About Us
Built on Bell Labs’ legacy of firsts, Modul8 brings decades of space and telecom innovation forward to power the next era of exploration.
Our Story
Modul8 was founded by the team that created Nokia Bell Labs’ space communications business – bringing decades of telecom innovation into the space domain.
The journey began in 2018 with an initial research program at Nokia Bell Labs – the landmark Mission to the Moon project with Vodafone, Audi, and PTS. In 2020, the team at Nokia Bell Labs was awarded a NASA Tipping Point contract, validating a bold vision: adapting standards‑based cellular technologies to meet the unique demands of space.
Nokia set up a Space Communications Solutions venture within the company, and the Nokia Bell Labs team went to work to integrate a cellular network into Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission.
Their vision became reality on March 6, 2025, when the Nokia Bell Labs team delivered and activated the world’s first “on‑air” cellular network on the Moon – proving that cellular connectivity can support future lunar and Mars missions. Momentum continued when the team became part of the Artemis program, working with Axiom Space to integrate a spacesuit communications system, further establishing the Nokia Bell Labs team as a trusted technology partner and advisor to NASA and the global space industry, with a significant first‑mover advantage.
To support growth beyond Nokia, Modul8 was launched as an independent company. It has invested in the infrastructure – facilities, equipment, and systems – required to scale as an independent space technology company operating in a fundamentally different market.
Today, Modul8 designs, develops, and deploys mission‑critical communications, compute, and application solutions engineered for the extreme and unforgiving conditions of space.
Legacy: Our History in Space
Modul8 is built on a legacy of space leadership that traces back to Bell Labs – an institution that has shaped space exploration, communications, and scientific discovery for more than half a century.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Bell Labs provided systems analysis and engineering support for every crewed U.S. space program, from Mercury through Apollo. In 1962, Bell Labs and NASA launched Telstar 1, the world’s first active communications satellite capable of relaying live television signals between North America and Europe – fundamentally transforming global communications.
Bell Labs’ contributions extended beyond engineering. In 1964, Bell Labs researchers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discovered the cosmic microwave background radiation – the residual signal from the Big Bang – providing critical confirmation of the prevailing theory on the origins of the universe. This combination of scientific curiosity and applied innovation has defined Bell Labs for generations.
That same spirit of discovery and first of its kind innovation continues today through Modul8.
Bell Labs has a Long History in Space and Deployable Communications
Early 1960’s
- Developed Command Guidance Systems for Space Vehicles Created and manufactured Telstar – the first communication satellite for TV broadcast (operated by NASA). Launched July 1962
- Project Mercury – Responsible for system analysis and evaluation, control centers, astronaut training simulator
Early 1960’s
- Developed Command Guidance Systems for Space Vehicles Created and manufactured Telstar – the first communication satellite for TV broadcast (operated by NASA). Launched July 1962
- Project Mercury – Responsible for system analysis and evaluation, control centers, astronaut training simulator
Early 1970’s
Gemini and Apollo – Bell Comm Inc. responsible for planning & system engineering
2005 – 2011
Developed & launched 9907 RDN – entire 4G WiMax network in a box including access, core, mesh & MEC. Acquired by LGS.
2005 – 2011
Developed & launched 9907 RDN – entire 4G WiMax network in a box including access, core, mesh & MEC. Acquired by LGS.
2015
Ultra Compact LTE Network – backpack to airborne to near space comms
2018
- Vodafone Mission to the Moon – LTE Network for live-streaming HD video from Moon surface (mission was cancelled)
- Project Loon – LTE coverage from stratosphere
2018
- Vodafone Mission to the Moon – LTE Network for live-streaming HD video from Moon surface (mission was cancelled)
- Project Loon – LTE coverage from stratosphere
2020 – 2025
- NASA Tipping Point – Developed end-to-end LTE Network for communications on the Lunar Surface
- Artemis Program – Partnered with Axiom Space to deliver a spacesuit-integrated communications system that will allow astronauts to communicate while they explore the lunar surface.
Leadership
Our leadership team combines deep engineering expertise with operational discipline – moving with startup speed while maintaining the rigor required to deliver trusted networks for sustained space exploration.
