Space propulsion Archives - SteamJet Space Systems

TunaCan Thruster: A Compact and Safe CubeSat Propulsion Solution for Academic Missions

TunaCan water-based CubeSat propulsion system for academic missions

Simplifying Propulsion for Academic Space Missions

While integrating propulsion into a CubeSat may seem straightforward in theory, the reality is often far more complex — particularly for student teams and university-based research groups. Many conventional spacecraft propulsion systems are too large, require intricate handling procedures, or demand specialized expertise and equipment. These barriers can lead to project delays and increased costs.

At SteamJet Space, we believe that satellite propulsion should enable mission success — not stand in its way.

TunaCan is a compact, steam-based satellite thruster tailored specifically for academic CubeSat missions and early-stage research programs. It is designed to be safe, easy to integrate, and fully compatible with existing CubeSat propulsion workflows — offering propulsion without the usual complexity.

Why CubeSat Propulsion Often May Be Challenging

Implementing CubeSat propulsion systems presents particular difficulties for academic teams. Some of the factors that restrain this process:

Limited space and volume: many thrusters are too large for a CubeSat, reducing available space for payloads and other mission-critical systems.
Safety and handling requirements: high-pressure tanks and hazardous propellants require additional safety and regulatory measures.
Complex system integration: smaller and less-experienced teams face different issues with numerous requirements, timelines, and more.

These factors are especially pronounced for student-led projects and early-career researchers because the resources are limited and timelines are quite tight. In such cases, a CubeSat propulsion system that requires months of integration time may not be the most efficient solution.

TunaCan Thruster: A New Era in CubeSat Propulsion

TunaCan is a satellite thruster with a simple integration that doesn’t compromise its functionality. Our compact, water-based CubeSat propulsion system allows for eliminating many traditional barriers associated with satellite thrusters.

Main advantages:

The TunaCan thruster is mounted outside of the satellite, hence it preserves valuable internal space for payloads. It is placed inside a specific type of small satellite deployer that some carriers use.
TunaCan satellite thruster utilizes water as its propellant making it safe for academic environments and lab settings because there are no risks associated with high-pressure tanks and hazardous materials.
Straightforward integration requires minimal preparation time.
Diverse mission applications with advanced performance and flexibility.

The TunaCan satellite thruster provides a dependable CubeSat propulsion solution ready for a wide range of student satellite missions and academic CubeSat missions.

Available for University Missions

TunaCan satellite thruster is a flight-proven solution designed to offer high functionality, safety, and simple integration – all at a cost accessible to universities and research institutions. You can find all the technical documentation and CAD models on our website. If your mission requires reliable, low-complexity propulsion, we’d be happy to help. TunaCan satellite thruster is a perfect CubeSat propulsion solution for university teams – reach out to learn how the TunaCan CubeSat thruster can power your next academic space mission.

More technical information regarding the thrusters is available on our website. This includes specifications, performance data, and recent test results. Steam TunaCan Thruster and Steam Thruster One – both examples of new space engines developed by SteamJet Space – are shaping the future of sustainable satellite propulsion and advancing spacecraft propulsion technologies.

Ensuring Performance and Reliability: The Testing Process Behind SteamJet Thrusters

SteamJet space propulsion systems, based on water, undergo a thorough evaluation process designed to meet the highest performance standards before being delivered to customers. At SteamJet, our commitment is to ensure that every step is meticulously carried out, from sophisticated simulations to real-world testing.

Our satellite thruster technology has been thoroughly tested across various missions, including partnerships with Above the Clouds and PHi Demo missions, to confirm their ability to tackle space challenges. These tests are crucial in supporting small satellite developers seeking reliable, sustainable propulsion solutions.

Starting with the initial PHi Demo mission in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), launched aboard the Soyuz rocket, to the mission with the SatRevolution team aboard the Virgin Orbit launch vehicle, every mission has offered essential insights. This experience helped us refine and validate the effectiveness of our propulsion technology.

SteamJet thrusters undergo multiple testing phases to guarantee that they are entirely ready for the space mission.

Operational Condition Simulation

Satellite thruster systems have to be tested to ensure their reliability. Thus, it is crucial to simulate operational conditions during the development process. There are multiple external factors that affect the thruster at the launch, which are outlined in the launch vehicle manual. Potential issues involve vibrations, acceleration and the abrupt forces on both first and second stages. A vibrodynamic test bench simulates these vibrations, reproducing the unique characteristics of the launch vehicle.

Initially, a qualification copy is tested on a vibrodynamic bench to apply stress 20-40% higher than what the thruster is expected to experience on the launch vehicle itself. The final product intended for the customer, undergoes an additional 12-20% overload.

In orbit, space propulsion systems face a set of challenges, namely temperature fluctuations and low pressure. The thrusters transition from extreme heat to cold 16 times a day, but the water inside must remain sealed and functional. A thermal vacuum chamber is used to simulate the space environment, cycling through these extreme conditions.

Once the vibration and thermal vacuum tests are completed, it is possible to confirm that thrusters will perform reliably. Key parameters must not be compromised, namely thrust, specific impulse, and seal integrity. Each thruster is certified to leave the lab after ensuring that it can withstand all these factors.

All the reports and functional tests are reviewed by the customer to verify that the propulsion technology performed predictably and within the technically justified tolerances under operational conditions.

Integration into Satellite

Once a satellite thruster has passed all qualification phases, it’s ready to be integrated into the small satellite platform. After it is integrated into the satellite, the customer repeats all the same steps. Teams of both missions, the PHi Demo mission and “Above the Cloud”, received fully functional and tested thrusters. They integrated thrusters into their equipment and successfully performed all the tests.

Our team participated in the acceptance process, we reviewed all the reports and test forms with the mission system engineers. We also took part and provided training in the thruster fueling, either at the launch site or in the laboratory.

SteamJet space propulsion systems successfully passed every testing stage in both missions, the PHi Demo mission and the “Above the Cloud” mission. Our water-based propulsion technology demonstrated exceptional reliability, and small satellite developers received fully functional and high-quality thrusters that meet all the performance standards.

We are dedicated to quality and accuracy, these missions showcase SteamJet’s capacity to provide dependable, advanced satellite thrusters that are fully operational in space.

More technical information regarding the thrusters is available on our website. This includes specifications, performance data, and recent test results. Steam TunaCan Thruster and Steam Thruster One. Discover how SteamJet innovations are shaping the future of sustainable satellite propulsion.

Space Propulsion Systems: Types and Technologies

In-space propulsion systems are in high demand because they allow small satellites to achieve attitude and orbit control, maneuver and ensure end-of-life deorbiting. Various types of space propulsion systems are currently available and it is important to consider which option is more suitable for a specific mission. Not only do satellite thrusters introduce a spectrum of new possibilities and capabilities to the space mission, but they also help manage space traffic and prevent the increase of debris.

Space propulsion systems may be broadly categorized into chemical, electric, and cold-gas systems. Selecting the most fitting thruster is a vital step for any space mission that requires in-space maneuverability and control.

Chemical Space Propulsion Systems

In thrusters that utilize chemical propellant a chemical reaction occurs to create gas, which expands and is released to generate thrust. Different chemicals are usually used as propellant, including hydrazine, ammonium dinitramide (ADN) and AF-M315E to name a few. Some systems are monopropellant, meaning that they operate with a single chemical, and others are bi-propellant, using a mixture of two.

Despite their wide usage and reliability, chemical space propulsion systems have certain drawbacks that can limit their effectiveness. Namely, many chemical propellants are toxic and hazardous to the spacecraft and the environment. Also, these systems may be expensive, and complicated in terms of installation and handling of toxic materials.

Electric Space Propulsion Systems

In this type of space propulsion system electric or magnetic force is utilized to expel a propellant. As a result, a propulsive force in the opposite direction is generated. They generally offer a higher specific impulse compared to the chemical ones. Thus, less propellant is required and higher mass efficiency is provided.

Electric space propulsion systems require a substantial power source, which leads to a more complicated design that includes processing and control units. Overall, this increases the thruster weight.

Cold-gas Space Propulsion Systems

Cold-gas space propulsion systems are widely used and their operating principle is based on expanding an inert, pressurised gas to generate thrust. This type of system is relatively inexpensive and provides high reliability. Their main disadvantage is the limited total impulse capability.

Water-based Space Propulsion Systems

Water-based space propulsion systems vary depending on the technology used to generate thrust. They are safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly. The main propellant is water, which is non-toxic, stable, and easy to handle.

At SteamJet Space we manufacture water-based compact electrothermal propulsion systems for micro and nanosatellites. Their operating principle is based on the fuel that is heated electrically into superheated steam and then ejected through a supersonic nozzle. The high temperature reached by the steam allows to achieve a high Specific Impulse.

Steam Tunacan Thruster is optimal for CubeSats taking no space inside the satellite and needs less than 20W to be operated.

Steam Thruster One is optimal for large CubeSats and Small Satellites having a flexible customizable design and also needing less than 20W.

SteamJet thrusters are safe because there are no toxic or flammable substances. They provide performance similar to chemical propulsion. On top of that, they require low power consumption, focused on the Small Satellite power restrictions.