In recent years, the number of satellites in orbit has increased significantly. It poses an important challenge, namely space debris. Discarded satellites, collision debris, and uncontrolled objects gradually fill orbit. On top of that, space debris complicates new missions.
Today it is not just an environmental issue. Regulators insist that satellites deorbit once their missions are complete. Without these guarantees, the launch may be denied, and the mission faces additional risks and restrictions.
Space debris is becoming a critical challenge for satellite missions, and it must be taken into account during the design phase.
The Growing Problem of Space Debris
Space debris refers to everything left in orbit after satellites have completed their missions: non-functional spacecraft, their fragments, debris from collisions, and even tiny particles. These are uncontrolled objects that remain in motion.
Why is it a problem:
- The number of launches increased tremendously, particularly for CubeSats and small satellites
- Low Earth orbit (LEO) rapidly becomes overcrowded. This phenomenon is also known as orbital congestion
- More and more objects end up in orbit without a clear deorbiting plan
What are the risks:
- Satellite collisions may damage or destroy valuable equipment
- The Kessler effect is a chain reaction in which a single collision creates thousands of new pieces of debris
- Mission failures and expensive satellite malfunctions
Debris mitigation is becoming a key factor in the design of any satellite mission.
Zero-Debris Regulations and Requirements
The requirements for satellite missions are becoming more and more strict. The deorbiting process used to be optional, but now it is a prerequisite. The FCC introduced a 5-year deorbit rule for LEO satellites, while ESA promotes sustainable mission design through its ESA Zero Debris Charter.
Post-mission disposal (PMD) means that the satellite has to deorbit at the end of the mission. Regulators often set specific deadlines. The general trend today is that space debris mitigation regulations are becoming more rigorous. Zero-debris mandates declare requirements to minimize a mission’s contribution to space debris.
These changes in regulations are important because without a clear deorbiting plan, the mission may not be approved. Also, insurance risks increase along with costs. And investors consider how well a mission aligns with new sustainability requirements and standards.
As a result, a well-thought-out and guaranteed deorbiting plan becomes not just a technical challenge, but an essential part of a successful mission.
Water Thrusters as a Reliable Deorbit Solution
Taking into account new requirements for reducing space debris, satellite operators need propulsion systems that allow for controlled and predictable deorbit. This is one of the reasons why water-based propulsion systems attract more attention today. One of its advantages is the capability to perform pre-calculated deorbit.
Safe and Non-Toxic Propellant
Unlike chemical thrusters, water is non-toxic. This means that integration, transportation, and storage are significantly simpler. On top of that, non-toxic satellite propulsion helps lower safety requirements for operating the satellite and reduces the number of restrictions during mission preparation.
Sufficient Thrust for Controlled Deorbit
For successful deorbiting, it is important not to just wait for passive decay. It may take years and depends on multiple factors. Steam TunaCan Thruster (ideal for 3U external mounting) and Thruster One (optimized for 6U-16U internal integration) allow for fast and controlled deorbit. The satellite receives enough thrust to carry out precise maneuver when it is necessary.
Water Propulsion Improves Deorbit Capability
Propulsion Type | Typical Specific Impulse (Isp) | Deorbit Capability | Propellant Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
Traditional Cold Gas | ~50–70 s | Limited for complex maneuvers | Usually safe |
Water-Based Propulsion | ~172 s | Reliable controlled deorbit | Non-toxic |
Chemical Propulsion | Higher performance | High maneuverability | Toxic and complex |
Designed for CubeSat and SmallSat Missions
Modern water thrusters are designed with the constraints of small satellites in mind:
- compact size
- limited power
These systems are perfect for CubeSat and SmallSat missions, where it is especially important to maintain a balance between performance, weight, and available space inside the satellite.
Unlike chemical thrusters that can leave residue on sensitive lenses or sensors, water vapor is “clean,” making it a primary SEO differentiator for Earth Observation (EO) missions.
The space debris problem is a new reality for the industry. The number of satellites grows, which means that deorbit requirements become strict. Today, compliance is no longer just an added benefit, but an essential part of any modern mission. Water propulsion systems help make this process simpler and more reliable. They enable controlled deorbiting, simplify compliance with new requirements, and provide greater control over the mission throughout its entire lifecycle.
About SteamJet Space Systems
SteamJet Space Systems is a leading UK-based provider of high-performance satellite propulsion solutions. We specialise in water-based thrusters designed specifically for CubeSats and Small Satellites (SmallSats), with a strong focus on water-based thruster safety.
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:
Steam TunaCan Thruster: A compact, high-efficiency solution for 1U-3U CubeSats.
Steam TunaTank Thruster: A safe, high-performance electrothermal propulsion system.
Steam 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.