Nokia is putting the first cellular network on the moon
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Summary
Private space company Intuitive Machines is set to launch a lunar mission from Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center, intended to explore a potential site for water ice in the lunar south pole and deploy a communications satellite.
The mission will be the first opportunity to test a 4G cellular network in space, which will facilitate communication between the lander, rover and hopper vehicles.
Although the network is expected to only function for a few days, Nokia is developing a 4G or 5G network for the planned Artemis habitat to cover the lunar surface.
Nokia’s network is designed to withstand radiation, extreme temperatures and vibrations, and is powered by the lander’s solar panels.
However, some astronomers have voiced concerns that the wireless network could interfere with radio astronomy, as the frequencies used overlap with those reserved for that purpose.