Nokia signs a contract to build 4G networks on the moon

NASA has announced the status of contracts with private companies for space development projects in 2020. Among them, it was revealed that Nokia, a telecommunications infrastructure company, is pursuing a contract with NASA to establish a 4G network on the moon. Completion of the network is scheduled for 2028, and it will switch to 5G later.

Bell Labs, Nokia’s research and development division, announced on Twitter that it would push forward a contract with NASA for a project called building a communications infrastructure on the moon. Bell Labs says its innovation will be used to build the first wireless network in the moon, starting with 4G LTE technology and evolving to 5G. The 4G network for the moon is specially designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of outer space, radiation, vacuum conditions, and large vibrations and shocks from moon launches and landings.

The installation of 4G networks on the moon will be carried out in partnership with other companies as well as Bell Labs. For example, in conjunction with Intuitive Machines, which develops spacecraft and space suits, it controls lunar exploration and develops data transmission apps such as real-time quality navigation and video streaming on the moon.

The contract between NASA and Nokia pays $14.1 million. In addition, the mission with the highest down payment is to pay 89.7 million dollars for the development of cryogenic fluid management technology that promotes liquid hydrogen in cryogenic space, and aerospace company Lockheed Martin is in charge. Related information can be found here .