How Next-Gen CubeSat Propulsion is Extending Mission Lifespans

CubeSat propulsion system designed to extend small satellite mission lifespan

A CubeSat’s lifespan depends not only on how much fuel it carries but also on the type of thruster it uses. Different CubeSat propulsion technologies affect mission duration in different ways. Because they vary in efficiency, compactness, and reliability.

Let’s dive into these technologies and  compare the main types of thrusters based on four criteria:

  • efficiency – thrust produced per unit of fuel,
  • compactness – space they occupy on a small satellite,
  • reliability – consistency in performance over time,
  • impact on mission duration – how each factor ultimately affects how long the satellite will operate.

1. Cold Gas Thrusters

Cold gas thrusters are not the most efficient ones. They produce very little thrust per unit of propellant. As a result, the fuel tank takes up a lot of space on a small satellite. Hence, compactness is affected negatively. At the same time, they are highly reliable. Cold gas thrusters have a very simple design, which makes them reliable, and they rarely malfunction over time. Ultimately, however, it is precisely this low efficiency and large fuel volume that become the main problem. The propellant supply is depleted quickly, which leads to shorter mission duration.

Range of specific impulse (Isp)
Thrust Range
Cold Gas Thrusters
~ 40 – 80 seconds
1 mN до 100 mN

Source: Propulsion Technologies for CubeSats: Review

2. Chemical (Monopropellant) Thrusters

Monopropellant thrusters provide high thrust. This characteristic makes them excellent for satellite manoeuvres. However, they do have certain disadvantages. Namely, the propellant is toxic and requires complex storage. As a result, it complicates the design and reduces compactness. Over time, the thruster components degrade, reducing reliability. It is this degradation that poses the main limitation. Specifically, this type of thruster doesn’t suit long-term missions.

Range of specific impulse (Isp)
Thrust Range
Chemical (Monopropellant) Thrusters
~ 200 – 230 seconds
20 mN to 1 N+

Sources: Cubesat Propulsion Systems Overview, Propulsion Technologies for CubeSats: Review

3. Electric Propulsion (Ion/Hall Effect)

Hall effect thrusters are highly efficient and have a long service life. On the other hand, they are large and consume a lot of energy. This propulsion system is difficult to integrate into a small CubeSat.

Range of specific impulse (Isp)
Thrust Range
Electric Propulsion (Ion/Hall Effect)
~ 1500 – 3500 seconds
0.1 mN to 30 mN

Sources: CubeSat thrusters and small satellite propulsion systems, Propulsion Technologies for CubeSats: Review

4. Resistojet/Water-Based Propulsion

These CubeSat propulsion systems are safe because of non-toxic propellant (water). They have moderate efficiency and are easy to store and refuel. All of these factors directly contribute to extending mission duration without the risk of degradation.

Range of specific impulse (Isp)
Thrust Range
Resistojet/Water-Based Propulsion
~ 80 – 150 seconds
5 mN to 50 mN

Sources: CubeSat High Impulse Propulsion System (CHIPS) Design and Performance, Propulsion Technologies for CubeSats: Review

5. Green Monopropellant Systems

It is a safer alternative to toxic propellant. This type of CubeSat propulsion system combines sufficient thrust with safety in use. However, the main downside is that the technology is still relatively new and has not been thoroughly tested in practice. Hence, there is not enough proof of how well it is suited for long-duration missions.

Range of specific impulse (Isp)
Thrust Range
Green Monopropellant Systems
~ 200 – 255 seconds
30 mN до 1 000 mN

Sources: Cubesat Propulsion Systems Overview, Propulsion Technologies for CubeSats: Review

6. Compact High-Thrust Solutions (SteamJet TunaCan and TunaTank form factors)

This solution incorporates the best features of previous ones. The Compact CubeSat propulsion system resolves the main trade-off faced by all other types of engines. Namely, the necessity to choose between good thrust and compact size. These thrusters provide sufficient thrust while taking up little space on the platform. Because every cubic centimetre of the satellite is used as efficiently as possible, the mission’s lifespan is directly extended.

Range of specific impulse (Isp)
Thrust Range
SteamJet TunaCan Thruster
172 seconds
5 – 20 mN
SteamJet TunaTank Thruster
172 seconds
5 – 20 mN
SteamJet Thruster One
172 seconds
5 – 20 mN

Source: SteamJet official website

Choosing a CubeSat propulsion system always comes down to a trade-off: you have to choose between thrust, compactness, and reliability. There is no ideal solution that offers everything at once. But a new generation of technologies, such as water-based propulsion systems and compact, high-thrust solutions, is gradually shifting this balance for the better. They allow satellites to operate longer without losing efficiency.

About SteamJet Space Systems

SteamJet Space Systems is a leading UK-based provider of high-performance satellite propulsion solutions. We specialise in water-based propulsion solutions designed specifically for CubeSats and Small Satellites (SmallSats), prioritising operational safety and rapid launch integration. 

By pioneering the use of green propellants and intelligent thermal engineering, SteamJet enables complex LEO (Low Earth Orbit) manoeuvres — including orbital maintenance, collision avoidance, and de-orbiting — without the risks associated with toxic hydrazine or high-pressure cold-gas systems, thereby advancing green propulsion for space missions.

Steamjet Propulsion Technology

Our modular systems are engineered for seamless integration and maximum safety compliance:

Steamjet TunaCan Thruster: A compact, high-efficiency solution for 1U-3U CubeSats.

Steamjet TunaTank Thruster: A safe, high-performance electrothermal propulsion system.

Steamjet Thruster One: Scalable propulsion for larger SmallSat constellations.

Discover how SteamJet’s sustainable space propulsion innovations are providing the safety and reliability required for the next generation of crewed and robotic missions. Contact our engineering team for technical specifications and ICDs.

SmallSat 2026: Compact Propulsion Systems for CubeSats Trend

SmallSat 2026 conference showcasing compact propulsion systems for CubeSats

From August 23 to 26, 2026, the SteamJet Space team participated in the SmallSat 2026 conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. One of the key observations was the growing interest among market participants in compact propulsion solutions for small satellites. In particular, the form factors that combine high performance with a limited platform volume were widely discussed.

“It’s always nice to come back to SmallSat. This was our first year exhibiting, which made it particularly special for me and the team. It was great to see so much interest in what we do and have the chance to talk about it in person. It was a really good show, and I’m already looking forward to coming back,” said Marco Pavan, CEO of SteamJet Space.

The SteamJet Space booth attracted representatives from companies developing small satellite constellations. As well as systems integration engineers who specialise in adapting platforms for specific missions. Most of the conversations centred on one practical question: how to avoid sacrificing thrust for the sake of compactness. The interest was very specific; people came with the technical specifications of their platforms and wanted to understand whether our solution would fit within their volume and mass constraints.

Our team had the pleasure of welcoming satellite integrators and companies developing constellations of small satellites at our booth, among others. Their main questions revolved around the thruster design, performance characteristics and flight heritage.

One of the general observations is that water as a propellant for a thruster is gradually becoming a more common solution on the market. That said, electric thrusters remain the most common choice for small satellites.

Specialists paid close attention to the TunaCan and TunaTank form factors, even more for 6U and 12U platforms. The main reason is that on small satellites, every cubic centimetre counts. Hence, developers need to achieve maximum propulsion system efficiency while minimising the space occupied.

We observed a marked surge in interest in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) applications. In particular, several system integrators approached us about specialised thruster configurations. One recurring requirement was a thruster with a cross-sectional area of less than 25 cm². In VLEO conditions, aerodynamic drag becomes a critical factor. A compact thruster profile opens up a real possibility for long-duration missions of small satellites in very low Earth orbits.

It’s worth noting that as of today, SteamJet Space is the only company on the market offering a propulsion solution in the TunaCan/TunaTank form factor.

Electric thrusters remain the most popular solution on the market. However,  they have a significant drawback. Namely, this type of thruster takes up a considerable amount of space. Alternative options offer lower performance and require even more space.

In comparison, the SteamJet CubeSat propulsion solution is particularly appealing. Our systems deliver high thrust needed for aggressive manoeuvres while maintaining a compact size. This makes them a viable alternative to electric thrusters in applications where both power and space efficiency are important.

About SteamJet Space Systems

SteamJet Space Systems is a leading UK-based provider of high-performance satellite propulsion solutions. We specialise in water-based propulsion solutions designed specifically for CubeSats and Small Satellites (SmallSats), prioritising operational safety and rapid launch integration. 

By pioneering the use of green propellants and intelligent thermal engineering, SteamJet enables complex LEO (Low Earth Orbit) manoeuvres — including orbital maintenance, collision avoidance, and de-orbiting — without the risks associated with toxic hydrazine or high-pressure cold-gas systems, thereby advancing green propulsion for space missions.

Steamjet Propulsion Technology

Our modular systems are engineered for seamless integration and maximum safety compliance:

Steamjet TunaCan Thruster: A compact, high-efficiency solution for 1U-3U CubeSats.

Steamjet TunaTank Thruster: A safe, high-performance electrothermal propulsion system.

Steamjet Thruster One: Scalable propulsion for larger SmallSat constellations.

Discover how SteamJet’s sustainable space propulsion innovations are providing the safety and reliability required for the next generation of crewed and robotic missions. Contact our engineering team for technical specifications and ICDs.

How In-Space SteamJet Propulsion Systems Are Redefining Orbital Mobility

Orbital mobility enabled by SteamJet water-based satellite propulsion

Orbital mobility is becoming a fundamental requirement for modern satellite missions. Until recently, a satellite was considered to be a static object. After launch, the satellite remained in its orbital position until the end of its service life. Currently, there are many factors that affect the functionality of the satellite. Namely, the growing number of satellites in orbit, the risk of collisions, and the need to manage constellations. Thus, a satellite must be able to actively manoeuvre throughout its entire mission. That is precisely why orbital mobility has gone from being a “nice bonus” to a mandatory requirement for modern missions.

In this article we are going to break down the criterion you need to consider when planning orbital mobility and provide a checklist that you can use to objectively evaluate any propulsion system.

Key Parameters for Planning Orbital Mobility

When evaluating different propulsion systems, it is important to use the same set of criteria. In this way, engineers can compare different solutions more objectively.

#
Orbital Mobility Parameter
Why It Matters
1.
Regulatory Status (ITAR/EAR)
Determines how quickly you can launch a mission, which partners and suppliers you can work with, and whether you will face any restrictions on technology exports
2.
Propellant Safety and Handling
Hazardous propellants require additional procedures. As a result, storage, transportation, and launch-site handling can increase both mission time and cost.
3.
Efficiency by Weight and Volume
The key metric is how much delta-v the system provides per kilogram of its mass. The higher this metric, the less payload space has to be sacrificed.
4.
The Complexity of Integration
How many engineering hours will be required to integrate the system into the satellite and test it? The simpler the integration, the faster and less expensive mission preparation will be.
5.
Cost per mission
The total cost consists not only of the price of the equipment itself, but also of testing, as well as the risks covered by mission insurance.
6.
Scalability
Can the solution work across a wide range, from a small 1U CubeSat to a large satellite in a constellation? The technology’s versatility reduces the need to seek out different solutions for different projects.
7.
Reliability and Flight Experience
Does the technology have a proven track record: successful flights and accumulated performance data from real-world orbital operations? This reduces the risks to the mission.

How SteamJet Propulsion Supports Orbital Mobility

The criteria provide a practical framework for evaluating any propulsion system intended to support orbital mobility. In practice, SteamJet propulsion systems can be evaluated against the same criteria.

Regulatory simplicity
SteamJet thrusters use water as a propellant, which is non-toxic and non-hazardous. Therefore, some of the ITAR restrictions are removed. On top of that, logistics during pre-launch preparations are simplified.

Weight efficiency for small platforms
The compact design allows for the system to be mounted on a CubeSat without significantly reducing payload space.

Less Complex Integration
Non-hazardous propellant reduces the requirements for safety systems and simplifies ground handling. Pre-flight preparation takes less time and fewer resources.

Cost-effectiveness at every stage of the mission
Simpler safety procedures reduce the cost of testing and qualification compared to chemical propulsion, where toxic propellants require expensive inspections.

Case Study: Longest In-Orbit Burn with Steam-Based Propulsion

A real-world mission provides a practical example of how propulsion enables orbital mobility. The Artemis II mission demonstrates how SteamJet technology can support a demanding orbital manoeuvre.

The Artemis II Mission: K-RadCube

Mission planners selected SteamJet Space Systems to become part of the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight to the Moon in the last 50 years. The mission aimed to adjust the orbit of the South Korean K-RadCube satellite, which otherwise risked burning up in the atmosphere.

After separating from the launch vehicle, the satellite was to enter a highly elongated elliptical orbit with an apogee of about 70,000 km. However, its perigee was supposed to pass through the upper layers of Earth’s atmosphere. Without orbital corrections, the satellite would have lost altitude as early as its first orbit.

Solution: Mission engineers selected the SteamJet Thruster One to raise the satellite’s perigee to 200 km through a sustained 12-hour burn, one of the longest continuous burns that a water-fueled engine can perform in space.

Technical Details of the Manoeuvre

Parameter
Value
Initial orbit
Highly elliptical, apogee ~70,000 km
Corrective action
12-hour thruster burn
Purpose of the manoeuvre
Raise the perigee to ~200 km
Thruster
SteamJet Thruster One
Isp
More than 250 ns
Propellant consumption
~170 g of water (about a quarter of the water in the tanks)

During the burn, the thruster had to operate for 12 consecutive hours without overheating or causing the satellite to exceed safe temperature limits. At the same time, it had to generate enough heat to produce the necessary thrust.

Longest In-Orbit Burn with Steam-Based Propulsion Set for Artemis II CubeSat

Traditionally, mission teams used chemical propellants for such manoeuvres under extreme orbital conditions.. It is expensive, toxic and difficult to handle. This case study demonstrates that water can deliver comparable performance without these risks.

Modern orbital mobility requires more than simply reaching an orbital position. Satellites need to actively manoeuvre to maintain their orbit, avoid collisions, and perform mission-specific corrections. Therefore, selecting the propulsion system became one of the key decisions in preparing for the mission.

When selecting a propulsion system, engineers should consider more than the equipment price. They should also evaluate regulatory restrictions, propellant safety, ease of integration, and flight heritage.

SteamJet meets most of these criteria thanks to a simple solution: water as a propellant. It is safe, requires no complicated storage procedures, is not subject to strict export restrictions, and is efficient enough for use on both CubeSats and larger satellites.

The example of the Artemis II mission with the K-RadCube satellite confirms this in practice. Ultimately, water is capable of performing tasks that were previously considered the exclusive domain of toxic chemical propellants.

About SteamJet Space Systems

SteamJet Space Systems is a leading UK-based provider of high-performance satellite propulsion solutions. We specialise in water-based propulsion solutions designed specifically for CubeSats and Small Satellites (SmallSats), prioritising operational safety and rapid launch integration. 

By pioneering the use of green propellants and intelligent thermal engineering, SteamJet enables complex LEO (Low Earth Orbit) manoeuvres — including orbital maintenance, collision avoidance, and de-orbiting — without the risks associated with toxic hydrazine or high-pressure cold gas systems, advancing green propulsion for space missions.

Steamjet Propulsion Technology

Our modular systems are engineered for seamless integration and maximum safety compliance:

Steamjet TunaCan Thruster: A compact, high-efficiency solution for 1U-3U CubeSats.

Steamjet TunaTank Thruster: A safe, high-performance electrothermal propulsion system.

Steamjet Thruster One: Scalable propulsion for larger SmallSat constellations.

Discover how SteamJet’s sustainable space propulsion innovations are providing the safety and reliability required for the next generation of crewed and robotic missions. Contact our engineering team for technical specifications and ICDs.