UK-based startup SteamJet Space Systems has been selected to provide the propulsion unit for an ambitious CubeSat mission flying as part of Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed return to the Moon in more than 50 years. The mission represents a major milestone for both SteamJet and sustainable in-space propulsion technologies.
The CubeSat, developed by South Korea’s NaraSpace, will operate in a highly elliptical Earth orbit. Once released, SteamJet’s water-based propulsion system will play a critical role in preventing atmospheric re-entry and enabling the spacecraft to carry out its scientific mission.
SteamJet Propulsion Supporting the Artemis II Mission
“Our participation in a mission that is part of NASA’s Artemis II programme is a major milestone for our team,” said Marco Pavan, CEO of SteamJet Space Systems.
“This selection validates our technology as both sustainable and capable of operating in complex orbital environments. It demonstrates that CubeSats and small satellites no longer need to compromise on performance to adopt green propulsion solutions.”
The CubeSat, named K‑RadCube, will initially be placed into a highly elliptical orbit with an apogee of approximately 70,000 km and a critically low perigee. Without corrective manoeuvres, the spacecraft would re-enter Earth’s atmosphere during its very first orbit.
High-Performance Orbital Manoeuvre Using Water-Based Propulsion
Traditionally, only chemical propulsion systems, with their high thrust and specific impulse, could perform such rapid and demanding orbital corrections. SteamJet’s propulsion system however, achieves comparable performance using water as propellant.
Shortly after deployment, the thruster will execute a continuous 12-hour burn to raise the perigee to approximately 200 km. This manoeuvre will prevent atmospheric re-entry and allow the spacecraft to operate safely within Earth’s radiation belts.
If successful, this operation will represent one of the longest continuous in-orbit burns ever performed by a water-based propulsion system, setting a new benchmark for sustainable in-space propulsion.
Key Objectives of the SteamJet Thruster on Artemis II
- Perigee correction to approximately 200 km
- Orbit adjustment and stabilisation
- Extension of the CubeSat operational lifetime
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.