To replicate GPS performance, a satellite navigation system in low Earth orbit would need about 10 times more satellites than a similar satellite constellation in medium Earth orbit, Kassas explained. But as evidenced by the recent rise of Xona and other competitors, lower manufacturing and launch costs have made it possible to build and launch a satellite constellation dedicated to providing PNT services from low Earth orbit.
Tim Graham leads satellite development across hardware, software and propulsion at Xona Space Systems.
Credit: Xona Space Systems
Tim Graham leads satellite development across hardware, software and propulsion at Xona Space Systems.
Credit: Xona Space Systems
Construction and launch of the satellite fleet.
the room has contracted with Aerospacelaba satellite manufacturer in Belgium, to build some of the first satellites that will carry Xona’s PNT payloads into orbit. But the company is focused on developing its own in-house satellite bus to manufacture most of the 258 Pulsar satellites planned at the company’s factory in Burlingame, California.
“Our first hire to this internal satellite team was just over a year ago, and seeing what the team has accomplished to date is incredibly impressive,” Perkins said. “Being able to bring in people who have that experience can help us derive what the first version looks like and how we will continue to streamline it.”
One of Xona’s latest notable hires, Tim GrahamHe worked on engineering challenges at SpaceX for a decade and eventually became the avionics engineering manager for the Raptor engines that power SpaceX’s Starship rocket. But he saw an opportunity to bring his knowledge and experience in expanding hardware production to Xona and joined the company earlier this year to lead satellite development across hardware, software and propulsion.
“If you look at the historical impact of major technological advances, GPS is right up there with those that change the world,” Graham told Ars. “Bringing a more modern design for a modern technology GPS system to the world is a pretty exciting mission.”
Graham also welcomed joining a company led by Xona’s co-founder and CEO. Brian Manningwho previously worked as a SpaceX engineer redesigning components of the Falcon 9 rocket’s thrust structure. “The people at SpaceX have been through the process together, so it was a good fit,” Graham said.
