Nokia Bell Labs Eyes Partnerships with Indian Space Sector to Power Moon Missions with 4G, 5G: Report

“Unlike the Apollo era, which relied on basic voice and low-resolution imagery, future lunar missions will demand high-definition video, data-rich applications, and low-latency networks to support scientific research, mining, transportation, and habitation on the Moon,” said Klein, as mentioned in the report.

Also Read: Nokia and Intuitive Machines to Deploy First Cellular Network on the Moon

Nokia’s 4G LTE Demonstration

The company’s technology was demonstrated during the Intuitive Machines IM-2 mission, which landed on the Moon in March 2024. Nokia deployed a functioning 4G LTE network, proving the feasibility of terrestrial cellular technologies in space, despite a lander issue that limited operation time.

“So that’s been our vision for seven or eight years, and that’s what we’ve really done with the Intuitive Machines 2 mission…We built the first cellular network and wanted to prove that we could do this. It was a technology demonstration to show that we can take something based on the networks we use on Earth, make all the necessary adaptations I mentioned, deploy the network, operate it successfully, and prove that cellular technology is a viable solution for space operations,” Klein reportedly said.

Klein noted that while the technologies are based on standard 3GPP protocols, they are significantly re-engineered to withstand extreme lunar conditions, including wide temperature variations, radiation exposure, and limited power availability.

Also Read: Ericsson Expands ASIC R&D Operations in Bengaluru to Strengthen Semiconductor Capabilities

5G on the Moon by 2030

Looking ahead, Klein said Bell Labs envisions the Moon’s communication infrastructure developing similarly to Earth’s surface networks, supporting permanent lunar bases, while satellites in lunar orbit provide 5G-based backhaul or coverage for remote regions. “We think of 5G as both providing surface capabilities as well as orbit-to-surface capabilities,” he said, likening it to non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) on Earth.

The move to 5G on the Moon is expected by 2030, aligning with the adoption of 6G on Earth. Bell Labs is also working with Axiom Space to integrate 4G LTE into next-generation space suits, which are set to be used in NASA’s Artemis 3 mission in 2027.

“We would expect that we have 5G on the lunar surface by 2030,” Klein reportedly said, explaining that staying one generation behind Earth networks allows lunar missions to benefit from economies of scale, mature ecosystems, and deployment experience.

Also Read: India Leading the Way in Affordable Internet Access: DoT

India’s Public and Private Space Players

With India opening its space sector to private participation and international collaboration, Nokia’s proposed engagement could bring advanced telecom capabilities to future Indian lunar missions. Klein affirmed the company’s openness to working with both public and private entities in India to advance lunar and deep space communications.

“Everybody realizes there is a need for communication. We are really open to working with anybody that we could support,” Klein said, as per the report.

You can also join the TelecomTalk WhatsApp Community, TelecomTalk WhatsApp Channel or Telegram group Telecom Circle for updates and discussions.