Space technology company Xona Space Systems is preparing to launch six satellites that will support the first stage of its commercial navigation and timing service, Pulsar.
Founded in 2019 by engineers connected through Stanford University's aerospace program, Xona aims to complement conventional satellite navigation with a stronger, more precise signal designed for advanced autonomous systems.
Centimeter-Level Positioning
While standard GPS typically delivers meter-level positioning, Pulsar is being developed to provide centimeter-level accuracy. The system is also designed to deliver robust timing data and maintain usability in dense urban areas and indoor environments where traditional signals can be limited.
The upcoming mission includes four satellites based on a previously tested design, alongside two spacecraft built by Xona. These two satellites are planned as the foundation for the company's future 258-satellite constellation.
Built for Connected Autonomy
Xona's approach uses satellites in low Earth orbit, allowing the network to work with Earth-based timing references rather than requiring costly atomic clocks on every spacecraft. The company says compatible receivers could access the service through relatively simple software updates.
Once in orbit, the satellites are expected to begin beta testing with commercial users in mid-latitude regions, with multiple daily passes. Early applications include precision agriculture, robotics, electronic timing systems and autonomous mobility.
Xona is targeting broader coverage across the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea by 2028. As vehicles, machines and infrastructure become more connected, high-precision positioning could become a key digital layer for safer, smarter and more autonomous everyday systems.
