Nokia and space tourism and space technology company Axiom Space are integrating high-speed 4G/LTE cellular capabilities into a new lunar spacesuit.

The manufacturer itself calls it an “extravehicular mobility module” (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit, AxEMU).

The suit supports HD video broadcasting, telemetry data and voice calls over a distance of several kilometers. This will allow participants on the Artemis III lunar mission to broadcast video and communicate with controllers on Earth directly from the Moon.

“Axiom Space is pleased to partner with Nokia to develop the advanced capabilities of our next-generation spacesuit,” said Axiom Space Executive Vice President of Extravehicular Activities Russell Ralston. He stressed that the addition of a high-speed 4G/LTE network on the Moon will be an important bridge connecting astronauts to Earth, as well as simplifying the exchange of critical data and providing high-definition video communications over long distances.

Nokia plans to deploy the first cellular network on the Moon as part of Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission in 2024.

The Finnish manufacturer intends to demonstrate the performance, reliability and convenience of cellular communications for future expeditions to the Moon or Mars.

“Just as astronauts need life support systems, shelter and food, they will need advanced networks to communicate with each other and carry out their important work. We leverage the same standard technologies that connect billions of devices on Earth every day, while driving innovation and technology to solve specific challenges in space”, - said Thierry E. Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia.

The fully autonomous LSCS system includes two components - a network module that integrates the radio, base station and core network elements of the terrestrial cellular network into a single unit, and modules that will be integrated into the AxEMU.

When designing the device, extreme conditions on the lunar surface and overloads during space flight were taken into account. It has also been optimized for size, weight and power consumption.

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