Forging connections in space with cellular technology

Until now, radio communications, which require a clear line of sight between two antennas and use ultra-high frequency radios, have been relied upon to connect, say, astronauts on the surface of the Moon or a lunar lander with Earth. When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the Moon in 1969 they used a radio system called an S-Band, which used a lightweight umbrella-like antenna on the lunar lander to reflect signals over a vast distance. But with far more devices soon to populate the Moon's surface, and more advanced bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications, these technologies will fall short. As Klein outlines, there are multiple scenarios in which cellular connectivity that enables better range, more devices, and higher data transfer speeds will form the bedrock for safe, effective space exploration. For one, astronauts' work will need to be augmented by myriad robotic and autonomous systems--be it in drilling, mining, or harvesting for food--and each of these will need to coordinate and communicate with one another to align on tasks.