NASA is collaborating with Nokia as part of its Tipping Point program. Nokia has been asked to build the first-ever space cellular network. NASA hopes to speed up its space-based development.
It does not just want to return to the moon to unload humans safely but also to put the infrastructure for a future lunar base. For this purpose, it has given Nokia US $14.1 million for this project.
It aims to partner with other private firms to carry on this mission. Nokia has been chosen to help them install the very first LTE/4G communications system in space. It will be a key development in its Artemis program.
Nokia’s research firm Bell Labs is partnering with private space company Intuitive Machines for the task and will box its complete LTE solution into its lunar vehicle.
An LTE base station and user equipment and RF antennas have been designed to face the physical requirements of launching, landing, and working in space.
The network will provide communications support for data transmission, control of lunar rovers, streaming HD videos, and real-time navigation upon its install.
Due to this system, astronauts will be capable of improved voice and video communications, biometric and telemetry data transmission, and steady control of robotic payloads
“Nokia Bell Labs has once again cemented its name as the pioneers to reach beyond the standard limits. This invention of a dependable, hardy, and high-capacity communications network will make a human presence on the Moon for prolonged periods a reality,” said Marcus Weldon, Chief Technology Officer at Nokia.