WASHINGTON — Murata Manufacturing, a Japanese supplier of electronic components, has signed an agreement with Xona Space Systems to explore the use of the startup’s satellite-based positioning and timing service in telecommunications, data centers, financial networks and other industries that depend on precise timing signals.
The agreement reflects interest in alternatives to the Global Positioning System, or GPS, which is widely used not only for navigation but also to synchronize critical infrastructure including cellular networks, stock exchanges, power grids and data centers.
California-based Xona is developing a positioning, navigation and timing, or PNT, service known as Pulsar through a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit. The company is positioning the network as an alternative or backup to GPS, particularly in environments where satellite signals may be degraded or disrupted.
Under a memorandum of understanding announced last week, Murata will evaluate applications for Xona’s service in data centers and financial institutions that require highly accurate timing synchronization, including support for emerging 5G and 6G communications networks. The companies will also explore uses in off-road sectors such as construction and agricultural machinery.
