The satellite industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, particularly in the small satellite sector. This growth is expected to continue, the 11th edition of Novaspace’s Prospects for the Small Satellite Market report forecasts 16,900 launches of small satellites weighing under 500 kg between 2026 and 2035. As part of this expanding sector, CubeSats are cost-effective and versatile spacecraft used in space exploration, communications, and research. Innovations such as water propulsion are helping advance their capabilities, while choosing the right propulsion system remains crucial to mission success.
One of the keys to a mission success is choosing the right propulsion system. Selecting a suitable CubeSat propulsion system can be difficult, yet it is essential for any mission or service that necessitates in-space maneuvering and control. While the market provides multiple CubeSat propulsion systems, including water propulsion, it is crucial to know how to evaluate them.
A real-world example is SatRevolution’s SteamSat-2 mission. The TunaCan Thruster was designed around CubeSat constraints: its external installation preserves internal payload volume, while its water propellant keeps the system compact and low-risk. This made it a practical propulsion solution for the “Above the Clouds” mission.
Performance, safety, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability are among the most important factors to consider in propulsion design.
Precise Control and Reliability with CubeSat Propulsion
Water propulsion offers enhanced maneuverability, enabling precise orbit adjustments and facilitating complex mission profiles. It provides the capability to adjust thrust levels for accurate maneuvers, crucial for missions that need exact positioning and alignment. Moreover, this type of space propulsion system is relatively simple to design and operate. The technology is streamlined because it doesn’t require complex chemical reactions, thus minimizing the likelihood of technical failures.
For example, on NASA’s Artemis II mission, the K-Rad CubeSat was planned to use a SteamJet Thruster One to correct its orbit after deployment, as its first perigee lies within Earth’s upper atmosphere. The approximately 12-hour burn requires precise thrust control to prevent the satellite from being lost.
Safety and Non-Toxic CubeSat Propulsion Options
Water is one of the promising propellants because it is non-toxic and non-combustible. Thus, water propulsion eliminates the need for high-pressure gas systems. It is readily available, easy to handle and store, as well as poses few risks to both the spacecraft and the personnel engaged in mission preparation. On top of that, a water propulsion system may expedite the time required for safety evaluations.
Cost-effectiveness
Water as a propellant allows for the alignment of budget limitations with optimal performance while maintaining quality standards. It is an accessible resource that has a much lower price than numerous conventional chemical propellants. The water propulsion system is suitable for missions with limited funding.
SteamJet’s Academia program gives university teams access to CubeSat propulsion systems through special pricing for academic institutions. Water propellant, low-pressure operation, and simple electronics can also make hands-on propulsion training easier to integrate into programs with limited resources.
Sustainability
Water propulsion is eco-friendly since it generates only water vapor, which is harmless to the space environment. This feature is in perfect alignment with a trend on sustainable space exploration and reducing the generation of space debris. Water vapor presents no danger to other spacecraft or orbital environments.
SteamJet engineered reliable and efficient space thrusters with optimal performance. Their simple design allows for customization to meet various mission requirements and does not cause any RF or magnetic interference. SteamJet thrusters have established in-orbit heritage since 2022. The TunaCan Thruster flew on SatRevolution’s “Above the Clouds” mission, and six SteamJet Thruster One systems are currently in orbit, including heritage from MBRSC’s 2023 PHI-Demo mission. Their simple design allows customization for different mission requirements without RF or magnetic interference.
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.