The satellite industry has experienced historic growth over the last few years. This is particularly evident in the small satellite sector. CubeSats, a type of small satellite, are cost-effective and versatile. They have become a vital instrument in space exploration, communications, and research, with innovations like water propulsion contributing to their development. Choosing the right CubeSat propulsion system is crucial for mission success.
One of the keys to a mission success is selecting 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.