Nokia’s 4G network on the Moon worked… Until it didn’t

Nokia aimed to establish the first 4G LTE network on the Moon as part of the IM-2 mission, expected to enhance connectivity for lunar rovers and support NASA’s Artemis III crewed mission in 2027. The mission aimed to demonstrate advanced communication technologies in the lunar environment.

On March 6, 2025, the Intuitive Machines’ lander Athena landed on its side, 250 meters from its intended site near the lunar south pole, preventing it from recharging due to unfavorable conditions. The company stated on March 7 that the mission could not continue, with both solar panel orientation and cold temperatures contributing to the failure to recharge.

Despite the challenges, Nokia claimed to have “delivered the first cellular network to the moon,” noting that key aspects of the network’s operation were validated. The lander housed Nokia’s Network in a Box (NIB), which included the radio, base station, routing, and core systems, all integrated into a compact unit. According to Wired, John Dow, general manager of Nokia Bell Labs’ Space Communications Systems, reported that the NIB was powered up, receiving commands and transmitting data to the ground station on Earth; however, it operated only for about 25 minutes before the power failure.

Video: Nokia (via Wired)

The planned operation involved the deployment of several rovers a few hours after landing, where they would connect to the 4G network. Among the rovers was the Micro Nova Hopper, nicknamed Grace, designed to hop into a permanently shadowed lunar crater to search for water ice. Data collected would have been transferred back to the NIB, which would relay it to Earth via a satellite uplink.

The intended operational range for the rovers was under 2 kilometers from Athena, utilizing Nokia’s 4G connectivity to facilitate communication with mission control in Colorado. Lunar Outpost controllers were supposed to send commands to the rovers through the network.

Experts note that the Moon holds significant importance for future Mars missions, prompting investment from various countries in establishing a lunar economy. Over the next two decades, a significant number of lunar missions are anticipated, with half from national agencies and half from private ventures. These missions aim to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon, focusing on scientific research, mining, and resource utilization.

Advanced communication systems are deemed crucial for these endeavors, not merely for social interaction but to support complex operations and scientific collaborations. Thierry E. Klein, vice president of strategic partnerships at Nokia Bell Labs, emphasized the need for robust communication capabilities for exploring the Moon and beyond. The project showcases the telecom industry’s ability to adapt existing technologies for space missions.

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The IM-2 mission was specifically a technology demonstration, aimed at validating the use of commercial off-the-shelf products in a lunar setting. Nokia adjusted the size, weight, and power consumption of its components to meet the unique challenges of the environment. While the mission’s equipment was tested for durability against launch and lunar conditions, the harsh lunar night conditions are expected to exceed the survivability of the deployed technology.

As for the technical specifications, Nokia addressed challenges like radiation exposure and temperature extremes with customized components. The equipment underwent extensive testing to replicate lunar conditions, including simulations in places with volcanic landscapes such as the Canary Islands and specific sites in Colorado.

Looking ahead, Nokia aims to implement 5G technology for future missions, acknowledging the need to evolve from 4G capabilities as developments progress. Dow noted that the future communication integration in astronaut spacesuits will enable seamless communication among crew members and with ground control.

The IM-2 mission represented an initial test for Nokia’s lunar network, which will continue to undergo testing on Earth prior to the Artemis III mission.

Featured image credit: Nokia (via Wired)