NASA selected Modulate Space Corporation to build a lunar 5G and Wi-Fi 6 network framework for testing at the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

NASA selected Modulate Space Corporation to build core components of a lunar 5G network equipped with Wi-Fi 6 technology for NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

The accelerated project focuses on creating a scalable, standards-based communications capability designed for operational deployment on the lunar surface.

Dual focus areas

The contract structures the engineering process into two primary work areas. Teams will build surface network infrastructure capable of supporting high-bandwidth transmissions, linking surface assets, robotic landers, and future habitats through unified wireless protocols.

Integration of Wi-Fi 6 alongside 5G infrastructure allows short-range local wireless connectivity to pair directly with broader surface coverage networks. Engineers at Glenn Research Center will oversee testing and hardware validation.

Technical standards for space communication

Space operations require communication hardware capable of withstanding extreme temperature fluctuations and radiation while delivering low-latency transmission. Implementing commercial cellular standards like 5G and Wi-Fi 6 reduces specialized manufacturing requirements by leveraging established global industry architecture.

NASA specified that the network architecture must remain modular to accommodate future surface equipment updates. The framework provides the structural baseline for data transfer, voice links, and video streaming between surface components and primary relays.

System requirements and structure

• Integration of commercial 5G standards for long-range surface links
• Implementation of Wi-Fi 6 protocols for localized hardware connections
• Development managed through NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland
• Engineering divided into two accelerated technical work streams

Modulate Space Corporation will proceed with technical development under the direction of Glenn Research Center managers. Project success depends on initial component verification and stress testing in simulated lunar environments.