GPS Alternatives: The Search for New Location Tech
- Xona Space Systems is poised to launch a new satellite navigation system,designed to overcome the limitations of existing GPS technology.
- Tyler Reid, chief technology officer and cofounder of xona, said the system's signals will be substantially stronger than GPS, approximately 100 times more powerful.
- GPS, which went live in 1993, underpins critical infrastructure, from financial transactions to power grids.
Xona Space Systems is revolutionizing location technology.Their new satnav system promises to outperform GPS with higher precision, and superior resistance to jamming and spoofing. This is critical for autonomous navigation, addressing the vulnerabilities of current systems. With signals 100 times stronger than GPS, Xona’s innovation aims to overcome limitations. The launch will impact diverse industries dependent on accurate positioning. Discover the future of autonomous vehicle navigation as Xona’s system reduces reliance on expensive sensors, especially in dense urban environments. For extensive insights into technological advancements, explore News Directory 3. Discover what’s next with this innovative approach to location services.
Xona’s New Satnav System Aims for Precision and Jamming Resistance
Updated June 7,2025
Xona Space Systems is poised to launch a new satellite navigation system,designed to overcome the limitations of existing GPS technology. The system promises greater precision and increased resistance to jamming, addressing critical needs in autonomous navigation and other sectors.
Tyler Reid, chief technology officer and cofounder of xona, said the system’s signals will be substantially stronger than GPS, approximately 100 times more powerful. This increased signal strength reduces the impact of jammers and improves indoor signal penetration.
GPS, which went live in 1993, underpins critical infrastructure, from financial transactions to power grids. Though, its vulnerability to jamming and spoofing has become increasingly apparent, particularly with the rise of drone warfare. the GPS constellation orbits at 12,550 miles, resulting in faint signals susceptible to disruption.
Reid and cofounder Brian Manning established Xona Space Systems in 2019, initially focusing on autonomous driving. They envisioned a more precise system reducing reliance on expensive sensors in self-driving cars. Current GPS accuracy isn’t sufficient for safe autonomous navigation, especially in dense urban environments.
“GPS has the superpower of being a ubiquitous system that works the same anywhere in the world,” Reid said. “But it’s a system that was designed primarily to support military missions… but this meter-level accuracy is not enough to guide machines were they need to go and share that physical space with humans safely.”
What’s next
Xona’s new system could pave the way for more reliable autonomous vehicles and enhanced location services, impacting various industries reliant on precise positioning, navigation, and timing.