Nokia has successfully delivered the first cellular network to the Moon as part of the Intuitive Machines IM-2 mission to the lunar south pole region. Key aspects of the network’s operation were validated, including transmitting operational data to Intuitive Machines' ground station and Nokia's mission control center on Earth, as well as activating multiple communication solution components.
The IM-2 mission is part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, with Nokia's technology demonstration partially funded by NASA's Tipping Point initiative. Although Nokia was unable to make the first cellular call on the Moon due to power limitations from the orientation of the Athena lander's solar panels, the Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS) from Nokia Bell Labs was designed for optimized power consumption.
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In a 25-minute window where it received power, the LSCS successfully completed multiple tests, showing progress in proving that cellular technologies can meet the communication needs of lunar exploration. The LSCS’s ‘network in a box’ (NIB) on Athena successfully turned on, received telecommands, and connected to Nokia's mission control center in California.
The NIB ran without interruption for the entire power window, demonstrating proper functionality of its subcomponents. However, due to power constraints and extreme conditions, a connection between the device module on Intuitive Machines' Micro Nova Hopper and the NIB could not be established.
“In space exploration, there are big successes and small successes,” said Thierry E. Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia. “We delivered and deployed the first cellular network on the Moon and we are incredibly proud of the results that we have achieved despite the very challenging circumstances. If our device modules had been functional when our network in a box was powered up, all indications tell us that we would have been able to complete the first-ever cellular call on the Moon."
Nokia's success in adapting commercial components for lunar use shows the potential of cellular technologies in space exploration. Nokia's collaboration with NASA, Intuitive Machines, and Lunar Outpost demonstrates a commitment to advancing communication beyond Earth. This commitment will continue as Nokia explores communication possibilities on the Moon and Mars, contributing to the growing space economy.
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