Nokia and Intuitive Machines unveil lunar cellular network for Moon exploration

Nokia and Intuitive Machines have reached a significant milestone in space exploration by completing the final integration of Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communication System (LSCS) into the Athena lander, which is central to Intuitive Machines’ upcoming IM-2 mission. The mission aims to deploy the first cellular network on the Moon, using terrestrial 4G/LTE technology adapted for the challenges of space.

Announced on 7 January 2025, this achievement represents a leap in lunar connectivity, enabling unprecedented communication capabilities that could redefine future lunar exploration. Athena, equipped with Nokia’s LSCS, is scheduled to land near the Moon’s south pole, where it will support critical operations for surface mobility vehicles.

How Nokia’s Network Will Operate on the Moon

The LSCS, designed and tested by Nokia Bell Labs, has undergone rigorous engineering to ensure it withstands the 239,000-mile journey and extreme lunar conditions. Integrated into Athena’s upper carbon-composite panels, the LSCS includes advanced thermal protection and insulation systems to maintain operational stability during both active use and idle phases.

The cellular system is designed to connect with two lunar vehicles: Intuitive Machines’ Micro-Nova Hopper and Lunar Outpost’s Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) rover. Upon landing, these vehicles will establish immediate communication with the LSCS. This network will handle high-definition video streams, telemetry, and command transmissions, bridging communication gaps between mobile surface assets and Earth.

A Dual Role: Connectivity and Resource Exploration

Nokia’s lunar network will not only enhance connectivity but also support NASA’s ambitious goals under the Artemis program, including resource identification and sustainability on the Moon. The IM-2 mission, partly funded by NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate under its Tipping Point initiative, will test the network in conjunction with advanced resource-mapping technologies.

The Micro-Nova Hopper, aptly named Grace, will descend into permanently shadowed craters near the lunar south pole to gather data on hydrogen-rich regions, potentially indicating water ice deposits. The LSCS will relay this data from Grace to Athena, where it will be transmitted back to Earth for analysis.

Similarly, the MAPP rover will embark on a multi-day mission to map the lunar surface. Using the LSCS, the rover will transmit stereo imagery and environmental data, providing critical insights into the Moon’s geology and potential resources for future exploration.

Industry Leaders Collaborate for a New Era of Space Exploration

Nokia and Intuitive Machines’ partnership marks a transformative moment for lunar exploration and the commercialization of space. Thierry E. Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, emphasized the potential for terrestrial cellular technology to extend its transformative role into space. He noted that the LSCS could pave the way for reliable, high-capacity communications for both crewed and robotic missions, not only on the Moon but also on Mars.

Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader implications of the IM-2 mission for the lunar economy. By integrating advanced communication systems and mobility solutions, the mission exemplifies the role of innovation in achieving sustainable exploration and fostering a thriving lunar infrastructure.

A Milestone in the Artemis Generation

Set to launch no earlier than late February from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Athena lander and its groundbreaking payload signal a bold step in humanity’s return to the Moon. The integration of Nokia’s cellular network on the lunar surface is expected to be a foundational capability for future exploration, enabling deeper scientific discoveries and greater operational efficiency.

As the Artemis generation gathers momentum, the collaboration between Nokia, Intuitive Machines, and NASA is paving the way for sustained lunar operations and a new frontier in space technology.