ArkEdge Space Inc., a Japanese space start-up based in Tokyo, has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) under its Space Strategy Fund to lead the development of advanced lunar navigation technology.
ArkEdge Space will utilize its expertise in the planning and design to mass production and operation of micro-satellite constellations to lead the development of a next-generation Lunar Navigation Satellite System (LNSS), a vital component to the International “LunaNet” initiative, driven by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), ESA (European Space Agency) and JAXA. LunaNet seeks to establish essential infrastructure to support sustainable lunar exploration and foster growth of the lunar economy. See recent LunaNet coverage in Inside GNSS here and access the Inside GNSS webinar on LunaNet.
This program, supported by up to 5 billion yen (US$32.5 million) over four years, tasks ArkEdge Space with developing a 100 kg class micro-satellite, developing crucial technology including the:
- Lunar navigation payload
- Demonstration satellite platform, along with a system operations plan
- Establishment of an approach to mission evaluationy
These efforts will help reduce development costs and timeframes while advancing core LNSS technologies and enabling the development of future lunar navigation system demonstration satellite.
ArkEdge Space’s work on LNSS leverages its expertise in satellite technology and builds on its ongoing collaboration with JAXA. A key innovation of the project involves the use of faint GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) signals, originally designed for Earth, to determine satellite position and time in lunar orbit—approximately 380,000 kilometers from Earth. Additionally, LNSS complements advancements in Low Earth Orbit Positioning Navigation and Timing (LEO-PNT) systems, which utilize small satellite constellations at Low Earth Orbit altitudes. These systems provide high-precision, robust navigation services globally, enhancing existing GNSS infrastructure.
As lunar exploration accelerates—driven by initiatives including Artemis and other international efforts—high-precision infrastructure has become indispensable for activities such as rover navigation, base construction, and in-situ resource utilisation. LNSS not only supports lunar operations, but also serves as a stepping stone for future exploration of Mars and deep space.
The LNSS initiative comes at a pivotal time as nations worldwide consider developing regular lunar positioning services to support diverse lunar activities. To safely and efficiently enable these operations, the Moon requires real-time, high-accuracy positioning services like those of Earth-based GNSS.
ArkEdge Space has been developing essential communications and navigation infrastructure for lunar missions since 2021 under the Stardust Program (Strategic Program for Accelerating Research, Development, and Utilization of Space Technology). They also intend to support Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for globally coordinated, high-precision navigation services.
In October 2024, ArkEdge Space initiated a joint study with JAXA to explore the development of a Low Earth Orbit Positioning Navigation and Timing (LEO-PNT) system. LEO-PNT is envisioned as a revolutionary satellite constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites designed to provide higher-intensity, and higher-precision positioning data globally, surpassing the capabilities of traditional GNSS. The system works by receiving GNSS signals, processing the observational data on-board the satellite, and generating precise positioning signals for distribution. This innovative approach builds on the advanced technologies and expertise developed during the development of key LNSS subsystems. By leveraging these technological advances, ArkEdge Space aims to continually improve its satellite navigation capabilities and apply the results to broader Earth orbit-based business ventures.
