission control centers, and missile and control systems. Key products and services included satellites, satellite ground terminals, and command/control/communications systems, making them a significant player in the early space industry.
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The acquisition of Lanteris positions Intuitive Machines as a vertically integrated, next generation space prime.
Lanteris's business is approximately 25% defense, 25% civil, and 50% commercial.
In the national security arena, Lanteris is a subcontractor for Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) buses for L3Harris's Space Development Agency Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 awards.
Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus states that the acquisition of Lanteris marks an evolution towards becoming a vertically integrated space prime for national security, civil, and commercial missions.
For the 12 months ending September 30, 2025, Lanteris had revenue of approximately $630 million and a backlog of $685 million.
Intuitive Machines plans to integrate Lanteris's satellite production into its existing business to expand its Lunar Data Relay constellation.
Intuitive Machines and Lanteris combined have revenue of more than $850 million, positive adjusted EBITDA, and a backlog of $920 million as of the end of September.
The rebranding of Vantor and Lanteris signifies the final phase in Maxar's division into two specialized entities while leveraging shared heritage and decades of engineering expertise.
The Lanteris 300-class bus is a result of converting production space from the 1300 production into a smallsat factory.
Lanteris' manufacturing business has shifted to a roughly 50/50 split between government and commercial projects.
Lanteris successfully delivered all six WorldView Legion satellites to orbit.
Maxar has retired its name and rebranded as Vantor and Lanteris.
Lanteris has diversified its business to a 50/50 split between commercial and government programs.
Lanteris CEO Chris Johnson stated that the spacecraft business is at an inflection point with six WorldView Legion satellites operating in orbit.
Lanteris plans to support the Golden Dome missile defense initiative with its 300-class production line.
Lanteris intentionally chose not to enter the software-defined satellite (SDS) market due to the investment required and potential delays.
The Lanteris product line includes the Geostationary Orbit (GEO) platform Lanteris 1300, WorldView Legion-class Lanteris 500, and SDA-class Lanteris 300.
Lanteris is delivering buses to L3Harris for the Space Development Agency’s tracking layer.
Lanteris delivered its first spacecraft buses to L3Harris for its subcontract on the Space Development Agency constellation.
Lanteris has been building GEO communications and other satellites in its factory for over 60 years.