NASA has awarded Modulate Space Corporation a contract to develop core components of a 5G communications system for lunar surface use, incorporating built‑in Wi‑Fi 6 technology for the agency’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
The initiative is split into two primary work areas that together will create a scalable, standards‑based communications capability to support future Moon Base surface operations.
The 5G System and Lunar Surface Communications Evaluation and Radio Propagation Measurements contract is a firm‑fixed‑price agreement valued at approximately $38 million. The performance period for the 5G Network‑in‑a‑Box Development and Lab Demonstration runs from October 1, 2024 through January 31, 2028. The performance period for the Lunar 5G and Wi‑Fi Integrated Surface Network and Flight Demonstration on the lunar surface runs from November 30, 2024 through December 31, 2028.
Through these demonstrations, NASA will obtain the hardware, firmware, and software needed to advance an integrated lunar communications system. This effort will provide insight into the system architecture and operational performance while offering the flexibility to evolve the technology for future lunar surface communications.
