Next year, a Berlin-based startup plans to create the first LTE network on the Moon as part of the first private flight to Earth's satellite.
In the future, all cars will be connected by a single common LTE-V radio network; such a system is also planned for the Moon. "We want to show that LTE can work on the Moon," said Robert Beme, director of the Berlin-based startup Part-Time-Scientists, which is preparing to land the first private module on the Moon. The Falcon launch vehicle is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral in 2018.
The Alina lander and two lunar rovers, developed by Audi, will be equipped with radio equipment, which is being created with the participation of the telecommunications giant Vodafone. In addition to communication between the rovers, the system will allow continuous transmission of information and images to Earth.
Compared to conventional communication standards, the operation of the LTE system and data transmission requires a negligible amount of energy. Each rover will be able to use approximately 80 watts of energy for its operation. Traditional means of communication would consume 60 watts. Thanks to the use of LTE, communication and image sending will require just over 1 watt.
The Alina lander and lunar rovers will be able to exchange information over distances of 12 to 15 kilometers. The expedition will last approximately two weeks.