Safran to Provide GNSS Simulation Solutions for Xona Space System

Safran to provide GNSS simulation solutions for Xona Space System’s Low-Earth-Orbit constellation and navigation signals

Xona continues to make progress in developing PULSAR – a high-performance positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service

ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 4, 2023

Safran Electronics & Defense company, has announced a partnership with Xona Space Systems to develop support for Xona’s Low-Earth-Orbit (LEOLEO - Low Earth Orbit. LEO refers to the orbit that most artificial satellites travel within. LEO is closer to earth compared to other satellite constellations such as GPS and GEO satellite systems. LEO is approximately 1,200 miles above Earth or less, meaning the satellites in this orbit travel at high speeds (i.e. 15,000 mph) and can orbit the Earth in less than 2 hours. Most human spaceflight missions have ocurred within LEO.) constellation and navigation signals in its Skydel™-powered simulation and testing products. Xona is developing PULSAR – a high-performance positioning, navigation, and timing (PNTPosition, Navigation, and Timing: PNT and map data combine to create the GPS service.) service enabled by a commercial constellation of dedicated LEO satellites.

Xona’s PULSAR service will advance capabilities in global PNT security, resilience, and accuracy by augmenting existing GNSSGlobal navigation satellite system (GNSS): A general term describing any satellite constellation that provides positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services on a global or regional basis. See also while also operating as an independent PNT constellation. Xona’s high-power signals utilize modern signal structures and security techniques, adding resilience in challenging RF environments.

Skydel powers Safran’s portfolio of advanced GNSS simulators like the GSG-8.

“Our Skydel GNSS Simulation Engine will provide support for Xona’s PULSAR signals and satellite constellation to offer OEMs, developers, and integrators a unique tool that enables early testing and validation of Xona’s LEO PNT signal performance,” said Pierre-Marie Le Véel, GNSS Products Director with Safran.

“Offering a new generation of satellite navigation and timing services allows receiver manufacturers to develop entirely new capabilities for end users,” said Brian Manning, CEO of Xona Space Systems. “Xona’s mission is to enable modern technologies to operate safely in any environment, anywhere on Earth. Having market-proven simulation solutions are critical to support the development of these new applications and technologies, which is why we are excited to be working with Safran to provide next-generation GNSS simulation tools to our partners and customers.”

Xona Space Systems is developing the first-ever, commercial high-performance satellite navigation and timing system designed to meet the needs of modern systems. Delivered via secure, high-power signals from Xona’s low Earth orbit satellites, the Xona PULSAR service aims to enable the next wave of connected technology. Xona is headquartered in Burlingame, California USA, with additional offices in Canada and UK. Learn more at www.xonaspace.com and follow Xona Space Systems on Twitter @xonaspace.

Press Contacts:

Charles JONES: charles.jones@nav-timing.safrangroup.com / +1 585 450 2889
Jaime JARAMILLO: jaime@xonaspace.com / +1 906 250 3955