Nokia will build an LTE network on the Moon. Communication networks have evolved in an incredible way in the last few years. 5G connection will be the next step, of course, on Earth. But NASA plans to have a 4G communication network on the Moon by 2028. And Nokia is going to be in charge of bringing a solution to that project.
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Nokia will build an LTE network on the Moon
In recent days, The U.S. space agency has awarded a number of grants to different private companies to help the development of aerospace technology. Among them, perhaps the most interesting project is the one assigned to Nokia. Nokia will develop a network of antennas on the moon to improve communication on the star’s surface.
The challenge of placing LTE in space
NASA wants to develop new technologies for the Moon as part of its goal to have astronauts working on a lunar base by 2028. The moon communication project is given to Nokia (Finnish and American partnership). With $14.1 million in hand, Nokia will now have to develop an entire 4G system. Nobody has ever done that yet, so it will be very challenging.
This LTE network will have to be specially designed to withstand the hardships of the harsh lunar environment. For example, these difficulties are radiation, extreme temperatures or the fact that there is a different gravity. Even vibration can cause problems. While here we build 4G networks with huge antennas, on the Moon there should be other solutions because logistics is another thing to consider.
The goal is to develop a network that allows fast and effective communication between astronauts, rovers, and lunar modules. The network should help astronauts to position themselves better and transmit larger (for example, videos or photos with better quality) data quickly without problems.
Nokia will build a LTE network on the Moon. However, the project doesn’t provide connection to the entire moon, the connection is limited to the area where NASA is expected to make its next lunar mission. This site will also be the site of the moon base that they plan to establish in the next few years.
