NASA and nokia are bringing the internet to the moon

nokia has been selected by NASA to build the first ever cellular network on the moon. the idea is to build and deploy the first ultra-compact, low-power, space-hardened, end-to-end LTE solution on the lunar surface in late 2022. to do so, nokia has partnered with intuitive machines to integrate a network that will self-configure upon deployment and consequently, establishing the first LTE communications system on the moon.

above and main image by NASA

by building the first LTE/4G network on the moon, nokia will be able to provide critical communication capabilities for different data transmission applications like vital command and control functions, remote control of lunar rovers, real-time navigation and streaming of high-definition video among others. these communication applications are all vital to long-term human presence on the lunar surface.

image by nokia bell labs

‘leveraging our rich and successful history in space technologies, from pioneering satellite communication to discovering the cosmic microwave background radiation produced by the big bang, we are now building the first ever cellular communications network on the moon,’ comments marcus weldon, chief technology officer at nokia and nokia bell labs president. ‘reliable, resilient and high-capacity communications networks will be key to supporting sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. By building the first high performance wireless network solution on the moon, nokia bell labs is once again planting the flag for pioneering innovation beyond the conventional limits.’

nokia’s lunar network has been designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the launch and lunar landing, and to operate in the extreme conditions of space. the fully integrated cellular network meets very stringent size, weight and power constraints of space payloads in an extremely compact form factor.

project info: 

name: cellular network on the moon

company: NASA, nokia, intuitive machines