HOUSTON, Jan. 07, 2025 – Intuitive Machines, Inc. and Nokia have successfully integrated Nokia's Lunar Surface Communication System (LSCS) into the IM-2 mission lander, named Athena. This mission aims to establish the first cellular network on the Moon, targeting the lunar south pole region.
Engineers from Intuitive Machines installed the LSCS, a 'network in a box', onto one of Athena's upper carbon-composite panels after extensive testing with Nokia Bell Labs. The installation included measures to protect the network during its 239,000-mile journey and ensure optimal operation on the lunar surface, including thermal isolation at 14 mounting points and integration with Athena's Thermal Protection System.
Additional components of the LSCS have been installed in two lunar mobility vehicles: the Micro-Nova Hopper and Lunar Outpost's Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) rover. These vehicles are designed to connect to the network upon landing.
The LSCS employs 4G/LTE technology, adapted for lunar conditions, to facilitate high-definition video streaming and command communications. Data will be relayed back to Earth through Intuitive Machines’ direct-to-Earth transmission service.
Thierry E. Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, stated the mission aims to demonstrate the capabilities of cellular technology for future lunar and Mars missions. The LSCS was developed in partnership with NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate.
Intuitive Machines plans to use the Micro-Nova Hopper to test sensors for identifying lunar resources, including water ice, while the MAPP rover will explore the Moon’s south pole, mapping the surface and collecting environmental data.
The launch of Athena is scheduled for late February from NASA's Kennedy Space Center.