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Xona Space Systems Secures $4.65 Million Contract with AFRL

Introduction to Xona Space Systems

Xona Space Systems, a leader in advanced satellite navigation technologies, has recently made headlines by announcing a substantial contract worth $4.65 million with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This collaboration aims to demonstrate the capabilities of its innovative PULSAR™ satellite navigation service, which serves as a high-performance alternative to traditional GPS systems. The contract reinforces Xona's commitment to developing secure and accurate positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions that cater to the specific needs of the Department of Defense (DoD).

Details of the Contract

The contract was awarded as part of the Space Technology Advanced Research – Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH) program and represents a significant advancement in Xona's mission to enhance PNT services. To date, Xona has secured contracts totaling over $20 million, underscoring its operational capacity and market demand for reliable navigation technologies.

As part of the contract, Xona will showcase the versatility of its PULSAR™ service across various commercial user devices, particularly in scenarios where conventional GPS signals may be unreliable or unavailable. Key performance aspects such as jamming resilience, security enhancements, and the ability to navigate urban environments will be thoroughly tested.

Partnership with Industry Leaders

To bolster its efforts, Xona is collaborating with several leading manufacturers in the GPS/GNSS sector, including QinetiQ, StarNav, and Locus Lock. These partnerships are vital for rapidly manufacturing and deploying devices that leverage the PULSAR service. Each partner will play a key role in demonstrating how their devices can integrate and benefit from Xona's advanced satellite navigation technology.

Brian Manning, CEO and co-founder of Xona, emphasized the significance of this contract in a statement, noting, "The technology used in modern GNSS user equipment is incredibly advanced these days, and capable of very high-performance if provided with a high-performance signal.” This partnership signifies an exciting step in combining cutting-edge hardware with secure PNT services to support various applications, ranging from small drones to large defense systems.

Testing and Demonstration Activities

The contract facilitates extensive testing under a variety of conditions to ensure the robustness of the PULSAR service. Xona aims to demonstrate features such as:

• - Jamming and spoofing resilience: Ensuring that the technology can effectively counteract unauthorized signal interference.
• - Multipath effect reduction: Minimizing errors caused by signals reflecting off buildings or other obstacles, thus enhancing accuracy.
• - Secure key distribution: Focusing on safe communications for high-stakes military applications.

The initial launch of the PULSAR satellite is scheduled for June 2025, marking an important milestone for Xona and its partners as they prepare for real-world deployment scenarios.

About Xona Space Systems

Xona Space Systems is on a mission to establish the most accurate and secure commercial satellite navigation service in the world. The PULSAR™ service is built on a unique architecture, providing unmatched accuracy with high-power signals—up to 20 times more accurate than existing solutions. The company is supported by notable investors including Toyota Ventures, Future Ventures, NGP Capital, and Lockheed Martin.

For more information about Xona's services and advancements in satellite navigation technologies, visit Xona Space Systems or connect with them on platforms like LinkedIn.

About the Air Force Research Laboratory

The AFRL serves as the primary research and development hub for the U.S. Air Force, tasked with leading technological innovations essential for the military's operational success. The laboratory is pivotal in developing cost-effective weapon systems by fostering a workforce of over 12,500 specialists across various technology fields.

In summary, Xona Space Systems’ partnership with the AFRL is more than just a contract; it is a step toward advancing the future of navigation technologies with enhanced reliability, security, and performance. This strategic collaboration will undoubtedly contribute positively to defense initiatives and commercial applications alike.