Xona Wins FCC Approval for 250-Satellite L-Band Navigation Fleet
California-based Xona Space Systems has secured a critical FCC license to broadcast Pulsar navigation signals, clearing the path for a private constellation to rival state-owned GPS and Galileo networks.
Regulatory Green Light
Xona Space Systems has achieved a decisive regulatory milestone. According to SpaceNews, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized the California-based startup to broadcast commercial navigation signals across its planned constellation of 250+ satellites. This permit allows Xona to utilize the L-band spectrum—the same high-stakes frequency range occupied by the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Europe’s Galileo.
The Pulsar Signal
Operating from Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Xona’s "Pulsar" network aims to deliver signals up to 100 times stronger than traditional Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) systems. By flying at altitudes between 160 and 1,900 kilometers, Xona claims its architecture offers superior penetration and precision compared to legacy systems orbiting at 20,000 kilometers. The FCC’s decision follows rigorous testing to ensure Pulsar’s proprietary waveforms do not interfere with existing aviation or military infrastructure.
Scaling Production
With a $170 million funding round secured in March, Xona is transitioning from demonstration to deployment. Their Pulsar-0 testbed has already logged 350 successful transmission passes. The next phase begins in October with a SpaceX rideshare launch of six satellites. Notably, four of these spacecraft were manufactured by the Belgian firm Aerospacelab, highlighting a key transatlantic industrial link. The remaining units will be produced at Xona’s new Burlingame facility.
Mission Parameters
Initial commercial operations will focus on high-precision timing for telecommunications and financial sectors, requiring a minimum of 16 active satellites. Full-scale global navigation services will follow as the constellation nears its 250-unit target. Xona now stands as the only private entity authorized to operate alongside the four major nation-state navigation giants.