
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...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
20/05/2026
True to the Music City theme, the Tennessee Titans plan to make live music a prominent fixture on game days at the new venue
Reflecting the continuing converge...
20/05/2026
The long-term goal is innovation for the next generation of hockey rinks at both the professional and the community level
The National Hockey League (NHL) toda...
20/05/2026
End-users and vendors alike work toward cost-effective yet high-quality solution...
20/05/2026
The National Football League has announced that Nashville will host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium. The announcement was made at the NFL Spri...
20/05/2026
The NFL has announced that the 2028 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will take place in Minnesota, uniting fans from around the world to celebrate one of the mo...
20/05/2026
As professional AV workflows continue to evolve, expectations around audio, video, networking, and control are rising rapidly. At InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, La...
20/05/2026
Haivision will showcase its latest innovations at InfoComm 2026, taking place fr...
20/05/2026
For the seventh year, Spotify is returning to CMA Fest with Spotify House, the festival's premiere destination for fans. We're taking over downtown Nash...
20/05/2026
Amp-simulation software expanded
Acustica Audio's latest release greatly expands on their amp-simulation platform, turning it into a complete amplifica...
20/05/2026
MainStage integration, Analog Lab improvements & more
Arturia have just announced the release of an update that brings an assortment of new features to thei...
20/05/2026
At the Annual General Meeting held on May 20, 2026, the shareholders of SGL Carb...
20/05/2026
From Gulkula to the nation: Yothu Yindi Foundation and NITV deepen national acce...
20/05/2026
SBS appoints David Fernandez as National Manager, Digital & TV Sales
20 May, 2026
Media releases
SBS has appointed David Fernandez as National Manager, Dig...
20/05/2026
Rohde & Schwarz and INFOZAHYST: A strategic alliance set to redefine modern defe...
20/05/2026
A Rotating Detonation Engine being hot fire tested at Purdue University's Zu...
20/05/2026
A U.S. Army VAMPIRE system, assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 51st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 7th Infantry Division/Multi-Domain Command - Pacific ...
20/05/2026
Cable Captures Only Monthly Increase Among Viewing Categories in March, Earns it...
20/05/2026
April brought a symbolic decrease in the overall time spent in front of television screens. On average, Poles watched video content for 3 hours and 51 minutes a...
20/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/05/2026
The Royal Television Society Technology Centre today announces the launch of the RTS Technology Awards 2026, celebrating excellence, innovation and achievement ...
20/05/2026
In the heart of London's financial district, the new purpose-built Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre invites audiences to experience Suzanne Collins' inte...
20/05/2026
LiveU, the leader in live IP-video solutions, today announced that production powerhouse BCC Live successfully deployed the new LU900Q intelligent production un...
20/05/2026
Nella Mente di Narciso Docuseries Uses Blackmagic Design Workflow
Brie Clayton May 19, 2026
0 Comments
PYXIS 6K full frame camera and DaVinci Resolve ...
20/05/2026
Beeble launches Canvas, a node-based AI compositor for VFX and Virtual Productio...
20/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
20/05/2026
First Nations Factual Co-production Development Fund launched to elevate Indigen...
20/05/2026
TLC Announces All-Star Comedy Line-Up for Mock the Week: Summer Specials' o...
20/05/2026
Back to All News
One Hundred Years of Solitude Concludes This August, With Part...
20/05/2026
Back to All News
Beloved NHK Dramas to Stream on Netflix Worldwide Starting June 22
Entertainment
20 May 2026
GlobalJapan
Link copied to clipboard
Netflix...
20/05/2026
May 20 2026, 06:00 (PDT) Dolby Recognized as 2025 Supplier of the Year and Over...
20/05/2026
Mayo's Dee Freney and Margaret Leahy from Galway have reached the final of RT Today's TV Home Cook competition.
Both contestants will cook again live...
20/05/2026
RT IN FULL BLOOM AT BORD BIA BLOOM 2026 WITH LIVE BROADCASTS, MUSIC, CHAT AND M...
19/05/2026
The winner of Thomson Foundation's Young Journalist of the Year 2025, Tracy Bonareri Onchoke, and runner up Wangu Kanuri enjoyed a three-day trip to London ...
19/05/2026
Cisco and the USGA have announced a multiyear extension of their partnership, which began in 2018. Cisco serves as the Official Technology Partner of the USGA, ...
19/05/2026
Urban Edge Network (UEN), a streaming platform for NAIA sports, has announced a partnership with Spiideo to provide streaming and production tools to UEN's ...
19/05/2026
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will provide live coverage of all 900 Roland-Garros matches across its platforms beginning with qualifiers on May 18. In Europe, 21...
19/05/2026
Tubi, Fox Corporation's free streaming service, has announced the launch of the FIFA World Cup 2026 FOX Hub, a dedicated destination for World Cup programmi...
19/05/2026
Telef nica, in collaboration with Sony, has conducted a 5G connectivity trial at the Movistar Arena in Spain using the 26 GHz millimetre wave (mmWave) band. The...
19/05/2026
Ross Production Services (RPS) has installed a Calrec Argo M console into its new Hypermax-1 remote production truck, replacing one of three Argo S consoles pre...
19/05/2026
Panasonic Projector and Display Corporation has announced the acquisition of 100% of the shares of UK-based media technology company Hive Media Control Ltd. (HI...
19/05/2026
Globecast has announced the completion of a nine-month renovation of its Singapore facility, converting it from a traditional linear broadcast operation into a ...
19/05/2026
Grass Valley has announced a three-year enterprise agreement with Phoenix Broadc...
19/05/2026
Bitmovin has announced that Watch Brasil, a streaming platform operating across Brazil and Europe since 2018, has replaced its legacy systems with Bitmovin'...
19/05/2026
Ateme has announced the migration of Dish Home Nepal's Nepal Premier League (NPL) streaming infrastructure to Ateme's TITAN Live solution deployed on Ak...