Nokia's Lunar Cellular Network Launch: A Halcyon Step in Space Exploration Despite Call Failure
In an unprecedented venture into space communication, Nokia recently attempted to establish the first cellular network on the Moon as part of NASA's IM-2 mission. While circumstances prevented the completion of a historic phone call, the deployment of a 4G/LTE network marks a significant achievement in lunar technology.
Nokia, having announced its plans at the start of the month, was involved in carrying advanced NASA technology and essential scientific apparatus to the Moon. Successfully deploying the LTE network in the lunar south pole region, the company demonstrated key operational capabilities, including transmitting crucial data back to Intuitive Machines' ground station and Nokia's mission control center on Earth.
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In the realm of space exploration, there are monumental achievements alongside more modest milestones. As Nokia reflected on their accomplishments, Thierry E. Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, stated, “We delivered and deployed the first cellular network on the Moon and we are incredibly proud of the results that we have achieved despite the very challenging circumstances. If our device modules had been functional when our network in a box was powered up, all indications tell us that we would have been able to complete the first-ever cellular call on the Moon.”
– Thierry E. Klein, March 2025
Though Nokia attracted attention for the inability to complete the first cellular call from the Moon, the impact on Intuitive Machines was notably more profound, having faced a significant decrease in their market value.
