On January 7, 2025, Nokia and Intuitive Machines, Inc. announced the final integration of Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communication System (LSCS) into the IM-2 mission lander, Athena. This groundbreaking mission aims to deploy the first cellular network on the Moon.
Nokia Bell Labs rigorously tested the LSCS before meticulously installing it on Athena. The system was attached to Athena’s carbon-composite panels and insulated to withstand the harsh conditions of space. The Thermal Protection System will manage the network’s temperature by expelling or supplying heat as needed.
In addition, two LSCS device modules were installed in two lunar vehicles: the Micro-Nova Hopper and the Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) rover. Upon landing, these vehicles will connect to the network on Athena.
The LSCS utilizes 4G/LTE technology to handle communications between the lander and vehicles, including video streaming and telemetry data. The data will be relayed to Earth through Intuitive Machines’ direct-to-Earth transmission service.
NASA awards Nokia a contract to build first-ever cellular network on the Moon
On February 26, 2025, at 7:17 pm ET, the Intuitive Machines Athena lander, carrying Nokia’s lunar network, successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Athena is now en route to the Moon and will complete an 8-day journey, culminating in a landing in the Mons Mouton region of the lunar south pole.
Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines, stated: “We believe delivering Nokia’s 4G/LTE system to the lunar surface is a transformative moment in the commercialization of space and the maturity of the lunar economy. We’re taking thoughtful steps to achieve sustainability. Whether it’s Nokia connecting surface assets or Intuitive Machines’ ability to transmit that data back to Earth and establish lunar data relay satellites, these innovations are mainstay capabilities we believe will define the Artemis generation, and they were initiated through NASA leadership.”
With this mission, Nokia and Intuitive Machines are poised to revolutionize lunar exploration by establishing the first cellular network on the Moon, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of space technology.
