SteamJet Water Thruster Selected for Artemis II CubeSat Critical Orbit Correction

SteamJet Water Thruster Powers Critical Artemis II CubeSat Maneuver

UK-based startup SteamJet Space Systems has been selected to provide the propulsion unit for an ambitious CubeSat mission part of Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed return to the Moon in over 50 years. Developed by South Korea’s NaraSpace, the CubeSat will be deployed into a highly elliptical orbit, where SteamJet’s water-based thruster will play a critical role in ensuring mission success.

“Our participation in a mission that is part of NASA’s Artemis II program is a major milestone for our team,” said Marco Pavan, CEO of SteamJet Space Systems. “This milestone validates our technology as both sustainable and capable of handling complex space environments. It’s proof that CubeSats and Small Satellites no longer need to compromise on performance to stay green and compact.”

The K-RadCube satellite will be deployed into a highly elliptical orbit, with an apogee of approximately 70,000 km and a critically low perigee that would cause the spacecraft to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere during its very first orbit. Traditionally, only chemical propulsion systems, with their high thrust and specific impulse, would have been capable of executing such rapid manoeuvres. Thanks to performance levels comparable to chemical systems, SteamJet’s thruster can deliver the same critical capability using water instead. The propulsion system will perform a continuous 12-hour burn shortly after deployment to raise the perigee to around 200 km, preventing atmospheric re-entry and enabling the satellite to carry out its scientific mission in Earth’s radiation belts. If successful, this manoeuvre will represent one of the longest single burns ever conducted in orbit by a water-based propulsion system, marking a new milestone in sustainable in-space propulsion.

SteamJet Water Thruster Powers Critical Artemis II CubeSat Maneuver

Critical objectives for the SteamJet thruster:

  1. Correct the perigee to around 200 km
  2. Orbit adjustment operation
  3. Extend the operational life of the CubeSat
 

This mission showcases how sustainable propulsion can now enable advanced orbital operations for CubeSats and Small Satellites without the need for toxic propellants. SteamJet’s system offers a safer, greener alternative while delivering performance previously limited only to chemical propulsion.

About SteamJet Space Systems

SteamJet Space Systems is a UK-based startup developing water-based propulsion systems for CubeSats and Small Satellites. Its proprietary steam-generation technology offers a green, safe, and sustainable alternative for in-space manoeuvres, enabling precise orbital control without the use of toxic or high-pressure propellants.

Detailed technical specifications, test data, and CAD models for the Steam Thruster One are available on the website. Discover how SteamJet innovations are shaping the future of sustainable satellite propulsion.

From Classroom to Orbit: Train Future Engineers with SteamJet CubeSat Propulsion Systems

CubeSat propulsion system with SteamJet thruster

Today, the space industry is developing rapidly, which presents additional challenges to academic programs. It is no longer sufficient to teach theory to students who train for careers in aerospace, satellite operations, and mission control. They need hands-on, practical experience with real CubeSat propulsion systems. However, many university programs still offer simulation-based learning in a classroom, which leads to a critical gap between education and actual spaceflight experience.

Aerospace Education Gap

Many universities worldwide provide excellent fundamental knowledge in orbital mechanics, control systems, satellite design, and mission planning. Students run simulations, model satellite behaviors, and plan maneuvers. But many recent graduates find themselves not fully prepared for real-world in-orbit operations.

This gap between theory and practice is particularly noticeable in areas like CubeSat propulsion technology, trajectory optimization, and satellite navigation. Lack of operational experience may lead to expensive mistakes. Thus, it is clear that students need earlier access to real spacecraft systems.

Why Real Space Experience Matters

There is a big difference between simulation and operating a thruster in orbit. When students install thrusters, test them, and eventually operate them in flight, they gain invaluable technical and problem-solving skills, as well as build professional confidence. These kinds of skills and approaches are impossible to teach only through software tools.

Real-life experience with propulsion systems allows students to practice mission-critical roles:

  • Planning and executing orbital maneuvers
  • Monitoring system performance
  • Diagnosing and responding to challenges in real-time

Steam-Based Thrusters: Practical Training for Students

Steam-based propulsion systems are a perfect fit for educational programs. Our technology uses safe, non-toxic water propulsion and operates at low pressure. Hence, it is ideal for student programs where simplicity, safety, and accessibility matter most.

  • No hazardous materials – water is safe to handle and doesn’t require specialized certification
  • Low-pressure operation – reduces lab and integration risks
  • CubeSat-compatible – designed for small satellite missions
  • Simple electronics – easy to integrate and operate with limited resources

Real Missions for Future Engineers

By working with spacecraft propulsion systems students receive experience with a full mission lifecycle, and they learn to make decisions that have real consequences. This kind of training builds precisely the expertise that the current aerospace industry demands.

Whether your university is launching its first CubeSat or expanding a satellite program, SteamJet offers a tangible path to professional-level experience. Our systems give student teams the chance to build, test, and fly real space propulsion — all while staying safe and budget-friendly.

Interested in integrating space propulsion training into your university’s program? We’re here to help. Contact SteamJet to learn how our technology can support your student satellite missions and help bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical, real-world spacecraft operations.

We offer a special program and pricing for universities and academic institutions — making it easier to bring real propulsion systems to your students.

Detailed technical specifications, test data, and CAD models for our new space engines are available on our website. Steam TunaCan Thruster and Steam Thruster One. Discover how SteamJet innovations are shaping the future of sustainable satellite propulsion.