JAXA selects ArkEdge Space to study low-Earth orbit positioning system

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has selected ArkEdge Space to develop a satellite positioning system designed to complement existing GNSS.

The company signed a contract begin the “Study of Elemental Technologies and Related Systems for Low-Earth Orbit Positioning Satellite Systems,” (Dedicated LEO-PNT). ArcEdge Space, led by CEO Takayoshi Fukuyo, provides solutions for microsatellite constellation planning, design, mass production and operation.

The LEO-PNT satellite system uses small satellites orbiting at altitudes between 500 km and 1,200 km to provide high-intensity, high-precision positioning information globally. Traditional GNSS satellites orbit at approximately 20,000 km.

Conventional GNSS technology faces growing threats from jamming and spoofing attacks because weak signals reach Earth’s surface. The LEO-PNT system’s high-intensity positioning signals seek to address these vulnerabilities.

The project builds on JAXA’s feasibility study conducted from October 2024 to March 2025. Researchers will examine technologies and systems for providing robust position and time information to ground users as an alternative to GNSS.

The system’s main feature is GNSS-independent service that can operate when existing systems are disrupted or jammed. Engineers will study transmitting LEO-PNT signals across C, S and L frequency bands, including C1 band (5010-5030 MHz) and C2-4 band (5030-5250 MHz).

Project Details

The study runs from September 2025 to March 2026 and includes signal design, reception technology research and system studies for GNSS-independent LEO-PNT systems.

Key Advantages

High intensity: Lower orbital altitude enables stronger positioning signals that resist attenuation and interference.

High precision: Rapid changes in satellite line-of-sight vectors allow faster positioning convergence, supporting applications like autonomous driving and precision agriculture.

Global coverage: Satellites in LEO can extend services currently limited to QZSS coverage, such as MADOCA-PPP.

ArkEdge Space said the technology will contribute to highly automated societies and a safer future.