Nokia Will Create 4G Network on the Moon for NASA

Nokia has signed an agreement with the NASA. The company is to develop a technology to enable the use of LTE networks on the Moon.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Nokia has signe a deal with the NASA to create a 4G network on the Moon;
The system is to be as small as possbile and resistant to factors such as radiation or vacuum.

The American Space Agency (NASA) has signed a contract with Nokia (more specifically its US subsidiary) to create a 4G network on the Moon. The system will be part of the Tipping Point program and will enable much more effective communication on the surface of the Earth's satellite. The company received a grant of USD 14.1 million for this purpose.

The technology will be used for streaming high-resolution videos, navigation and rover control, among other things. Interestingly, thanks to the lack of objects blocking the signal, such as buildings or trees, 4G is to work better on the Moon than on Earth (this is one of the reasons why the LTE standard was considered sufficient for this undertaking, although it is expected to be upgraded to 5G in the future). The network will also not require the erection of high masts - the goal is to create the smallest system possible, which at the same time will be able to withstand difficult lunar conditions (e.g. radiation, vacuum, or vibrations during travel).

"NASA's significant investment in innovative technology demonstrations, led by small and large U.S. businesses across nine states, will expand what is possible in space and on the lunar surface. Together, NASA and industry are building up an array of mission-ready capabilities to support a sustainable presence on the Moon and future human missions to Mars," said NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine in a press release.