Satellite Navigation Startup Xona Space Raises $170M

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Xona Space Systems, a startup working to build a more reliable alternative to GPS, has raised $170 million in a Series C funding round. The company is developing a satellite constellation called Pulsar that uses a high-power navigation signal to provide location services in areas where GPS is inaccessible, such as indoors or under tree cover. Xona's satellites also feature a distributed clock architecture that eliminates the need for expensive atomic clocks used in traditional GPS satellites.

Why it matters

Xona's technology could provide a critical backup to GPS, which has limitations in certain environments. The company's ability to raise significant funding suggests growing demand for more robust satellite navigation systems to support emerging applications like autonomous vehicles, drones, and indoor location tracking.

The details

Xona's Pulsar satellites use an 'isoflux antenna' to generate what the company describes as the 'highest-power navigation signal ever known.' This signal can pass through walls, tree covers, and other obstacles, enabling Pulsar to work in environments where GPS is inaccessible. The satellites also have a distributed clock architecture that removes the need for atomic clocks, reducing complexity and cost. Xona plans to deploy a constellation of 258 Pulsar satellites within the next few years, with the first systems scheduled to launch by the end of 2026.

• Xona plans to deploy a constellation of 258 Pulsar satellites within a few years.
• The first Pulsar systems are scheduled to launch by the end of 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Xona plans to use the $170 million in funding to upgrade its satellite plant in Burlingame, California and deploy the first Pulsar satellites by the end of 2026.