Astronauts will be able to use Nokia’s 4G network on the Moon

Nokia prepares to launch 4G mobile network on the Moon later this yearwith the hope of supporting exploration missions to the Moon before paving the way for a human presence on this satellite.

According to CNBC, Nokia currently has a plan bring the 4G network to the Moon with the SpaceX rocket in the coming months, as confirmed by Luis Maestro Ruiz De Temino, chief engineer of this Finnish telecommunications group, at the Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona.

According to Nokia, the goal of establishing a 4G network on the Moon is to demonstrate that current wireless network technology can meet the communications needs of future space missions. Using this network, astronauts can communicate with each other, remotely control autonomous vehicles or broadcast videos in real time and send data back to Earth.

Nokia also said its 4G technology is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space. The network will also be used in NASA’s Artemis 1 mission, which aims to send the first human astronauts to walk on the surface of the Moon since 1972.

Concerning the power supply to operate, the 4G network will be maintained by a base station equipped with antennas. This station will be contained in Nova-C lunar lander (designed by the American space company Intuitive Machines). Along with this, the operation of the 4G network will be supported by a solar-powered mobile, which will connect to the lander via an LTE connection.

Nokia hopes to install a 4G data network on the Moon by 2023.

Nokia hopes to install a 4G data network on the Moon by 2023. (Photo: CNBC).

We know that SpaceX’s booster rocket will not bring the Nova-C lunar lander to the surface of the Moon. Instead, this lander will have a built-in propulsion system to make the trip. As planned, the lander will land in Shackleton Crater, located along the southern edge of the Moon’s surface.

Anshel Sag, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, says 2023 is a year “optimistic goal” give Nokia’s mission is to bring the 4G network to the Moon.

“If the hardware systems are ready, they will probably be able to launch them in 2023, provided their partner chooses, without hiccups or delays. ».

One of the things Nokia hopes to achieve with its 4G network is to find ice on the Moon. Much of the Moon’s surface is now dry, but recent unmanned probe missions to the Moon have discovered remnants of ice trapped in surrounding craters in the polar regions. It is said to be a source of water that can be treated and used for drinking, split into hydrogen and oxygen for use as rocket fuel, or separated to provide oxygen for astronauts.

Previously, Rolls-Royce was also researching a nuclear reactor to provide energy to future residents and explorers of the Moon.

Article source: TTVH