NASA has awarded Modulate Space Corporation a contract to design and build a 5G communications system and Wi-Fi 6 network for use on the lunar surface, with work centered at the agency’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

The agreement, valued at approximately $38 million, supports two distinct development phases. The first phase focuses on creating a scalable, standards-based 5G network prototype and conducting laboratory tests to evaluate radio performance in simulated lunar conditions. The second phase involves deploying and demonstrating the integrated system on the moon’s surface, combining 5G and Wi-Fi 6 technologies for continuous connectivity.

Work on the network-in-a-box prototype will run from October 1, 2026, through January 31, 2028. The surface deployment and field testing are scheduled from November 30, 2026, to December 31, 2028. These milestones are part of a broader initiative to establish reliable, high-speed communications that can support future lunar base operations and scientific activities.

The project aims to develop hardware, firmware, and software components that can adapt to the unique challenges of lunar environments, including signal propagation and network resilience. Data gathered from these demonstrations will inform the design of future communication systems for sustained lunar exploration.

NASA officials say the effort will provide critical insights into how next-generation wireless technologies can function in deep space settings, potentially influencing standards for both space and terrestrial applications.

For additional details about NASA’s lunar communications programs, visit https://www.nasa.gov.