# Xona prepares six-satellite launch to enable precision navigation beta

_Published Friday, October 9, 2026 at 4:10 PM EDT · Infrastructure, Products · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Xona prepares six-satellite launch to enable precision navigation beta — Primary](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Copy-of-0I7A3288.jpg?resize=1200,800)

Xona Space Systems plans to begin customer beta tests of its Pulsar navigation and timing service after a SpaceX rocket launches six satellites later this month, TechCrunch reported. Two satellites built entirely by Xona are intended to form the foundation of a 258-satellite operational constellation.

The system uses communication with ground-based timing sources instead of expensive atomic clocks onboard. Existing GPS receivers can receive its signals with a relatively simple software modification. Pulsar is intended to provide centimeter-level location precision, compared with GPS's meter-level precision.

The initial satellites will pass over mid-latitudes about eight times a day. Xona hopes to offer full coverage in the U.S., Europe, Japan and South Korea by 2028.

## Sources

- [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/09/xonas-commercial-gps-alternative-is-about-to-go-live/)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/IgnEO_LCsLbYxNYdZVsqbi
Published: 2026-10-09T20:10:23.596Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-09T12:00:00.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-09T22:34:07.707Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)