COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Rohde & Schwarz announced on Monday the launch of new signal simulation capabilities for Pulsar, the high-precision Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) service developed by Xona Space Systems.
The functionality, debuting at Space Symposium 2026, allows hardware manufacturers to validate receiver compatibility with Xona’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation using industry-standard R&S vector signal generators.
The integration provides a streamlined path for developers to test PNT devices in production environments, ensuring they can process the stronger, more resilient signals characteristic of the Pulsar network as it nears full-scale deployment.
Overcoming GPS Vulnerabilities with LEO PNT
As global reliance on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) grows, so do the risks associated with signal interference. Legacy systems like GPS operate in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), resulting in signals that are often susceptible to jamming, spoofing, and multipath errors in dense urban “canyons.”
Xona’s Pulsar constellation addresses these vulnerabilities by operating at an altitude of approximately 1,080 km. The proximity to Earth allows for signals up to 170 times stronger than conventional GPS, providing centimeter-level accuracy and enhanced penetration through foliage and building structures. By incorporating Pulsar simulation into its test portfolio, Rohde & Schwarz is enabling the ecosystem to transition from theoretical design to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) validation.
Hardware Compatibility and Software Integration
The new simulation capability is delivered as a software option for two flagship Rohde & Schwarz instruments:
- R&S SMBV100B: A mid-range vector signal generator optimized for production and R&D.
- R&S SMW200A: A high-end vector signal generator designed for complex signal scenarios and multi-frequency testing.
Both devices will join Pulsar’s “Verified Ecosystem” program, a certification initiative that ensures testing solutions are fully synchronized with Xona’s proprietary signal structures and encryption protocols.
Context: Xona’s Strategic Expansion
The announcement coincides with a major capital expansion for Xona Space Systems. On April 13, the company confirmed it had secured $170 million in Series C funding to support the deployment of its planned 259-satellite fleet. Simultaneously, Xona inaugurated its first in-house satellite production facility in Burlingame, California, marking a shift from prototype development to high-volume manufacturing.
Executive Commentary
“Navigation technology is entering a period of rapid evolution,” said Matt Hammond, North America Satellite Technology Manager at Rohde & Schwarz. “By adding Pulsar signal simulation to our portfolio, we are preparing our customers for the next evolution of satellite navigation. Our goal is to provide the scalable test infrastructure needed to bring these innovations from development into deployment.”
Bryan Chan, Co-Founder and VP of Strategy at Xona Space Systems, noted: “Test and measurement solutions play an important role in enabling device manufacturers to evaluate compatibility as new signals become available. Rohde & Schwarz brings deep expertise in precision signal generation that helps make this possible.”
Operational Service
Xona currently expects to begin initial commercial service in 2027, with the first 34 satellites providing coverage across North America and Europe. The full 259-satellite constellation is slated for completion by 2030, targeting high-growth sectors including autonomous driving, precision agriculture, and national defense.
