They are what the astronauts will be wearing when they return to the Moon as part of the Nasa mission Artemis III.
The companies will work together to incorporate high-speed cellular-network capabilities in the spacesuit, which is called the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU). This will support HD video, telemetry data and voice transmission over multiple kilometers on the Moon, says Axiom.
It means, for example, that Artemis III crewmembers will be able to capture real-time video and communicate with mission controllers back on Earth while they explore the lunar surface.
“Adding high-speed 4G/LTE network capability on the Moon will serve as a vital bridge linking astronauts to Earth, facilitating crucial data exchange, and enabling high-definition video communication over long distances,” said Russell Ralston, Axiom Space executive vp of extravehicular activity.
The Axiom Space AxEMU spacesuit has undergone a range of tests. These include simulating how an astronaut will enter and exit from SpaceX’s Starship Human Landing System (HLS) for spacewalks on the Moon.
Cellular network
Nokia plans to deploy the first cellular network on the Moon as part of Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission. This is scheduled to be delivered to the launch site in 2024. Nokia says it aims to demonstrate that cellular connectivity can support vital communications during future lunar or Mars missions.
Specifically, its Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS), developed by Nokia Bell Labs’ research and innovation, will be deployed during IM-2. It will also be further adapted for use in the AxEMU spacesuit.
“Just as astronauts will need life support, shelter and food, they will need advanced networks to communicate with each other and go about their crucial work,” said Thierry E. Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia.
“Bell Labs has a long history of working on space projects, and Nokia is a leader in designing and building networks that connect the world. We are taking advantage of the same standards-based technologies that connect billions of devices on Earth every day, while bringing new innovation and technologies to bear on the specific challenges encountered in space.”
Axiom unveiled the first version of the spacesuit in May 2023.
Image: Axiom Space
See also: Nasa preps next-gen spacesuits for Extravehicular Activity Services
