CLEVELAND — NASA has awarded Modulate Space Corporation a $38 million firm-fixed-price contract to develop an integrated 5G and Wi-Fi 6 communications network for the Moon.
The project will be overseen by NASA’s Glenn Research Center and is intended to support future permanent Moon Base operations under the Artemis program. The system will use standards-based 3GPP technology, similar to the technology used by mobile networks on Earth.
The goal is to create a shared and scalable lunar communications network that can connect astronauts, rovers, landers and surface instruments, rather than requiring each mission to carry its own custom radio system.
Two-Phase Development
The project will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, running from October 1, 2026, through January 31, 2028, will involve developing and testing a “5G Network-in-a-Box” in the laboratory. The system will combine the 5G network equipment and software into a compact platform for testing before lunar deployment.
The second phase is scheduled for November 30 through December 31, 2028. During this phase, an integrated 5G and Wi-Fi 6 network will fly to the lunar surface for a flight demonstration.
Testing Communications on the Moon
NASA will also study radio signal propagation on the lunar surface. The lunar South Pole, where future operations are planned, has challenging terrain including deep craters, steep mountains and permanently shadowed areas that can affect wireless communications.
The planned network would allow different lunar users and equipment to share the same communications infrastructure. NASA is developing the technology as part of its broader effort to establish reliable communications for future long-term human and robotic operations on the Moon.
——— End of Article ———
