Japanese startup ArkEdge Space won a contract from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to study the feasibility of establishing a constellation of position, navigation and timing satellites in LEO. This project entails a series of feasibility studies on Low Earth Orbit Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (LEO PNT) systems, which deliver PNT services to users on the ground and in low Earth orbit. The studies include a trade-off analysis of LEO PNT satellite systems and constellation configurations, assessment of GNSS navigation and positioning signal generation capabilities onboard LEO satellites, evaluation of signal formats and frequency bands used for positioning signals, conceptual design of a LEO PNT demonstration mission, including proposals for mission concepts, satellite and orbit design, and analysis of the required number of satellites.

Prerequisites:

• Institutional & political interest and support for utilising PNT technologies for services 

• Understand national 

policies and identify national policies that utilise PNT data

• Identify and build relationships with relevant ministries, local companies, and other stakeholders to gather comprehensive data on existing PNT usage in the nation

• Inter-ministerial working group

• Partner support as needed

Cost:

• Ballpark: USD 50k–250k + actual research fund

• Includes: literature review and baseline study, stakeholder consultations across ministries and industry, engagement with international experts and vendors, regulatory and spectrum landscape review, report drafting and validation workshops

Timeframe:

• Overall: 6–12 mo

• Phase: scoping & literature review (1–2 mo), stakeholder engagement & expert input (2–4 mo), draft assessment & validation (2–4 mo), final reporting & dissemination (1–2 mo)

Pros:

• Jamming and Spoofing Resistance - Leverage frequency diversity in LEO-PNT systems to enhance resistance against jamming and spoofing.

• Low Latency and Precision - Benefit from faster signal transmission and reduced latency due to proximity to LEO, enabling more precise positioning data.

• Improved Signal Reliability - Enhance signal strength and reliability, especially in challenging environments like indoor settings and urban canyons.

Considerations:

• Shorter Satellite Lifespan - Plan for more frequent replacements due to atmospheric drag reducing operational lifetimes in LEO.

• Extensive Ground Infrastructure Needs - Build a more expansive ground segment network to support the system’s architectural demands.