Instinct

What it does

Instinct is building a lunar lander designed to launch as a regular rideshare payload to low Earth orbit (LEO). From LEO, the lander cruises to the Moon without staging or refueling, and delivers at least 20 kg to the lunar surface, operating for the entire lunar day. The approach aims to increase launch cadence and reduce cost compared to dedicated lunar missions.

Who it is for

Instinct serves organizations that need to deliver payloads to the lunar surface: space agencies, research institutions, commercial companies, and potentially private individuals. The service is positioned for customers who want frequent, affordable access to the Moon without the complexity and cost of a dedicated launch.

Why it matters

Current lunar missions are expensive and infrequent, often requiring dedicated rockets and complex staging. By piggybacking on regular LEO rideshares, Instinct could dramatically lower the barrier to lunar access. This enables more frequent science experiments, technology demonstrations, and commercial activities on the Moon, accelerating lunar exploration and utilization.

Launch signal

Instinct has announced its vision and is backed by undisclosed investors. The website lists a contact email and a "Fly With Us" call to action, suggesting early customer engagement. However, no specific launch date, test flights, or technical milestones are publicly detailed in the available material.

Brand and naming

The name "Instinct" suggests an intuitive, natural approach to spaceflight—implying simplicity and reliability. The tagline "Building the Lunar future, today" positions the company as forward-looking and ready to act now. The branding is clean and professional, with a focus on the three-step process: Launch, Cruise, Land.