Pulsar Verified: Standardizing LEO Positioning for Resilient Navigation
Xona Space Systems has launched Pulsar Verified, a formal certification program designed to ensure that receivers, chipsets, and testing equipment maintain interoperability with the company’s Pulsar low Earth orbit (LEO) positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) signals. According to Xona CTO and co-founder Tyler Reid, the program provides a standardized framework for hardware manufacturers to integrate Pulsar’s signal architecture into commercial devices, ranging from drones and robotics to smartphones and IoT infrastructure.
Xona reports that in live-sky jamming tests, its LEO-based signals maintained connectivity where traditional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals failed, effectively reducing a jammer’s area of influence by up to 95%.
Early Adopters and Industry Integration
The inaugural cohort for Pulsar Verified includes major industry players such as Trimble, Septentrio (a Hexagon company), STMicroelectronics, Safran, StarNav, and Keysight. Trimble has begun the process of bringing legacy devices, some dating back to 2018, into alignment with Pulsar compatibility.
For developers, the program offers a pathway to test hardware before the full constellation is operational. Safran’s Skydel and Keysight’s PNT X GNSS simulators have achieved verification, allowing manufacturers to model Pulsar constellation behavior in a virtual environment. Xona CEO Brian Manning noted that this proactive integration ensures that once the service goes live, existing hardware will be ready to authenticate and utilize the signal without further modification.
Addressing GNSS Vulnerabilities in Critical Infrastructure
The push for Pulsar Verified comes as incidents of GNSS jamming and spoofing rise across sectors like commercial aviation, precision agriculture, and financial services.
Xona’s approach leverages the proximity of LEO satellites to deliver a stronger, more resilient signal. This strategy is supported by significant capital, including a $170 million Series C funding round closed in March, with backing from investors including Mohari Ventures Natural Capital, Craft Ventures, and Hexagon.
Scaling Toward a 258-Satellite Constellation
To support its growing partner network, Xona is scaling its physical infrastructure. In April, the company opened a dedicated satellite integration and assembly facility in Burlingame, California. This plant is tasked with producing the company’s planned 258-satellite constellation, with the first U.S.-built units expected to launch later this year.
The company is also looking beyond traditional navigation markets. In June, Xona signed a memorandum of understanding with Murata Manufacturing to explore the integration of Pulsar signals into industrial electronics, 5G/6G infrastructure, and data center timing systems.
If you are developing hardware for high-stakes environments like autonomous shipping or financial high-frequency trading, testing against verified LEO PNT simulators now can prevent costly hardware retrofits once LEO constellations reach full orbital capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary benefit of Pulsar Verified?
The program certifies that receivers and chipsets are compatible with Xona’s LEO PNT signals, ensuring that devices can utilize a more resilient, higher-power signal compared to traditional satellite navigation.
Which companies are currently part of the Pulsar Verified program?
The initial group includes Trimble, Septentrio, STMicroelectronics, Safran, StarNav, and Keysight.
How does Xona plan to mitigate jamming?
By operating from low Earth orbit, Xona’s signals are stronger than traditional GNSS signals. The company claims this allows for a 95% reduction in the effective range of common jamming devices.
When will the full constellation be available?
Xona is currently scaling production at its Burlingame facility, with the first U.S.-built satellites from this site scheduled for launch later this year as part of a 258-satellite roadmap.
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