Developing Lunar 3GPP Mobile Network Technologies for Moon Exploration
GITAI USA Inc.
KDDI Corporation
March 6,2024
-- December 7, 2023 - GITAI USA Inc. (GITAI) and KDDI Corporation (KDDI) successfully demonstrated to attach a 3GPP mobile network antenna using GITAIs Lunar Rover and Inchworm Robots. Both companies have newly prototyped a lunar communication tower and antenna optimized for robotic construction. The antenna was transported to the tower by the Rover, and then it was successfully attached at the apex of the tower by the Inchworm Robots, followed by cable connections to provide power.
If you have difficulty to view the movie, please click the link below.
<
The demonstration video of 3GPP mobile antenna attachment using GITAIs multiple robots [
1]>
As lunar exploration such as the Artemis Program [
2] is emerging, there is a growing demand for high-speed, high-capacity communication services to provide high-quality video transmission from astronauts and rovers on the Moon. However, developing 3GPP mobile network on the Moon by astronauts could be challenging due to the harsh environment, so an autonomous construction by robots would be necessary. To address these challenges, GITAI, the worlds leading space robotics startup with its successful tech-demo on the International Space Station (ISS), and KDDI with insights into 3GPP mobile network construction, jointly worked to develop an antenna designed for robotic construction and demonstrated in an environment simulating the lunar surface.
About the Demonstration Overview
GITAIs Lunar Rover transported the antenna to a 5-meter communication tower, constructed by GITAIs Robots on a desert simulating the lunar surface.
GITAIs 3 x Inchworm Robots manipulated the antenna to the apex of the tower. Power cables were connected with the confirmation of energization.
The same combination of the robots detached the antenna and disassembled the tower.
Since 2022, KDDI has been engaged in feasibility studies regarding lunar navigation and communications with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA [
3]. With the successful result of this demo and our knowledge of terrestrial mobile wireless network infrastructure construction and operation to provide high-quality communication services, we are aiming to contribute to space agencies and private companies that are leading to open a new era for humanity.
KDDI has made an investment in GITAI through KDDI Open Innovation Fund 3 (operated by Global Brain Corporation), which aims to incubate new business co-creations with promising venture startups [
4]. KDDI will support the business growth of GITAI utilizing KDDI assets and jointly take on new challenges in the space domain.
About KDDI KDDI is a leading telecommunications company in Japan with over 65 million customers. For consumers, KDDI provides reliable cellular service in Japan, Myanmar, and Mongolia. For businesses, KDDI offers loT integration in over 22 million connected cars worldwide, and global data center solutions through their Telehouse brands. Furthermore, expanding beyond telecom, KDDI focuses on sustainability, finance, energy, and DX, Life Transformation, while promoting space, mobility, healthcare, and education as Satellite Growth Strategy. KDDI, with the vision of Enhancing the Power to Connect, will create a truly connected society by leveraging 5G and upcoming technologies and services. For more information, visit:
https://www.kddi.com/english/
About GITAI GITAI aims to reduce the cost of labor in space by 100 times, thereby providing a safe and affordable means of work in space. GITAI operates in two business areas: on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction. For more on GITAIs products, services, and upcoming missions, visit:
https://gitai.tech/
[1]
The demo starts from 3:07 and ends at 5:29 in the video.
[2]
A United-States-led international human spaceflight program that aims to return humans to the Moon and to prepare for the next exploration of Mars.
[3]
Jan 11th, 2023 Press Release:
https://news.kddi.com/kddi/corporate/english/newsrelease/2022/01/11/5887.html
[4]
May 25th, 2023 Press Release:
https://www.kddi.com/english/open-innovation-program/news/20230525/
The information contained in the news releases is current at the time of publication. Products, service fees,service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
09/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/06/2026
Technology collaboration to validate AMPP and Lawo HOME orchestration integration, showcasing Dynamic Media Facility principles in practice.
Grass Valley and ...
09/06/2026
Bitmovin, a leading provider of video streaming solutions, today announced that Axel Springer SE, international media and technology company, has deployed Playe...
09/06/2026
LiveU, the global leader in live IP-video solutions, today announced a landmark deployment with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) that has brought Video ...
09/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/06/2026
Two Alumni Win Tony Awards Mike Morris and Cedric Leiba Jr. won awards for Best Orchestrations and Best Play, respectively.
June 8, 2026
By
Tori Donahue
...
08/06/2026
The two execs discuss the goals and the challenges of building a huge multi-cult...
08/06/2026
This industry legend has been a road warrior since the early '90s and is, today, a lynchpin on College GameDay
The sports-production industry continues to ...
08/06/2026
DAZN has agreed a multi-year rights partnership with Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC), expanding its global combat sports portfolio.
DAZN will broadcast EFC...
08/06/2026
As fans move across broadcast, streaming, social, mobile and creator-led platforms, and they expect every angle, in real time, TVU Networks has released a new e...
08/06/2026
Infront has further strengthened the 2026 Diamond League's international bro...
08/06/2026
Grass Valley has announced the appointment of Sam Craig as Vice President, Global Pre-Sales. Based in the United States, Craig will lead Grass Valley's glob...
08/06/2026
SMPTE has announced its summer 2026 education lineup covering IP networking and SMPTE ST 2110, including two standalone courses, a 13-week boot camp, and a hand...
08/06/2026
Sportradar Group AG has announced a multi-year global agreement with Kalshi, a p...
08/06/2026
FIFA and Gamefam have announced the launch of a FIFA World Cup 2026 event on Roblox, running June 5 through July 31, 2026. The event centers on FIFA Super Socce...
08/06/2026
A collaboration of NHL Productions, Monumental Sports, and Michael Levitt Produc...
08/06/2026
CBS Sports production staffer Bryce Adair has died at the age of 31 after sustaining injuries during a car accident on Wednesday while in Ohio working the the P...
08/06/2026
Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, including new deals, departures, and assignments compiled from press releases and repo...
08/06/2026
WMT Digital today announced the launch of WMT Fan Intelligence, designed to unif...
08/06/2026
The Heat are the seventh NBA team to air their games over-the-air next season...
08/06/2026
Paramount and UFC have announced an expansion of their media rights partnership making Paramount the exclusive home of UFC Numbered Event main cards in Canada ...
08/06/2026
The Qatar Football Association (QFA), in cooperation with Sponix and broadcaster...
08/06/2026
Project B has announced the appointment of Host Broadcast Services (HBS) as Offi...
08/06/2026
The Buckeyes now produce and stream upwards of 200 sports events annually with a...
08/06/2026
At Spotify, our commitment to the LGBTQIA community is year-round. Through GLOW, our global music program, we celebrate and amplify the contributions of queer ...
08/06/2026
Get Hands-on With Keyboard & Synth Brands
GearExpo UK wouldn't be complete without some synth action, and we've got some of the industry's most ...
08/06/2026
50 popular in-ear monitoring system profiles added
The latest update for IK Multimedia's headphone-correction system has just arrived, and introduces ca...
08/06/2026
Manny Marroquin signature cans upgraded with SLAM Technology
The flagship model in Audeze's Manny Marroquin Signature Series has just been treated to an...
08/06/2026
Air domain supremacy redefined - New counter UAS, space solutions and directiona...
08/06/2026
he BBC and BritBox have announced that Edward Bluemel (We Might Regret This, My ...
08/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/06/2026
Dante interfaces, intercom and control systems for modern AV environments
Glensound will showcase a focused range of networked audio and intercom solutions fo...
08/06/2026
Bminty is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of T18, the new free national French DTT channel launched on June 6, 2025. This symbolic milestone also marks...
08/06/2026
DaVinci Resolve Used For Global Collaboration on Tony Foster Documentary
Brie Clayton June 8, 2026
0 Comments
DaVinci Resolve Studio and Blackmagic Cl...
08/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/06/2026
Plus, 20% off TVs ahead of kick-offMonday 8 June 2026
Sky introduces Real Time...
08/06/2026
FOX Secures Live NFL Game Package in Mexico Starting in Fall 2026 Agreement Features Thursday Night Football, Sunday Games Package, Thanksgiving Day Games, al...
08/06/2026
FOX One, FOX Sports and Indeed Name Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto as FOX One C...
08/06/2026
Meet us on the show floor
Stand #286310 Discover Nara, the media management tool used by major facilities including Harbor and Molinare.
Nara v2 introduces re...
Developing Lunar 3GPP Mobile Network Technologies for Moon Exploration 
