Forging connections in space with cellular technology
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Summary
Nokia and Intuitive Machines created a 4G/LTE network package the size of a small pizza box, which was tested on the Moon in March.
The package was attached to the Intuitive Machines’ Athena lunar lander, and transmitted operational data to Nokia’s mission control centre, some 384,000km away.
The network could one day support HD video, telemetry data and voice connections on the Moon andMars.
It could also help support cellular connections for astronauts, robotic and autonomous systems, and mission control teams.
The entire space economy is set to grow from 630bnto1.8tn by 2035, with a cellular network necessary to support lunar activities.
Current radio communications require a clear line of sight between two antennas, however, the range, number of devices, and data speeds required for future Space exploration will necessitate cellular connectivity.
Nokia has been developing the network for seven years and plans to optimise and enhance it further for Artemis III, scheduled for no earlier than mid-2027.