LTE Proximity Communications (LTE-TP)

Nokia firmly believes that 4G/ LTE, and its evolution to the next generation 5G network, can be used for reliable proximity wireless communications in spaceflight applications. LTE is a proven commercial technology for both wireless voice and data communications, has a large ecosystem of technology and component suppliers, and is deployed worldwide. Through its worldwide success in earth-based terrestrial application, LTE is now poised to provide cost-effective solutions for space and lunar communications. Nokia is already engaging with the space community such as the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) Wireless Working Group (WWG), and this forum has published a Blue Book discussing use of LTE as a wireless technology for space.The overall goal of the LTE-TP project is to revolutionize lunar surface communications by leveraging advances in terrestrial communications technology to improve the quality of communications (lower power, better range, higher bandwidth) while simultaneously reducing cost and providing an on-going commercial communication solution for the lunar economy (both surface and orbital). Future instances of the LTE network will be utilized for both human and robotic missions.In this project Nokia will develop, deploy, and demonstrate a 4G/LTE communications system on the lunar surface utilizing Intuitive Machines' (IM's) Lunar Payload and Data Service (LPDS). The main steps/objectives are:1. Adapting Nokia's LTE technology for the lunar demonstration.2. Integrating and testing Nokia's LTE technology on Intuitive Machines (IM)s Nova-C lander/rover.3. Executing the mission.4. Providing a post mission lunar propagation model based on the lunar surface test results.

LTE is a proven commercial technology for both wireless voice and data communications, and has a large ecosystem of technology and component suppliers and is deployed worldwide. Through its worldwide success in earth-based terrestrial application, LTE is now poised to provide cost-effective solutions for space and lunar communications.In this project Nokia will develop, deploy, and demonstrate a 4G/LTE communications system on the lunar surface utilizing Intuitive Machines' (IM's) Lunar Payload and Data Service (LPDS). The main pillars of this Lunar mission are​Commercial technology and intellectrual property (IP) licensing to one or more companies that already supply equipment to space communications industryDeliver COTS LTE product to value-add resellers who can adapt the product for space applicationsNokia can provide traimning and support services to network opereators of lunar surface LTE systemsUtilize the data from the mission to inform ongoing and furture wireless propagation models to better understand how LTE networks perform in a lunar environment

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