The space industry changes rapidly. The “new space” sector is making missions more frequent, commercial, and decentralized. More small satellites are being launched into orbit, and new services are emerging. On top of that, there is a growing interest in lunar and near-lunar infrastructure.
However, sustainable space development demands more than just reducing launch costs. Consequently, the future space economy requires efficient logistics. Future missions must deliver, store, and utilise resources in space without constant dependence on Earth.
In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) plays a major role in the future of space exploration. This approach reduces the need for propellant delivery, water, and other resources from Earth.
Water is one of the most valuable resources. Besides supporting life, it can also power CubeSat propulsion systems, provide radiation shielding, and enable future near-lunar logistics. Hence, water is an important element that helps to develop ISRU, sustainable orbital infrastructure, and new space missions.
What ISRU Means for the New Space Economy
In simple terms, ISRU means using the resources that exist in space rather than bringing them from Earth. The new space economy is going to benefit greatly from ISRU. Furthermore, the more missions there are in orbit, near the Moon, and in deep space, the more difficult and expensive it will be to continuously send all the necessary supplies from Earth. In-Situ Resource Utilisation will help to build a more independent and sustainable space infrastructure.
Furthermore, national programs such as the Luxembourg Space Resources initiative also show that space resources are becoming an important part of the future commercial space economy.
Resource | Moon | Asteroids | Mars | Cislunar / Orbit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Water ice | Medium | Medium | High | Future supply |
Oxygen | High | Medium | High | Future supply |
Regolith | High | High | High | Limited |
Metals | Medium | High | Medium | Limited |
Solar energy | High | High | Medium | High |
In addition, ESA also highlights the importance of lunar resources and materials, including regolith, oxygen and other materials that could support future exploration infrastructure.
Why Water is the Ultimate Strategic Resource for ISRU
Water is one of the most important resources for future space infrastructure. Unlike many other types of propellant, water is safe and convenient in terms of storage. As a result, water becomes an excellent choice for long-term missions and orbital services.
For example, in space, water can serve several purposes at once. Namely, propulsion systems, radiation shielding, thermal control, and crew life support.
Scientists have found water ice on the Moon and may find it on other celestial bodies. If future missions extract and process it on site, water could become part of future ISRU supply chains. Consequently, for near-lunar and deep-space missions, water can become an important logistical commodity. It will be possible to extract, store, transport, and use it wherever it is needed to support space infrastructure.
Water-Based Propulsion is a Step Toward Sustainable Mobility
Water-based propulsion systems are an efficient solution for small satellites and CubeSats. Water as a propellant is much safer than traditional types of propellant. As a result, integration, testing, transportation, and preparation are simplified.
In the future, water electrothermal thrusters will fit perfectly into the ISRU supply chains. Eventually, future missions could use extracted and stored water not only to support life but also to power the orbital mobility of satellites and other spacecraft.
Scaling from SmallSat Constellations to Cislunar Infrastructure
Today, propulsion systems enable CubeSats and small satellites to perform low Earth orbit (LEO) manoeuvres, adjusting their orbit, and managing the mission flexibly. Looking ahead, the next step is in-orbit mobility. In this environment, water-based propulsion systems are useful for orbital servicing, satellite inspection, rendezvous, collision avoidance, and the management of satellite constellations.
In the future, future missions could use water obtained through ISRU for refuelling and logistics in near-lunar space. This will make it possible to build a more sustainable infrastructure connecting Earth, the Moon, and other destinations.
Thus, water propulsion serves as a bridge between today’s small satellites and the space infrastructure of the future.
Combining Water Propulsion and 3D Printing for Space Mobility
The SteamJet propulsion system bridges the gap between water-based green propellant technology and additive manufacturing. By utilising 3D printing, we can manufacture highly compact, safe, and custom-shaped thruster components tailored for modern small satellites. As a result, additive manufacturing minimises total dry mass, simplifies assembly, and maximises layout flexibility within tight CubeSat form factors.
“Our strategic goal is to bring our sustainable propulsion systems to the Moon, asteroids, and beyond,” states Marco Pavan, CEO of SteamJet Space Systems. “Water propulsion technology is the foundation required to build an independent, efficient, and truly sustainable space infrastructure.”
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:
Steam TunaCan Thruster: A compact, high-efficiency solution for 1U-3U CubeSats.
Steam TunaTank Thruster: A safe, high-performance electrothermal propulsion system.
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.