A Signal 100 Times Stronger: The GPS Replacement Is Coming, and It Can Locate Objects Indoors
Xona Space Systems is developing an alternative to GPS based on LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites, promising a stronger signal, more precise positioning, and resistance to interference.
An accuracy of 2 centimeters, a signal 100 times stronger, and better protection against interference in the event of war: this is the promise of the Pulsar navigation system developed by the American company Xona Space Systems. To offer an alternative to traditional satellite positioning systems like GPS, the company will rely on a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), similar to those used by Starlink and Amazon Leo.
For now, this new service is not operational. However, the first tests are already promising. To prepare for the launch, Xona has already started its “Pulsar Verified” certification program, which will identify compatible receivers.
“Alongside progress made on our signal and the satellites that will broadcast it, we have also evolved the surrounding ecosystem. We have formed partnerships with the largest commercial GNSS chip manufacturers to accelerate the transition to LEO navigation within the trusted distribution channels where users already procure their GNSS equipment today,” the company stated.
To prepare for the launch, Xona has already started its “Pulsar Verified” certification program, which will identify compatible receivers.
A Stronger and More Reliable Signal
In other words, when Pulsar becomes operational, there should already be a significant amount of equipment compatible with this new navigation system. A year ago, Xona launched its first satellite, Pulsar-0, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The goal was to demonstrate the improvements Xona’s technology offers over GPS—and today, that mission is a success.
Indeed, testing demonstrated not only the signal’s strength, but also its precision. Over the course of a year, accuracy improved significantly, reaching down to 1.5 centimeters. Most importantly, Pulsar demonstrated excellent resistance to interference during simulations, achieving 95% effectiveness against it.
Xona also highlights its authentication system, which protects users from spoofing attempts. As explained by the company, cryptographic protection authenticates that a signal truly comes from a satellite rather than a ground-based adversary.
Additionally, because Pulsar’s signal is 100 times stronger, it offers significantly better indoor reliability compared to GPS.
Additionally, because Pulsar’s signal is 100 times stronger, it offers significantly better indoor reliability compared to GPS.
The Next Step: Launching the Constellation
While preparing the ecosystem of compatible devices, Xona is now turning its attention to deploying the satellites.
“With the opening of our dedicated spacecraft manufacturing facility and growing investments in vertical integration, the challenge ahead is to build and deploy our constellation of over 250 satellites that will power the future of technology everywhere on Earth,” writes the company.
According to Space News, once Xona launches six new satellites this year, it will finally be able to begin beta testing its revolutionary positioning system.
Links
- The navigation infrastructure company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth – Xona
- Move over, GPS: Navigation satellites in low-Earth orbit are making a comeback – Ars Technica
- Amazon Leo: the End of Starlink Monopoly – iGotOffer.
- Sell your old Apple device online – iGotOffer
Positioning the World for Progress | Xona [Video]
Video uploaded by Xona on January 28, 2026.
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