Later this year, Nokia will introduce cutting edge technologies on the moon by deploying 4G/LTE internet services which aim to transform communications systems on the lunar surface by carrying reliable, high rates while covering power, size and cost. NASA has partnership with Nokia as a part of “NASA’s Tipping Point Program” for the enhancement of commercial space resources and further future space missions. Additionally, NASA also plans to leverage its Artemis program, which helps to set up a sustainable presence on the moon.

The Nokia’s network comprises of antenna-equipped base station along with LTE User Equipment, RF antennas, integrated Evolved Packet Core (EPC) functionalities and high-reliability operations and maintenance (O&M) control software. An end-to-end LTE network will be integrated between rover and lander. Nokia says the technology is fabricated to endure the tremendous conditions of space including temperature, radiation and vacuum.

Nokia’s LTE network – the predecessor to 5G – will be used within “NASA’s Artemis program”, which seeks to send the first human astronauts to set foot on the moon’s surface. Nokia said, in addition to this its network will permit astronauts to interconnect with each other as well as stream real-time video, operate rovers remotely, use sensing applications, controlling robotics and telemetry data back to earth.

One of the core purposes of this mission is to examine and grab information regarding radio propagation on the moon. The signals generated from cellular network need to travel by means of electromagnetic waves, which don’t require an atmosphere to propagate. Nokia said, there system has already undergone a series of tests including environmental and operational to validate its reliability and performance and Nokia Bell Labs will validate the solution’s performance and technology readiness level, and further optimize it for the future space and terrestrial space applications.

Nokia has developed products different from conventional cellular networks to operate in harsh conditions, including mining installations and industrial environments. However, Nokia Bell Labs spots the new barricade of controlling complex electronics and software in space. This project combines several different areas of technology that Nokia have to work on. Nokia said, we continue to discover and enhance our solution at each step down the way.