Tokyo, Japan, October 7, 2025 — ArkEdge Space Inc. (“ArkEdge Space”), a Japanese space startup based in Tokyo that provides comprehensive solutions from planning and design to mass production and operation of micro-satellite constellations, announced today that it has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to conduct the “Study of Key Technologies and Related Systems for the Dedicated Low Earth Orbit Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (LEO-PNT) system.” The contract was formally concluded on September 8, 2025.
The LEO-PNT system will comprise a constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit (500–1,200 km), significantly closer to Earth than conventional Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) which orbit at approximately 20,000 km. Operating at lower altitudes is expected to enable the delivery of high-intensity and higher-accuracy positioning information services globally.
LEO-PNT’s high-intensity positioning signals are expected to complement the weak signal strength of conventional GNSS signals reaching the Earth’s surface, which are more susceptible to interference. With threats such as jamming and spoofing becoming increasingly prominent, the more accurate and reliable positioning information provided by LEO-PNT is also expected to be used in many other fields.
This study builds on JAXA’s Feasibility Study on LEO-PNT (Part 1) conducted from October 2024 to March 2025. The new effort will further advance research into key technologies and system concepts required to establish a robust, GNSS-independent alternative PNT capability.
The study will particularly focus on designing resilient PNT architectures capable of maintaining operations even when GNSS is disrupted. It will also address the design and transmission of robust LEO-PNT signals, including both ranging signals and navigation messages, across multiple frequency bands such as the C-band (C1: 5010–5030 MHz, C2–4: 5030–5250 MHz), S-band, and L-band.
Project Overview
Name:Study of Key Technologies and Related Systems for the Dedicated LEO PNT System
Objective:To investigate and validate the key technologies and systems required to deliver a robust, GNSS-independent alternative PNT services from LEO.
Scope:
・Identification and evaluation of enabling key technologies
・Design of LEO-PNT signals and transmission studies
・Research on reception technologies for LEO-PNT
・System-level assessment and performance evaluations
Period: September 2025 – March 2026
Reference: JAXA Project Summary (in Japanese)
Main features of LEO PNT High Intensity
LEO PNT operates at a low altitude from the Earth’s surface, enabling the delivery of high-intensity PNT information. LEO PNT is resilient to signal attenuation and interference, so more reliable positioning information is expected to be available.
High Intensity
LEO PNT operates at a low altitude from the Earth’s surface, enabling the delivery of high-intensity PNT information. LEO PNT is resilient to signal attenuation and interference, so more reliable positioning information is expected to be available.
High Accuracy
LEO PNT can provide high accuracy positioning quicker than traditional GNSS. This is possible because of faster line-of-sight vector changes between the receiver on Earth and the satellite. It is expected to be used for new positioning services that will contribute to the next generation of autonomy, including automotive, agriculture and mobile location service sectors.
Global
LEO PNT satellites will be deployed in global orbits, enabling new positioning services for the world. It is also expected to expand the coverage area of services currently based on GEO satellites, such as MADOCA-PPP from the Japanese QZSS.
About ArkEdge Space
ArkEdge Space is a Japanese space technology company offering end-to-end solutions for micro-satellite constellations—from planning and design to mass production and operations. Guided by its mission of “empowering people with satellites for a prosperous future,” the company is advancing capabilities in Earth observation, maritime satellite communications (VDES), optical communications, and low-Earth orbit satellite positioning, as well as lunar activities and deep space exploration. Through our mission, ArkEdge Space continues to drive the advancement of space innovation and its practical application.
Head Office Location
3F, Dome Ariake Headquarter, 1-3-33 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
CEO: Takayoshi FUKUYO
Founded: in July 2018
Website: https://arkedgespace.com/