World's first 4G cellular network operating on the moon in human history
According to Wccftech's report on March 2, Nokia has become the first company to deploy a 4G network on the moon. This 4G LTE network will be used for NASA's "Intuitive Machines'" IM-2 mission. This is the first time that the same mobile communication technology as that on Earth has been deployed on the moon, promoting the establishment of humanity's sustainable lunar presence capabilities.
Since the Apollo moon landing, space communications have mainly relied on point-to-point radio signal transmission, which requires the transmitter and receiver to maintain line-of-sight connectivity. This method has not been a major issue in the past because usually only a single spacecraft, lander, or rover needed to communicate with Earth, and the amount of data transmission was relatively low.
With the advancement of NASA's "Artemis Program," astronauts are expected to return to the moon as early as 2028, and plans are underway to establish a long-term lunar base in the 2030s. Future lunar communication needs will increase significantly.
This breakthrough not only enhances the communication capabilities of future space missions but also lays the foundation for interstellar communication, ensuring the stability of data transmission. The Intuitive Machines Athena lander, equipped with Nokia's lunar network, was successfully launched on February 26 and is en route to the lunar South Pole, with a planned landing date of March 6, 2025.
After the Athena lander successfully lands, Nokia will activate the lunar surface communication system and officially launch the 4G LTE network. This network relies on the "Network Interface Box" (NIB) integrated into the lander, which can handle the communication challenges in the moon's extreme environment and ensure stable signal transmission. In addition, the Athena lander will also connect the MAPP rover and Micro Nova Hopper drone to maintain stable network signals.
As lunar exploration accelerates, the communication needs of future lunar bases will become increasingly complex. Nokia not only hopes to establish a wireless network for lunar habitats but also plans to integrate 4G/5G technology into the future astronauts' "Axiom" spacesuits, allowing astronauts to maintain smooth communication while walking on the lunar surface.