Startup Xona Space Systems is launching six satellites this month to begin beta-testing its Pulsar navigation and timing service, which aims to provide centimeter-level precision.
Key facts
- •Xona Space Systems was founded in 2019 by five Stanford University aerospace engineering graduates.
- •The company has raised over $300 million in total funding, including $20 million from the U.S. Space Force.
- •The Pulsar constellation is planned to eventually consist of 258 satellites.
- •Xona’s signal is designed to provide centimeter-level precision, compared to the meter-level accuracy of standard GPS.
- •The company aims to provide full coverage in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South Korea by 2028.
Xona Space Systems is preparing to launch six satellites this month via a SpaceX rocket, marking the start of a commercial alternative to government-run GPS networks. Founded in 2019 by five Stanford aerospace engineering graduates, the company aims to provide higher precision and stronger signals than existing systems. The upcoming mission will test the company's Pulsar constellation, which is designed to support applications like autonomous vehicles and precision robotics.
By the numbers
Technical Innovation and Market Strategy
Xona developed a unique architecture that allows its satellites to maintain accurate timing without the need for expensive onboard atomic clocks, instead relying on proximity to Earth and ground-based data. To ensure market viability, the company designed its signals to be compatible with existing GPS receivers through simple software modifications. This approach allows Xona to bypass significant regulatory hurdles while providing immediate access to hardware manufacturers. The upcoming launch includes four satellites based on a previous prototype and two satellites built entirely at Xona’s Burlingame, California headquarters. These two units are intended to serve as the foundation for a planned 258-satellite operational constellation. Once the satellites are in orbit, Xona will begin beta-testing with customers, including electronic timing firm TimeBeat.
Capabilities and Future Goals
The Pulsar service promises centimeter-level geolocation precision, a significant upgrade from the meter-level accuracy currently provided by standard GPS. The signal is designed to be strong enough to penetrate urban environments and indoor spaces, while also offering increased resistance to jamming and spoofing. These features are intended to support the growth of autonomous systems, with CEO Brian Manning noting the potential for the technology to enhance safety in fields like civil aviation and self-driving vehicles. Xona has secured over $300 million in venture funding, including a $20 million investment from the U.S. Space Force. The company plans to expand its service to achieve full coverage in the United States, Europe, Japan, and South Korea by 2028.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by TechCrunch.
