Nokia signs a plan to launch a 4G network on the moon with NASA

NASA has announced the status of contracts with private companies for the 2020 space development project. Among them, it became clear that Nokia , a communication infrastructure company, is proceeding with a plan to lay a 4G network on the moon under a contract with NASA. The network is scheduled to be completed in 2028, and it is said that it will eventually move to 5G.

2020 NASA Tipping Point Selections | NASA
https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/solicitations/tipping_points/2020_selections

Nokia's R & D division, Bell Labs, announced on Twitter that it will undertake a project called 'Building a Communication Infrastructure on the Moon' with NASA.

To the moon! ????

We are excited to have been named by @NASA as a key partner to advance “Tipping Point” technologies for the moon, to help pave the way towards sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.

So, what technology can you expect to see? (1/6) pic.twitter.com/wDNwloyHdP

— Bell Labs (@BellLabs) October 15, 2020

'Our pioneering innovations will be used to build and deploy the first wireless networks on the moon, starting with 4G / LTE technology and evolving to 5G,' said Bell Labs. The 4G network for the lunar surface is specially designed to withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, vacuum conditions in outer space, and large vibrational shocks during launches and landings on the lunar surface.

Our pioneering innovations will be used to build and deploy the first wireless network on the moon, starting with # 4G / LTE technologies and evolving to # 5G . (2/6)

— Bell Labs (@BellLabs) October 15, 2020

The construction of the 4G network on the moon will be promoted not only at Bell Labs but also in collaboration with other companies. For example, in collaboration with Intuitive Machines, which develops spacecraft and spacesuits, it is developing data transfer applications such as control of lunar spacecraft, real-time geographic navigation on the lunar surface, and video streaming.

Working with our partners at @Int_Machines , this groundbreaking network will be the critical communications fabric for data transmission applications, including the control of lunar rovers, real-time navigation over lunar geography, & streaming of high definition video. (3/6)

— Bell Labs (@BellLabs) October 15, 2020

NASA has announced that it has paid $ 14.1 million for its contract with Nokia. The mission with the highest contract fee is the development of cryogenic fluid management technology that promotes cryogenic fluid management in ultra-low temperature space with liquid hydrogen, which is undertaken by aerospace company Lockheed Martin for 89.7 million dollars (about 9.5 billion yen). I will.