(Conceptual image of the LANS demonstration receiver in operation on the lunar surface）
Tokyo, Japan, October 16, 2026 – ArkEdge Space Inc. (“ArkEdge Space”), a Japanese space startup that provides comprehensive solutions for micro-satellite constellations, from planning and design to mass production and operations, today announced it will proceed with development of LunaNet LANS Demonstration Receiver following a competition conducted by JAXA*1.
ArkEdge Space will now develop a demonstration receiver for an interoperability demonstration of the Lunar Augmented Navigation Service (LANS). LANS, a lunar navigation service, is part of LunaNet, the international framework for lunar communications and navigation.
The receiver will acquire and demodulate the Augmented Forward Signal (AFS) transmitted by Japan’s Lunar Navigation Satellite System (LNSS) demonstration satellite and lunar navigation satellites planned by NASA*2 and ESA*3. It will use the observables and navigation messages required for positioning and combine the received signals with lunar-surface elevation data to perform real-time positioning calculations on the Moon.
ArkEdge Space is also developing the LNSS demonstration satellite and its major subsystems as the implementing organization for the ‘Lunar Navigation System Technology’ theme under JAXA’s Space Strategy Fund. By developing both the LNSS demonstration satellite that transmits navigation signals and the LANS demonstration receiver that receives and uses those signals on the lunar surface, ArkEdge Space is at the forefront of demonstrating lunar PNT interoperability between Japan, the United States and Europe. Through these efforts, the company aims to develop lunar navigation infrastructure that will support future lunar exploration.
Dr. Masaya Murata, JAXA Space Exploration Center (JSEC), said:
The LANS demonstration receiver aims to achieve the world’s first demonstration of interoperability among lunar navigation systems operated by Japan, the United States and Europe.
We look forward to ArkEdge Space applying the knowledge and technology it has developed to steadily advance both the receiver development and the international interoperability demonstration.”
Dr. Toshihiro Shibukawa, manager in the PNT Department at ArkEdge Space, said:
Being selected as the successful bidder marks the beginning of full-scale development of the LANS demonstration receiver, and I am once again keenly aware of the magnitude of our responsibility.
Both satellites that transmit navigation signals and receivers that use those signals are essential to realizing lunar navigation services. We believe that ArkEdge Space’s involvement in lunar PNT development is significant for the future of human exploration on the moon.
We look forward to applying our findings to future business opportunities, and to continuing to further Japan’s role in lunar activities.
*1 JAXA: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
*2 NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
*3 ESA: European Space Agency
Project Overview
Project name: Development of a LunaNet LANS Demonstration Receiver
Scope: Development of a LANS demonstration receiver for use in the lunar south polar region as part of JAXA’s LunaNet LANS demonstration mission
Project period: September 2026 – June 2029
Reference: Related ArkEdge Space Initiative
ArkEdge Space Selected by JAXA’s Space Strategy Fund to Lead Lunar Navigation System Development – Advancing Lunar Infrastructure Development to Support the Future Lunar Economy –
https://arkedgespace.com/en/news/2024-11-29_jaxaspacestrategyfund_lnss
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/