# NASA Awards Lunar 5G Network Contract

NASA awarded Modulate Space Corporation an approximately $38 million firm-fixed-price contract on September 30, 2026, to develop and demonstrate a standards-based lunar communications system combining 5G and built-in Wi-Fi 6. The work includes a network-in-a-box lab demonstration through January 2028 and an integrated lunar-surface flight demonstration through December 2028; the award funds development and demonstrations, not an operational Moon network.

- The contract creates a defined development opportunity for lunar communications technology, with milestones extending through 2028.
- Companies providing network equipment, integration, testing, or lunar surface communications capabilities may find potential follow-on opportunities as NASA evaluates the system’s architecture and performance.
- Contractors should distinguish this technology-demonstration award from an operational network procurement; the signal does not identify an operational award or solicitation.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC)

### Vendors
- Modulate Space Corporation (awardee)

### Sources
- [A lunar base needs a local network. NASA's Sept. 30 award puts about $38 million toward 5G with built-in Wi-Fi 6, including lab and lunar-surface demonstrations. Development is funded; an operational Moon network is still ahead. https://t.co/UgCbZ4KczI](https://x.com/SpaceBase1958/status/2114365611707088988) - twitter-agency