Arc Edge Space Completes Feasibility Study for JAXA's Lunar Navigation Satellite System (LNSS) Towards Full Operational Capability

Arc Edge Space Inc. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Takayoshi Fukuyo; hereinafter "Arc Edge Space"), which provides comprehensive solutions from planning and design to mass production and operation of microsatellite constellations, announced the completion of the "Feasibility Study for JAXA's Lunar Navigation Satellite System (LNSS) Towards FOC (Part 2)" on March 16, 2026, a project it had been engaged in since July 2025 with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This study aimed to achieve the start of Full Operational Capability (FOC) for high-precision and wide-area continuous operational services in the lunar south pole region, anticipated in the early 2030s. It involved the design of a lunar orbiting satellite constellation, evaluation of positioning accuracy, and verification of system feasibility. Through this study, it was confirmed that an architecture capable of achieving a single-point positioning accuracy (horizontal) of approximately 10m (2σ) on the lunar surface during the FOC phase could be established. Part of this study was conducted jointly with the Nakasuka-Funase-Igarashi Laboratory (name at the time of research) of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo. Lunar Positioning System Envisioned for Continuous Operation (Conceptual Diagram) The main achievements obtained through this study are as follows: 1. Verification of Design Guidelines and Feasibility of Lunar Positioning Constellation Comparative studies of multiple orbital and satellite deployment patterns were conducted, and the constellation design guidelines for providing stable positioning services on the lunar surface were updated. Based on this constellation, satellite design conditions were concretized, and it was confirmed that a system could be realized from the perspectives of power consumption, weight, and cost. 2. Confirmation of High-Precision Positioning Feasibility Currently, the LNSS demonstration mission is considering satellite orbit and time determination solely using GNSS signals. In this study, by utilizing lunar beacons assumed to be installed in the lunar south pole region in addition to GNSS signals, it was demonstrated that even with single-point positioning*, it is possible to achieve positioning services at a level required for future lunar rover navigation and infrastructure construction on the lunar surface. *Single-point positioning is the most basic and simple positioning method that processes pseudorange observations received from four or more LNSS satellites epoch by epoch to calculate a positioning solution. 3. Confirmation of Consistency with International Coordination Framework (LunaNet) It was confirmed that the LNSS designed in this study can function as part of the positioning service (LANS) within "LunaNet," an international lunar communication and positioning framework promoted by NASA, ESA, and JAXA. Based on this, development will be further promoted so that Japan's lunar positioning system becomes a core element of the international lunar infrastructure. Furthermore, this study assumes a lunar positioning system that utilizes leaked signals from existing positioning satellites (such as GPS) in Earth orbit. Compared to the ranging method using large antennas from Earth, which is being considered mainly in Europe, this approach aims to reduce dependence on ground stations and lower costs. The achievements obtained in this study form the foundation of our company's lunar positioning and satellite business. Going forward, we aim to realize a high-precision lunar positioning infrastructure that contributes to lunar exploration and lunar surface business activities through the development of demonstration satellites, integration with ground and lunar infrastructure such as beacons, and strengthening cooperation with international partners. The technologies and knowledge gained from this study are also applicable to positioning services in Low Earth Orbit (LEO-PNT), and are expected to contribute to the further expansion of our satellite positioning business. ## Project Overview Name: Feasibility Study for Lunar Navigation Satellite System (LNSS) Towards FOC (Part 2) Project Content: Study on high-precision lunar positioning, etc. Project Period: July 2025 - March 2026 ## Arc Edge Space has been conducting research and development on positioning and communication in the vicinity of the Moon, and has been progressively developing towards IOC (Initial Operational Capability) for LNSS realization. From FY2021 to FY2023, it received multiple contracts from JAXA as part of the "Space Development and Utilization Acceleration Strategy Program" (Stardust Program) for "Development of Positioning and Communication Technologies for Lunar Activities." As a follow-up project, it has been selected as an implementing organization for the technology development theme "Lunar Positioning System Technology" under the Space Strategic Fund. This project has a maximum development period of 4 years and a support framework of up to 5 billion yen, aiming to launch a demonstration satellite after 2028, including "Development of Lunar Positioning Payload System" and "Lunar..." using 100kg-class microsatellites.