Houston, Texas – Nokia is currently working on developing an LTE/4G communications system for the moon, aiming to provide future lunar astronauts with the ability to text and communicate effectively in space. The first components of this network could potentially be launched later this year by Intuitive Machine’s IM-2 mission, which is set to land at the moon’s south pole.
The equipment being developed by Nokia is designed as a “network in a box,” which will connect various lunar vehicles and rovers to facilitate communication over both short and long distances on the moon’s surface. This network will be crucial for future lunar and Mars missions, providing a reliable means of communication that is essential for the success of any space expedition.
In 2020, NASA awarded Nokia a $14.1 million contract to build the first cellular network on the moon as part of the Artemis program. Nokia plans to adapt its existing technology for the lunar environment, rather than developing entirely new hardware. This 4G/LTE network will offer more bandwidth than traditional UHF systems, allowing for faster communication between astronauts, robotic systems, and potentially even future missions to Mars.
The scalability of operations on the moon over the next two decades highlights the importance of a consistent and reliable communication infrastructure that can support multiple missions from various space agencies and commercial ventures. By utilizing a shared network, different bases on the lunar surface can interlink and coordinate more efficiently, leading to greater overall success in space exploration endeavors.
Although the idea of a cell network on the moon has raised concerns among radio astronomers regarding potential radio frequency interference (RFI), operators like Nokia have the capability to protect certain frequencies to mitigate these disruptions. By working closely with experts in the field, it is possible to find a balance between advancing communication technology in space and preserving the integrity of radio observations.