Taking 4G into space!

We can communicate on the moon—although not yet, this is becoming a real possibility in the near future. Companies like NASA, a US government agency and Nokia, a Finnish multinational corporation, have been successfully working towards taking 4G and implementing it into space.

This opens up a new world of possibilities regarding international space travel, communication, and the potential for hosting life on planets outside of Earth. This may sound like a pipedream currently, but it opens up a whole new world of opportunity for humans and the different ways communication occurs. 

To clarify, 4G stands for “Fourth Generation” and is the direct successor to 3G and the foundation for expanding the 5G network. It’s the technology that powers everyday smartphone use. For example, browsing, streaming, social media, and more are all functions made possible by this network. Before its rollout, 4G was projected to contribute $441.8 billion to GDP by 2019. Instead, it reached a staggering $690.5 billion, exceeding expectations by nearly $250 billion. This highlights the massive economic impact of mobile network innovation and how it will continue to expand as our reliance on technology increases.

As 4G technology expands beyond our planet, the economic implications stretch far beyond improved cell service. Currently, the 4G network unit is being built by Nokia’s Bell Labs, which will then be loaded onto a lander created by US company Intuitive Machines. The plan, once deployed, is to connect the lander with two additional roaming vehicles on their separate space mission.

As 4G technology expands beyond our planet, the economic implications stretch far beyond improved cell service. Nokia’s Bell Labs is currently building the 4G network unit using off-the-shelf commercial components, a cost-effective approach that demonstrates how space tech is becoming more accessible. This unit will be loaded onto a lunar lander developed by US company Intuitive Machines, with the goal of enabling reliable communication on the moon. Once deployed, the system will connect the lander to two additional robotic rovers, each on their own separate space missions.

This groundbreaking setup is more than just a tech milestone. It represents the early stages of a space-based communication infrastructure that could someday significantly support lunar exploration, resource extraction, and even human settlement. As global investment in space innovation grows, projects like this could generate billions in economic activity while pushing the boundaries of what mobile networks can achieve.

From a financial perspective, this shift has the potential to unlock entirely new markets. As communication infrastructure develops beyond Earth, it creates demand for new supply chains, manufacturing, launch services, maintenance, and data services. All of which translates into high-value investment opportunities for companies or nations across the globe. By 2035, the global space economy is estimated to be worth $1.8 trillion, and innovations like space-based 4G networks will play a significant role in helping to achieve this reality. Countries and companies leading the charge in space-based tech could gain a major edge, not just in space exploration, but also in defense, telecom, and the future of global communication.

In short, 4G in space is not just about staying connected. It is about driving global economic growth and reshaping the future of business beyond Earth. As space exploration and technology continue to evolve, the economic potential of space-based communication will grow, creating new industries and opportunities. The advancements we make today will lay the groundwork for the next frontier of innovation, in space and on Earth!

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