Axiom Space, an in-space infrastructure developer and provider of human spaceflight services, has partnered with Nokia, a Finnish multinational communications corporation and manufacturer, to develop wireless high-speed communication technologies for the Artemis spacesuits.

The partnership will develop 4G/LTE communications, called the Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS), for the spacesuits Axiom produces for NASA's Artemis 3 mission in 2026 .

The LSCS technology will comprise two major components. The first one is a “network in a box,” which is a base station, antennas, and other systems installed on the Human Landing Services lander that deploys the astronauts to the lunar surface. The second component is a user module incorporated into the suits.

The LSCS technology will provide redundancy for existing links using UHF, Wi-Fi, and increased bandwidth, supporting seamless operations since 4G/LTE will be one of the other options the astronaut can select based on mission requirements.

Nokia will first test its LSCS system on the Moon on Intuitive Machines' IM-2, the second robotic lunar lander mission, scheduled to launch in 2024.

Analyst QuickTake: In September 2022, NASA selected Axiom Space for the USD 228.5 million contract to develop the Artemis III spacesuits. In October 2023, Prada partnered with Axiom Space to receive the required soft goods and composite materials for the outer layer of the spacesuits.