Xona Space Systems

Xona Space Systems is a commercial aerospace company developing Pulsar, a next-generation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) designed to provide high-precision positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. Pulsar's architecture uses a constellation of small but powerful satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), over 20x closer to Earth than traditional GPS satellites. This proximity enables Pulsar to deliver centimeter-level accuracy, high levels of service availability, and robust signal security through advanced encryption and interference mitigation techniques.

Xona's patented distributed atomic clock architecture allows the Pulsar constellation to maintain precise timing without relying on expensive atomic clocks on individual satellites. Instead, the satellites leverage timing inputs from various sources, including GPS, ground stations, and cross-links with other Pulsar satellites, enabling a cost-effective and scalable solution.

In May 2022, Xona Space Systems launched Huginn, the first of two test satellites, to demonstrate its Pulsar constellation's precision navigation signals from LEO, aiming to validate core technology. Xona's second prototype satellite, Muninn, has been awarded a launch contract for deployment in early 2023.

The company planned to deploy 300 satellites in three phases, with the first phase providing timing services and GNSS enhancements in North America and Europe by 2025. Subsequent phases would introduce positioning services in mid-latitudes and eventually offer global high-performance PNT services independent of GPS by 2027.

The firm also provides access to an ecosystem of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Septentrio, Hexagon, and StarNav providing satellite navigation equipment for devices of all sizes for a range of applications, from asset trackers to autonomous cars and dog collars to deep water drilling. Additionally, Xona provides developer kits and has partnered with GNSS simulation equipment providers, including Spirent, Safran, and Syntony, enabling developers to test and refine its Pulsar signals product effectively.

Key customers and partnerships

In August 2023, the company partnered with Lockheed Martin, an aerospace and defense company, to strengthen the security and features of Xona's Pulsar services. During the same month, the company secured partnerships with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the US Space Force, enabling the integration of Pulsar into the national security space architecture and addressing unique Department of Defense PNT requirements. In May 2024, Xona Space Systems partnered with Aerospacelab, a developer of a constellation of micro-satellites for Earth observation and imagery, to use Aerospacelab's Versatile Satellite Platform (VSP) capabilities to design, manufacture, and launch Xona Space Systems' upcoming navigation satellite, assist Xona Space Systems in obtaining the necessary operator license, and support launch operations for two years.