Nokia, the Finnish telecommunications company, is making waves in the space industry with its latest project. In collaboration with Intuitive Machines, Nokia is developing a 4G network for the moon. The first part of this groundbreaking network will be sent to the lunar surface later this year as part of the Intuitive Machine’s IM-2 mission.
This “network in a box” will connect Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander with Lunar Outpost’s MAPP rover and Intuitive Machines’ Micro-Nova hopper. The goal is to provide greater bandwidth and faster communication between astronauts, as well as enhanced connectivity for autonomous lunar robots.
The potential benefits of this 4G network are vast. Not only will it revolutionize communication during lunar missions, but it also has the potential to be adapted for future Mars missions and upgraded to 5G technology. This could significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of space missions, allowing for better coordination and connectivity.
Thierry Klein, the president of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, emphasizes the importance of communication in space missions. He states that communication, along with shelter, food, and life support, is a crucial component of any future lunar or Mars mission. By utilizing existing state-of-the-art technologies that connect billions of smartphones on Earth, Nokia aims to streamline communication in space.
Nokia’s involvement in this project is not without recognition from NASA. In 2020, NASA awarded contracts to 14 companies, including Nokia, to develop technologies for the Artemis program. Nokia received $14.1 million to construct the moon’s first cellular network. Rather than creating entirely new technology, Nokia is adapting its current hardware to work on the moon.
Klein emphasizes the need for a shared infrastructure on the moon to support multiple missions by different space agencies and commercial ventures. Instead of establishing separate communication systems for each mission, it makes more economic sense to utilize a shared network in consistent locations and connect various lunar bases.
Despite the potential benefits of Nokia’s 4G network, there are concerns from radio astronomers. They worry that the network could create radio frequency interference (RFI) that disrupts radio observations. Further research is needed to address and mitigate these concerns.
Nokia’s foray into the space industry with its 4G network for the moon is an exciting development. It has the potential to transform communication during space missions, improve connectivity for autonomous robots, and pave the way for future Mars missions. With ongoing research and collaboration, we are on the brink of a new era of space communication.
