Xona Space Systems is set to launch six satellites this month via a SpaceX rocket, initiating beta testing for its commercial precision timing and navigation service, Pulsar. This service aims to provide an alternative to government-provided GPS signals.
Pulsar is designed to offer centimetre-level geolocation precision, which is more precise than the metre-level precision of GPS. Its signal is also intended to be strong enough for detection inside buildings and urban areas, and potentially more resistant to jamming and spoofing.
The company, founded in 2019 by engineers from Stanford University, has developed a unique architecture that allows its satellites to maintain time without onboard atomic clocks. Xona has also ensured its signals can be received by existing GPS receivers with a relatively simple software modification.
Four of the satellites launching are similar to a prototype launched last year, while the other two were built by Xona and are intended to form the basis of its 258-satellite operational constellation. Xona plans to offer full coverage in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South Korea by 2028.