Later this month, an exciting mission will take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The IM-2 mission, led by Intuitive Machines, will deploy a lander, a rover, and a hopper near the moon’s south pole. But the most groundbreaking part? Nokia Bell Labs is bringing 4G internet to the moon as part of a NASA contract.
Why Does the Moon Need 4G?
For years, lunar communication has depended on point-to-point radio signals. These signals require a clear line of sight, making them unreliable for future moon missions. According to Thierry Klein, president of Nokia Bell Labs Solutions Research, the current system is too slow and limited. Since NASA is planning to send astronauts to the moon in the 2030s under the Artemis program, a better communication system is needed.
A 4G network will allow faster data transfers, better range, and connections between multiple devices. This means astronauts, robots, and landers can communicate more effectively, making lunar operations smoother and safer.
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How Will It Work?
Nokia has designed a compact “network in a box” that can handle extreme space conditions. The system will include all the essential components except for the antenna and power supply, which will come from the lander’s solar panels.
During the IM-2 mission, this 4G network will help the lander, rover, and hopper communicate seamlessly. However, there’s one challenge—lunar nights are extremely cold, and the equipment may stop working after a few days due to the harsh temperatures.
What’s Next for Moon’s 4G?
Nokia is already looking ahead. It plans to expand the 4G or even 5G network for future Artemis missions. There’s also talk of integrating the network into astronaut spacesuits for better communication.
However, not everyone is thrilled about this project. Some radio astronomers worry that LTE signals could interfere with space observations. Chris De Pree, deputy spectrum manager at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), warns that these signals might disrupt important astronomical studies. Another expert, Harvey Liszt, points out that 4G hasn’t yet been officially approved for lunar use. While Nokia has received a temporary waiver, it must get a permanent frequency allocation before full deployment.
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