TunaCan Thruster
The most compact resistojet for Small Satellites and CubeSats
► High thrust
► Safe & Green
► Low power consumption
The TunaCan propulsion unit is the only system in the market that can be entirely installed in the “tunacan” volume available in many CubeSat deployers, which is located outside the main CubeSat structure. With a very compact size and low power consumption, the system is specially designed for 3U and 6U CubeSats.

Support all your satellite needs
Constellation management
Position and maintain each satellite of your constellation.
Satellite life extension
Extend your satellite lifetime to maximize your mission ROI.
Orbit optimization and maneuvers
Optimize your satellite orbit after launch.
Collision avoidance
Raise or lower your satellite orbit to avoid collisions with other space objects.
De-Orbit
De-orbit your satellite at the end of your mission to avoid space debris and international penalties.
Ideal for 1U – 6U

TunaCan Thruster is a fully contained propulsion unit with fuel tank and electronics
System size (with tank and electronics) | Ø 80 x 80 mm |
Tunacan shape factor | It can be installed inside the CubeSat deployer spring (the tunacan volume) – outside volume of the satellite. |
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Water as main propellant | pressure < 1 atm |
Total Impulse | 208 Ns |
High Thrust | 6 mN |
Low power consumption | < 20 W |
Fuel mass | 130 g |
Wet mass | 540 g |
Specific impulse | 163 s |
Flight heritage | Q4’20 (SpaceX via Momentus) |
Technical Readiness Level | TRL7 |
Pre-order with a discount
Range of solutions

Tunacan (water tank included) |
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Installed entirely in the tunacan volume located in the CubeSat deployer |
6 mN – 20 W – 200 Ns Ø 80 mm h 80 mm |
Q4 2020 In Orbit Demonstration |
The best solution for 1U-3U CubeSats |

Tunacan+ (external water tank) |
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The thruster head is installed in the tunacan volume, while a water tank is installed inside the CubeSat |
6 mN – 20 W Ø 80 mm h 40 mm |
Q2 2021 In Orbit Demonstration |
When you need more total impulse For 2U -6U nanosats |

Built-in thruster/ tank |
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Propulsion components are built in the satellite structure |
6 – 100 mN from 20 W 100 x 30 x 40 mm / 350 – 3000 Ns |
Q4 2021 In Orbit Demonstration |
Saves space and power to give more thrust for 6U, 12U, 24U or bigger |

Attitude Control Thruster |
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Satellite 3-axis control |
1–6 mN – 10 mNs 65 x 30 x 40 mm |
Q4 2021 In Orbit Demonstration |
For CubeSats and big satellites |
Typical Applications
Propulsion capabilities are essential nowadays to efficiently deploy and operate CubeSat constellations, however, they are also necessary to maintain altitude on very low orbit missions and avoid collisions with other space objects. Please take a look at the application examples for the 400 km orbit:
For 3U (5kg)
Product | Total Impulse | Life-time | Orbital Change | Orbit Phasing | Collision avoidance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No Propulsion | 0 Ns | 1.6 years | No | No | No |
TunaCan | 200 Ns | 4.3 years | ±70 km | 0° to 360 | Yes |
TunaCan + 1U | 1000 Ns | 15.4 years | ±340 km | 0° to 360 | Yes |
For 6U (10kg)
Product | Total Impulse | Life-time | Orbital Change | Orbit Phasing | Collision avoidance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No Propulsion | 0 Ns | 1.6 years | No | No | No |
TunaCan | 200 Ns | 3 years | ±35 km | 0° to 360 | Yes |
TunaCan + 1U | 1000 Ns | 8.3 years | ±170 km | 0° to 360 | Yes |
If you need more Delta-V, or you are not sure about your propulsion needs, contact us and our engineering team will be happy to assist you. We offer customized solutions based on your requirements.
Partners
SteamJet Team
SteamJet is an international team dedicated to reach new heights in space innovations. The team members has skills and experience in Physics, Fluid-dynamics, Vacuum Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Small Satellite design, Electrical Engineering, Coding, Innovation Project Management, Business Development.

PAVEL SAVIN
CEO, founder

VLADIMIR FEDOROV
CTO, co-founder

MARCO PAVAN
CBDO, co-founder

VICTOR AGAFONOV
Investor

GLEB PHILIN
Production Leader, co-founder

IVAN TIMOFEEV
Prototyping Engineer, co-founder
