Houston-based Axiom Space and multinational tech innovator Nokia have formed a strategic partnership to enhance the next-generation spacesuits for NASA’s upcoming Artemis III lunar mission.  The collaboration aims to incorporate Nokia’s advanced 4G/LTE communication technology into the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), which NASA selected Axiom Space to design in 2022. This upgrade will allow crew members to capture real-time, high-definition video, exchange critical information and communicate with mission controllers on Earth while exploring the Moon.   Developed by the renowned Nokia Bell Labs, Nokia’s cutting-edge technology, known as the Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS), emerged from its selection by NASA under the Tipping Point initiative, which supports the development of space technologies to enhance future missions. The LSCS comprises two key components: a network-in-a-box, which consolidates the radio, base station and core network elements of a terrestrial cellular network into a single unit, and device modules that will be integrated into the AxEMU spacesuits.  The LSCS will be initially deployed during Houston aerospace company Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission, scheduled to launch later this year, establishing the first-ever cellular network on the Moon. This mission will test the technology to refine its adaptation for the AxEMU spacesuits and highlight the crucial role of cellular connectivity on the Moon and Mars.  “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, in a statement. “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."  This announcement aligns with NASA’s increasing investments in Houston companies and institutions as the region solidifies its position as a major player in the global space economy. NASA recently signed a Space Act Agreement with bp to leverage digital technologies and expertise to advance both energy production and space exploration. Earlier this year, the space agency also awarded the University of Houston $5 million to establish an aerospace engineering research center, focused on bolstering its human space exploration efforts on the Moon and Mars.  These partnerships are set to expand further through the NASA Johnson Space Center’s new aerospace innovation hub, Exploration Park. “I think you can plan for an increased number of partnerships going forward. I anticipate that partnerships will continue to become a bigger part of Johnson Space Center strategy,” Nick Skytland, chief technologist at JSC, told the Houston Business Journal. “We recognize that this is truly humanity's collaboration to advance human space exploration. So, we want to see more people be part of that.”  Learn more about Houston’s aerospace industry. 

bp and NASA have unveiled a new partnership aimed at advancing energy production and space exploration.  Through a Space Act Agreement, a legal agreement that allows NASA to collaborate with companies, universities and other entities, the two organizations will share digital technologies and expertise accumulated over decades of experience working in remote locations. The initial phase of the agreement will focus on enhancing digital models and simulations. These tools help engineers and scientists visualize equipment in extreme environments, such as space and the ocean's depths, where the pair operate.   "bp has built a proud legacy of technological innovation as we deliver the energy the world needs today while investing in the energy system of tomorrow,” said Ken Nguyen, bp’s Principal Technical Program Manager, in a press release. “As NASA pursues a sustained presence on the Moon and Mars, we see a unique opportunity for bp and NASA to work collaboratively on the forefront of digital technology that will cultivate further innovation in energy and space."  bp is making significant strides with similar technologies at Argos, its newest offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The energy company uses cutting-edge tools like augmented and virtual reality, along with digital twin technology, to remotely monitor and operate the platform. Leveraging this expertise, future phases of the partnership could involve sharing insights on remote operating practices, including safety, process control and monitoring and artificial intelligence.  “Both bp and NASA are custodians of deep technical expertise, working in extreme environments – whether that’s at the bottom of the ocean or on the moon,” said Giovanni Cristofoli, SVP for bp Solutions. “Sharing what we know with each other will help us solve complex engineering problems faster, meaning we can focus on keeping energy flowing safely and delivering higher margins with lower emissions.”  This unlikely partnership has set the stage for cross-industry collaborations in the Houston region and will act as a catalyst for further partnerships in two of the city’s key sectors—energy and aerospace.  While the partnership marks a groundbreaking milestone for these industries, it’s not the first time NASA has chosen Houston-area organizations for collaboration. Recently, the space agency granted the University of Houston $5 million to create an aerospace engineering research center. Earlier this year, NASA also selected five Houston-based companies to lead essential research, engineering and mission integration services for the International Space Station Program.    Learn more about Houston’s dynamic energy and aerospace sectors.