Nokia’s “network in a box” (NIB) was successfully delivered to the Moon’s surface in March 2023 as part of the Intuitive Machines’ Athena lunar lander mission. Once operational, the system, roughly the size of a small pizza box, functioned for 25 minutes in the lunar highlands region known as Mons Mouton. During this time, it was able to send and receive operational data to Nokia’s mission control center located approximately 400,000 kilometers away.
Dr. Thierry Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, noted that the project met significant milestones, including surviving the launch, transit, and landing on the Moon. However, technical difficulties emerged when signal noise affected the laser altimeter and optical sensors of the Athena lander, resulting in the lander resting on its side. Consequently, a planned cellular call to establish a wireless link with onboard rovers was unsuccessful. Despite these challenges, the team considered the mission a notable advancement in the development of cellular technology for space applications.
The increasing activity anticipated on the Moon by 2035 includes features such as permanent astronaut habitats, fleets of robotic vehicles, and various scientific and industrial activities. Experts project that the space economy could grow to as much as $1.8 trillion by 2035, with lunar endeavors playing a role in this expansion. A robust cellular communications network is deemed essential for enabling sustainable operations on the lunar surface, given the limitations of existing radio communications.
Current radio systems, which require a clear line of sight, were adequate in the past, such as during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. However, as more devices require connectivity on the Moon, the need for cellular technology that supports higher data transfer rates and accommodates numerous devices becomes increasingly critical. Dr. Klein highlighted the necessity of advanced communications for a range of tasks, from scientific exploration to the establishment of a lunar economy. Such capabilities will facilitate improved coordination among autonomous systems and enhance astronaut safety through real-time data transmission.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/08/20/1121888/forging-connections-in-space-with-cellular-technology/