Nokia Bell Labs Joins DARPA's LunA-10 Program, Pioneering Lunar Infrastructure for a Thriving Economy

Space News ,World :- Nokia Bell Labs has been chosen to participate in the groundbreaking 10-Year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) program, initiated by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The program aims to design a comprehensive multi-service architecture that will support a flourishing lunar economy over the next decade and beyond. LunA-10 focuses on developing essential infrastructure capable of sustaining both industrial activities and scientific exploration on the Moon.

DARPA has enlisted 14 companies spanning various industries for the launch of LunA-10. Nokia, recognized for its expertise in futuristic network architectures and leadership in lunar surface communication technologies, earned its place in the program. This recognition is not only attributed to Nokia's current mission to establish the Moon's first cellular network but also stems from the extensive space innovation history of Nokia Bell Labs dating back to the Mercury Program.

Nokia will collaborate with 13 other specialized companies in critical areas such as energy, transport, and construction. Nokia Bell Labs is tasked with recommending a robust, high-performance communications infrastructure. The collaboration aims to ensure efficient transportation and construction of infrastructure on the lunar surface, equipped with reliable power sources.

By mid-2024, LunA-10 is expected to provide a comprehensive blueprint for establishing the necessary infrastructure to support commercial operations on and around the lunar surface by 2035. Communication will be pivotal, with requirements for high throughput, low latency, ultra-reliable, and scalable capabilities. Networks will facilitate direct communication between astronauts and mission control on Earth, transmit video and telemetry data, and provide connectivity for controlling robots and automating tasks on the lunar surface.

Thierry E. Klein, President of Nokia Bell Labs Solutions Research, expressed excitement about contributing to DARPA's visionary initiative, emphasizing Bell Labs' commitment to pushing technological frontiers. Klein stated, "By creating the communication solutions blueprint for the Moon, we will help establish the foundations of a permanent human presence on the lunar surface."

As part of NASA's Tipping Point initiative, Nokia is set to deploy the first cellular network on the Moon in 2024, demonstrating the capability of 3GPP-based technology for future lunar and Martian missions. Nokia Bell Labs' legacy in space spans decades, with contributions ranging from launching communication satellites to vital discoveries, such as cosmic microwave background radiation from the Big Bang.