Understanding how heat moves through an electrothermal propulsion system is critical when the thruster is mounted directly onto a spacecraft. We conducted a detailed thermal mapping campaign to evaluate operational behaviour. A new thermal imaging camera was used during this test.
Nozzle and Heat Exchanger Performance
The protective top cover was removed and we could capture the thermal distribution across the thruster during operation.
Measurements demonstrated that the heat exchanger does indeed heat up — the temperature on the surface facing space exceeds 300 °C. At the same time, the temperature on the contact surfaces located closer to the attachment point and the engine body is significantly lower — around 40 °C.
This confirmed that our thermal modelling accurately represents real operational conditions.
Thermal Impact on the Spacecraft Interface
One of the key elements of this campaign was to understand how heat propagates toward the spacecraft.
The base of the thruster, meaning the surface used to mount the unit to the satellite, showed minimal temperature variation. During the operation the temperature changes remained within approximately 1°C.
Additionally, the contact surfaces located closer to the engine structure but not directly exposed to the hot section stabilized around 40°C, well within acceptable limits.
The results of the thermal mapping campaign confirm that SteamJet thruster doesn’t pose a thermal overheating risk to the satellite.
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 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.