Nokia wins NASA contract to bring 4G network to the moon

NASA has awarded Nokia a $ 14.1 million contract to bring astronauts the first cellular network on the moon, the space agency said.

The cellular company will set up a 4G / LTE network before finally upgrading the system to the latest 5G technology.

To the moon! 🌕

We are excited to have been named by @NASA as a key partner to advance “Tipping Point” technologies for the moon, to help pave the way towards sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.

So, what technology can you expect to see? (1/6) pic.twitter.com/wDNwloyHdP

— Bell Labs (@BellLabs) October 15, 2020

The cellular data capabilities on the moon will help better control lunar rovers, navigate real-time lunar geography, and stream high-definition video, the company said.

“This mission will validate the future of other operational missions and the potential for human colonization on the moon,” said Bell Labs.

It was no small endeavor, however, to take cellular service to a new level.

“The mission-critical LTE network we developed was specifically designed to withstand the extreme temperature, radiation and vacuum conditions of space, as well as the significant vibration effects during take-off and landing on the lunar surface,” the company said.

The NASA grant was part of $ 370 million contracts signed under the agency’s “Tipping Point” program, which aims to support research into a range of technologies to enhance space exploration.

“We are excited that our investments and collaborative partnerships are driving new technologies for the moon and beyond, while benefiting the commercial sector,” said Jim Reuter, NASA’s associate space technology administrator.