Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) is a small-cap space stock that has one massively ambitious long-term goal among its priorities: helping to create human settlements on the moon. The company has over tripled in value this year,

Shares of Intuitive Machines ( LUNR -3.24%) soared 62% higher in September, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The space exploration company completed its first lunar mission earlier this year, and in September a multibillion-dollar contract award from NASA propelled the stock higher.

NASA's contract hires Intuitive Machines to "deploy lunar relay satellites and provide communication and navigation services" to support NASA's Project Artemis to return astronauts to the moon.