A 150-kilogram satellite will soon launch to test a new satnav technology. This satellite, part of the Pulsar constellation developed by Xona Space Systems, aims to improve upon the US Global Positioning System (GPS). Xona plans to deploy 258 satellites in low Earth orbit, 12,000 miles closer to Earth than GPS satellites. This proximity will allow the new system to transmit signals approximately 100 times stronger than GPS, enhancing accuracy and resistance to jamming. The technology promises to penetrate deeper into indoor locations, reaching through multiple walls. The first GPS system became operational in 1993, but its signals are vulnerable to disruptions from space weather, 5G cell towers, and inexpensive jammers. In recent years, GPS jamming and spoofing have affected regions beyond conflict zones, including commercial flights and ships near Russia. In 2013, a truck driver’s jammer disrupted GPS signals around Newark airport. In 2022, both Dallas Fort Worth and Denver International Airports experienced significant GPS outages. Xona’s system, expected to be partially operational with 16 satellites by 2030, aims to bolster the resilience of critical infrastructures dependent on GPS.
Rapid Response 47
@RapidResponse47
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May 7 .
@BrendanCarrFCC
: It’s so important that we dominate in the space economy and that’s one of the things that
@POTUS
is leading on… We’re going faster to get more satellites into orbit… We’ve actually launched a proceeding… to look at alternatives to satellite-provided GPS,
General Chance Saltzman
@SpaceForceCSO
·
Jun 1 Big win for America’s Space Force. Guardians put a new GPS III satellite on orbit on a timeline 40% faster than the last. It’s 3x more accurate. 8x tougher to jam. That’s how our warfighters deter threats and deliver peace through strength.
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
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May 30 SPACEX LAUNCHES GPS III-7: NEXT-GEN SATELLITE BOOSTS DEFENSE AND CIVILIAN NAVIGATION
SpaceX launched GPS III-7, the latest next-generation satellite that will revolutionize navigation for both military and civilian users:
“Today’s mission is also Falcon 9’s 7th launch of a
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
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May 19 STARLINK EYES GPS 2.0—SPACEX WANTS TO RUN THE MAP
SpaceX just fired its shot—it’s gunning to replace GPS!
In a pitch to the FCC, SpaceX revealed its satellite swarm is ready to deliver global PNT (Positioning, Navigation, Timing)—faster, safer, and independent of the
Defence Index
@Defence_Index
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Jun 5 China’s BeiDou (BDS) is no longer just catching up — it’s outperforming GPS.
24/7 global coverage
Centimeter-level precision
Dual-band signals
Combat-ready & tech-agnostic
The era of GNSS dominance has officially shifted.
Sawyer Merritt
@SawyerMerritt
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May 14 NEWS: As the FCC considers GPS alternatives, SpaceX says its
@Starlink
satellites are already up for the task.
SpaceX made its pitch today in a 5-page letter to the FCC after the commission kicked off a public inquiry about developing alternatives to GPS, which has long been run
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