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JAXA Taps ArkEdge for Two Lunar Navigation Demos
Publication: Payload
Author: Jacqueline Feldscher
Source published: 15/10/2026, 08:00:00 UTC
Briefing created: 15/10/2026, 09:05:50 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 15/10/2026, 08:05:25 UTC.
Briefings
Japanese space agency JAXA partnered with startup ArkEdge Space to launch two lunar navigation demos. The first contract involves ArkEdge designing a Lunar Augmented Navigation Service receiver for a JAXA crew rover, while the second focuses on developing a receiver to detect signals from Japan's Lunar Navigation Satellite System demo sat. Both satellites are built by ArkEdge to ensure international interoperability between NASA and ESA systems. Toshihiro Shibukawa, manager of ArkEdge's PNT department, emphasized the significance of this collaboration for future lunar exploration.
Key points
- JAXA awarded ArkEdge Space two contracts to develop Lunar Augmented Navigation Service (LANS) receivers for a crew rover under the Artemis program.
- ArkEdge will also design a receiver to detect signals from Japan's Lunar Navigation Satellite System demo sat to ensure international interoperability with NASA and ESA satellites.
Context and limitations
JAXA did not disclose the monetary value of the awards. Specific testing timelines, mass specifications, and power requirements for the LANS receiver were not provided in the evidence. The exact integration schedule for the rover system remains unspecified.
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