Tokyo, Japan, April 30, 2026 – ArkEdge Space Inc. (“ArkEdge Space”), the Tokyo-based space scale-up delivering micro-satellite constellations from design to operations, today announces the completion of the second phase of its feasibility study into the Lunar Navigation Satellite System (LNSS) conducted by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (“JAXA”). The validation of this study marks a critical moment on the path to Full Operational Capability (FOC) for LNSS, a benchmark for navigation and timing system providers.
This study, begun in July 2025, focused on the realisation of a high-accuracy, wide-area and continuously operational navigation and timing service over the Lunar South Polar region, evaluating the positioning accuracy and system feasibility for a Lunar-orbiting constellation planned for the early 2030s. The study looked at the design of a Lunar-orbiting satellite constellation, alongside a performance evaluation of key user segments, including Lunar orbiters, landers and rovers. The architecture proposed exceeded performance requirements across all lunar operational classes.
The results of this study will form the basis of ArkEdge Space’s Lunar Navigation Satellite System. Looking ahead, the company will develop this high-precision Lunar Navigation and Timing infrastructure that contributes to exploration and other activities through the development of demonstration satellites, integration with supporting architectures such as lunar beacons, and strengthening cooperation with our international partners. This is done through the Lunar Augmented Navigation Service (LANS) framework coordinated under the LunaNet framework.
Dr Toshihiro Shibukawa, manager for the Satellite PNT Department and the LNSS programme at ArkEdge Space, said: “The results of this study indicate that the LNSS project has a strong foundation for future success. I firmly believe that the future of space exploration, and certainly a sustainable lunar presence, will rely on the provision of accurate and reliable timing and navigation information. ArkEdge Space will continue to work with partners to make LunaNet a critical part of all future moon missions.”
Dr Masaya Murata, Lunar PNT lead at theJAXA, said: “The successful conclusion of these studies with ArkEdge Space reveals important findings for the future design of the LNSS FOC, both in orbit and on the surface of the moon. Following the study outcomes, our investigation for a desirable architecture of a future LNSS FOC continues, with LunaNet international collaboration together with NASA and ESA being the key for an interoperable Lunar PNT system of systems. We believe that the LNSS FOC contribution towards LANS further strengthens the high-accuracy, robust and reliable Lunar PNT service provision to Lunar users.”
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/