NASA awarded Modulate Space Corporation a firm-fixed-price contract valued at approximately $38 million to develop key elements of a 5G communications system for use on the lunar surface, featuring built-in Wi-Fi 6, for NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Announced through agency releases, the project is structured into two primary areas designed to build a scalable, standards-based communications capability that will support future Moon Base surface operations.
Contract Timeline and Demonstration Phases
The $38 million agreement spans two distinct performance periods managed by NASA. According to agency documentation provided by Jennifer Dooren at NASA Headquarters and Shauntina Lilly at Glenn Research Center, the first phase—titled the “5G Network-in-a-Box Development and Lab Demonstration”—runs from Thursday, Oct. 1, through Jan. 31, 2028. This initial block focuses on ground testing and architecture evaluation.
The second phase, known as the “Lunar 5G and Wi-Fi Integrated Surface Network and Flight Demonstration on the Lunar Surface,” is scheduled from Monday, Nov. 30, through Dec. 31, 2028. This deployment phase will test the integrated hardware, firmware, and software directly in the lunar environment, giving engineers critical operational performance data as the technology matures for sustained crewed missions.
System Architecture and Technology Goals
Modulate Space Corporation will build hardware, firmware, and software designed to integrate cellular and local wireless standards into a single architecture for lunar astronauts and equipment. The agency stated that the demonstrations will provide direct insight into system architecture and operational performance, offering the flexibility required to evolve communications capabilities for future lunar surface missions.
“This effort will give NASA insight into the system architecture and operational performance while providing the flexibility needed to evolve the technology for future lunar surface communications,” NASA officials noted in the award announcement.
Lunar Surface Network Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total value of the Modulate Space Corporation contract?
The firm-fixed-price contract is valued at approximately $38 million.
Which NASA facility is managing the project?
NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is overseeing the development work.
What wireless standards are included in the lunar network?
The system incorporates both 5G and built-in Wi-Fi 6 capabilities designed for scalable lunar base operations.
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