NASA taps Nokia to deploy first-ever 4G/LTE network on Moon

Nokia said that it had been tapped by NASA to build and deploy the first-ever 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) communications network on the Moon, which will be a crucial component for the US space agency's Artemis program, Report says.

Under the partnership, Nokia Bell Labs, the research and development arm of Nokia, will deploy the first ultra-compact, low-power, space-hardened, end-to-end LTE solution on the lunar surface in late 2022.

From enabling voice and video communications capabilities to controlling robotic and sensor payloads, the LTE/4G technology promises to revolutionize lunar surface communications by delivering reliable, high data rates while containing power, size, and cost. Vital to long-term human presence on the lunar surface.

"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," said Marcus Weldon, Chief Technology Officer at Nokia and Nokia Bell Labs President.

For this mission, Nokia collaborates with Houston-based Intuitive Machines to integrate this network into their lunar lander and deliver it to the lunar surface. According to Nokia, the network will self-configure upon deployment and establish the first LTE communications system on the Moon.