Xona prepares six-satellite launch to enable precision navigation beta

Xona Space Systems plans to begin customer beta tests of its Pulsar navigation and timing service after a SpaceX rocket launches six satellites later this month, TechCrunch reported. Two satellites built entirely by Xona are intended to form the foundation of a 258-satellite operational constellation. The system uses communication with ground-based timing sources instead of expensive atomic clocks onboard. Existing GPS receivers can receive its signals with a relatively simple software modification. Pulsar is intended to provide centimeter-level location precision, compared with GPS's meter-level precision. The initial satellites will pass over mid-latitudes about eight times a day. Xona hopes to offer full coverage in the U.S., Europe, Japan and South Korea by 2028.