Nokia Powers Historic 4G LTE Network for NASA’s Moon Mission
News Desk
Islamabad: Nokia has made history by becoming the first company to deploy a 4G network on the moon, according to a report by Wccftech.
This 4G LTE network will support NASA’s “Intuitive Machines” IM-2 mission, marking the first use of mobile communication technology, similar to what we use on Earth, on the lunar surface. This development is a significant step toward establishing a sustainable human presence on the moon.
Since the Apollo missions, space communications have mostly relied on point-to-point radio transmission, which requires a direct line of sight between the transmitter and receiver. This method worked well in the past when communication was primarily limited to a single spacecraft, lander, or rover, with relatively low data transmission demands.
However, as NASA’s “Artemis Program” aims to return astronauts to the moon by 2028, with plans for a long-term lunar base in the 2030s, the need for more robust communication systems is increasing.
This milestone not only enhances communication capabilities for future space missions but also lays the foundation for interstellar communication, ensuring reliable data transmission.
The Intuitive Machines Athena lander, equipped with Nokia’s lunar network, was launched on February 26 and is currently on its way to the lunar South Pole, with a planned landing on March 6, 2025.
Once the Athena lander successfully reaches the moon, Nokia will activate the lunar communication system and officially launch the 4G LTE network.
The network will be powered through the “Network Interface Box” (NIB) integrated into the lander, designed to withstand the moon’s harsh environment and ensure stable signal transmission. The Athena lander will also connect to the MAPP rover and Micro Nova Hopper drone, ensuring a consistent network signal.
As lunar exploration advances, the communication demands for future lunar bases will grow. Nokia plans to establish a wireless network for lunar habitats and integrate 4G/5G technology into astronauts’ future “Axiom” spacesuits, enabling seamless communication while on the moon’s surface.
