Next-Gen Spacesuits to Allow Astronauts Communicate via Voice and Video

Soon, Astronauts will be able to communicate more effectively with mission control and other crew members on the lunar surface. This real-time communication can improve safety, coordination, and decision-making during missions.

Artemis III, the first crewed NASA mission to set foot on the Moon in more than 50 years, will be a historic mission, returning astronauts to the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972.

Axiom Space has partnered with Nokia to integrate advanced 4G/LTE communication capabilities into the next-generation spacesuits for the Artemis III lunar mission.

These spacesuits, known as the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), will support HD video, telemetry data, and voice transmission over multiple kilometers on the Moon. This advancement will allow Artemis III crewmembers to capture real-time video and communicate with mission controllers on Earth while exploring the lunar surface.

Image credit: Axiom Space

Texas, US-headquartered privately funded space infrastructure developer, Axiom Space, has selected Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS) for integration into its AxEMU spacesuits, which Artemis III astronauts will wear as they work on the lunar surface.

In its collaboration with Axiom Space on the Artemis III lunar spacesuit, Nokia intends to prove that the same cellular technologies that connect billions of devices on Earth can meet the critical communications needs of these seminal missions.

Together, Nokia and Axiom Space will incorporate high-speed cellular-network capabilities in AxEMU, supporting HD video, telemetry data and voice transmission over multiple kilometers on the Moon. This advancement will enable Artemis III crewmembers to capture real-time video and communicate with mission controllers on Earth while they explore the lunar surface.

The ability to transmit HD video and telemetry data over longer distances will facilitate scientific research, exploration, and documentation. Astronauts can share their experiences and findings with experts back on Earth.

Noki plans to deploy the first cellular network on the Moon as part of Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, which is scheduled to be delivered to the launch site in this year only.

The Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS)

Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS), pioneered by Nokia Bell Labs’ research and innovation, will be deployed during IM-2 and will be further adapted for use in the AxEMU spacesuit.

While it is a 4G/LTE system at its heart, it is quite different to any cellular network on Earth.

4G/LTE Space Hardware

Nokia Bell Labs completely reconceptualized the hardware and software design of a 4G/LTE network, we experience on the Earth, to prepare the system for the unique operating parameters of a lunar mission and the harsh conditions of the Moon’s surface.

The LCS has been carefully engineered to withstand the extreme environmental conditions on the lunar surface, including radiation, extreme temperature variations and the Moon’s complete lack of atmosphere.

Finally, the equipment is designed to withstand the dynamic stresses of launch, spaceflight and lunar landing, as well as to meet Artemis III’s rigorous weight, size and power limitations.

Notably, the LSCS is the result of nearly two decades of research and innovation into automation, optimization, miniaturization and hardware and software integration. Nokia Bell Labs completely reconceptualized the hardware and software design of a terrestrial 4G/LTE network to prepare the system for the unique operating parameters of a lunar mission and the harsh conditions of the Moon’s surface.

The LSCS has two main components. First, a network-in-a-box combines the radio, base station, routing, security and core elements of a terrestrial network into a single highly resilient unit that will be integrated into the HLS. Second, device modules will be integrated into Axiom Space’s AxEMU spacesuits, providing mobile voice and broadband connectivity up to two kilometers away from the Artemis III human landing system (HLS).

The LSCS network system software is highly integrated and optimized, creating an extremely compact system that is fully autonomous and capable of self-deploying, self-configuring and self-healing.

As lunar missions become more frequent, this collaboration between Axiom Space and Nokia sets a precedent for developing lunar communication infrastructure. Future missions may build upon this technology or explore even more advanced communication systems.

Nokia, Vodafone Conduct World’s 1st Trial of A New Tech That Greatly Enhances Internet Experiences

Nokia and Vodafone conduct world’s first trial of L4S technology over an end-to-end PON network

Nokia and Vodafone have announced, on Tuesday, that the two companies have conducted the world's first trial of L4S technology over an end-to-end Passive Optical Network (PON), demonstrating its potential to enhance the internet experience for activities like video conferencing and gaming.

L4S is ideal for latency-dependent applications such as cloud gaming, virtual/ augmented reality (VR/AR), and high-quality video conferencing. It helps in managing network congestion, reducing jitter, and preventing packet loss.

What is L4S?

L4S, which stands for "Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable throughput," is a technology that aims to significantly improve internet traffic management. This new technology ix developed and pioneered by Nokia Bell Labs and is now an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standard.

This technology represents a significant step forward in creating a smoother and more reliable online experience for users, especially as we move towards more real-time and interactive applications on the internet.

The Lab Test

Nokia’s research arm Nokia Bell Labs and Vodafone’s Fixed Access Center of Excellence (CoE) performed this world’s first demonstration of L4S running over PON in Vodafone’s lab in Newbury, U.K.

The demonstration was performed on an end-to-end fixed access network built with Nokia technology. It consisted of a broadband network gateway (BNG), a PON optical line terminal (OLT), multiple PON optical network terminals (ONTs) and WiFi access points. The tests showed extremely low and consistent end-to-end latencies when travelling across every element of the network.

L4S achieves almost zero packet queuing delay, which is a common cause of latency on the internet. This is particularly beneficial when the network is under heavy load.

In tests, L4S showed extremely low and consistent end-to-end latencies across various network elements, including fully congested access networks and WiFi links.

In the lab tests, Vodafone and Nokia Bell Labs measured consistent latencies of 1.05ms at local Ethernet ports running over a fully congested access network (BNG to ONT), and just 12.1ms when including a fully congested WiFi link as the final connection.

Latency can affect the quality and speed of online activities, such as browsing, streaming, gaming, or video calling. Low latency means less delay and a smoother internet experience. For example, low latency ensures that video calls are synced and that your connection has minimal delay. Online gamers typically covet low lag or latency because delays cause losses. Low latency also reduces buffering and allows for better video quality.

While the tests were conducted on PON networks, L4S can be implemented over any access technology, whether wireless or wireline.

Nokia is also working on an another research initiative called UNEXT. L4S is a prime example of the network-application symbiosis that is a key component of UNEXT.

UNEXT is a research initiative from Nokia Bell Labs that aims to redefine network software and systems by evolving the network into an operating system. UNEXT is self-regulating and interactive, and includes Natural-Language Networking, which allows for voice-based network capabilities. Nokia believes that UNEXT will pave the way for the 6G era and enable smooth support for users and applications.

Nokia Bell Labs Selected by NATO for its Defence Innovation Accelerator DIANA

Nokia Bell Labs in Budapest has been chosen to join NATO's Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) as both an accelerator and test site. This selection is part of NATO's initiative to develop dual-use emerging and disruptive technologies. Nokia Bell Labs will provide access to its cutting-edge testing facilities and expertise to support companies working on solutions in key sectors identified by the Alliance.

The focus areas include advanced capabilities such as 6G, post-quantum security, knowledge management, reliable and cyber-resilient networking, and AI/ML-based digital twins of communication networks. Nokia Bell Labs' involvement in DIANA will support NATO's efforts to maintain technological leadership and address challenges affecting security and defense.

Currently, Nokia Bell Labs in Budapest is researching autonomous intent-based robust and resilient network management architectures for special cyber security, critical networks and defense use cases for 5G, 5G-Advanced and 6G, including the creation of blueprints for using 5G for defense and cyber-physical test ranges.

Prof. Deeph Chana, Managing Director of DIANA, said, “Part of DIANA’s strength is our unique transatlantic network of talent centres and innovation leaders working
toward a common purpose. The breadth and diversity of partners in DIANA’s network will accelerate the development and deployment of ground-breaking solutions for defence, security and peace.”

Interestingly, Prof. Chana has been Senior Advisor at Indian conglomerate, Reliance Industries Limited, between 2017 and 2020.

Peter Vetter, President of Bell Labs Core Research at Nokia, said: “By becoming part of the DIANA network, Nokia Bell Labs in Hungary will be able to support NATO and help maintain the technological leadership of the Alliance and its members that protect its one billion citizens. This is yet another example of Nokia’s commitment to EU innovation, the Defense community and the development of dual-use technologies.”

NATO's DIANA has a network of over 200 affiliated accelerator sites and test centers.

Recently, NATO selected 44 companies for DIANA projects to address challenges related to undersea sensing and surveillance, secure information-sharing, and energy resilience. These companies are part of the first cohort and were chosen from over 1,300 applicants. They will work on developing technology solutions for the alliance's defense and security challenges.

The NATO DIANA program has seen several success stories since its inception. For instance, the German company Helsing and Estonian companies Defendec and Milrem have shared their achievements in the defense sector. These companies have made significant contributions to defense innovation, showcasing the potential of the DIANA initiative to foster technological advancements within the Alliance.

Moreover, the first cohort of 44 companies selected for DIANA projects is working on challenges related to undersea sensing and surveillance, secure information-sharing, and energy resilience. These companies were chosen from over 1,300 applicants and are now actively developing their technology solutions with the support of DIANA's resources and network. Each company has received funding and mentorship to aid in the development of their projects, marking a dynamic and promising start for the program.

Nokia Bell Labs

Nokia Bell Labs is an American industrial research and scientific development company owned by the Finnish company Nokia. It's headquartered in Murray Hill, New Jersey, and operates a global network of laboratories. Known for its significant contributions to information technology and telecommunications, Bell Labs researchers have been credited with the development of radio astronomy, the transistor, the laser, the photovoltaic cell, the charge-coupled device (CCD), information theory, the Unix operating system, and programming languages like B, C, C++, and others.

Throughout its history, Bell Labs has been associated with a number of groundbreaking discoveries and developments, earning its researchers no less than ten Nobel Prizes². Originally established as Bell Telephone Laboratories in 1925, it has undergone several changes in ownership and name, with Nokia acquiring it in 2016 as part of its purchase of Alcatel-Lucent.

Today, Nokia Bell Labs continues to focus on innovating technologies that aim to transform how we live, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and sustainable, impactful research. They are actively involved in the development of 6G technology and have recently been selected for the NATO DIANA accelerator to develop dual-use emerging and disruptive technologies.