The connectivity is an important issue and it is even more so when infrastructure is lacking, not only on Earth but also in Space! This is why the partnership between Nokia and NASA to bring connectivity 4G LTE on the Luna plays an important role, especially in view of the Artemis missions.

The solutions of the Nokia Bell Labs will be used to create a configuration 4G LTE end-to -end which will promise to take up little space, be low-powered, and withstand the extreme conditions of the space and lunar environment. All within 2022, considering that if the program is respected, we will see humans walking on our satellite in the 2024.

To succeed in building a communication network on the Moon, Nokia is collaborating with Intuitive Machines in order to integrate its systems within the lander which will land on the Moon by the end of 2021. The system will work autonomously to create the first 4G LTE network on the satellite surface.

Marcus Weldon (CTO of Nokia and President of Nokia Bell Labs) stated “leveraging on our rich history of success in space technologies, from cutting-edge satellite communication to the discovery of cosmic background radiation to microwaves produced by the Big Bang, we are now building the first cellular communication network on the Moon. Reliable, resilient, and high-capacity communication networks will be critical to supporting sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. Building the first high-performance wireless network solution on the Moon, Nokia Bell Labs is once again planting the banner of pioneering innovation beyond conventional limits “.

Such a network will serve for various purposes com and sending and receiving data from the various modules, remote control of the rovers, communication between the various teams, high definition video streaming. It will therefore be a fundamental system for human stay on the Moon.

The network structure Nokia dedicated to the Luna includes: 4G LTE base radio station with EPC functionality, RF antennas and control software for operations and maintenance. All focusing on resistance both at launch and landing as well as obviously survival on the lunar surface. Furthermore, in the future, there will also be the implementation of 5G-based communication technology.