Nokia to deploy 4G LTE network on the Moon

While the general trend is to fill low Earth orbit with mobile coverage satellites like Vodafone or Starlink, there are telcos that are aiming for more. One of them is Nokia, which intends to launch a 4G LTE network on the Moon by the end of the year or so.

It is a project consisting of three clearly differentiated parts: a base station with an antenna placed on the Nova-C lunar lander, developed by the American space company Intuitive Machines, a lunar rover that serves as a link, and a solar system that powers the entire complex. Once the lander is on the moon, the rover will be able to navigate and send information to the base. Thus, an LTE connection will be established between the lander and the rover.

Nokia's idea is to locate its LTE network in Shackleton Crater, near the south pole of the moon. Temperatures there can reach as high as 120ºC and drop as low as -130ºC, according to NASA.

Human presence on the moon is not expected until at least 2025

Nokia wants to test the viability of existing cellular networks beyond Earth, which in itself is a milestone.

In addition, it can also be used for communication between astronauts and, of course, serve as a link to send relevant data to the mission control center on Earth. This milestone is important not only because of the timeline for the technology to be ready, but also because Nokia relies on many partners to deliver the project. It's also important for Nokia, as there will be no human presence on the Moon for many years to come.

The next planned mission is Artemis II in the spring of 2024, it will last 10 days and 4 astronauts will go to the orbit of the Moon aboard the Orion module, but will not set foot on the satellite. At least not until 2025 will people set foot on the moon. Artemis III will land on the surface of the South Pole of the Moon with astronauts who will spend about 6 and a half days performing experiments and research tasks.