The smallsat sector has grown rapidly: 1,219 smallsats were launched in 2020, compared with 2,860 in 2023*, more than twice as many. In 2025, revenue in the commercial satellite industry grew by 4%, accounting for 71% of the world’s space business. Remote-sensing revenue also increased by 4%, while the number of remote-sensing satellites in orbit has risen by 47% since 2016, supporting applications such as environmental monitoring. However, this growth also brings sustainability challenges, both on Earth and in space. One of the issues is a growing amount of orbital debris being generated. Therefore, it highlights the importance of CubeSat propulsion in reducing space debris and improving orbital sustainability.
*Source: BryceTech, “Smallsats by the Numbers 2025”
Dr Lewis, an expert from the University of Southampton, highlights: “By far the greatest risk comes from those with long lifetimes at altitudes of about 750 km. If CubeSats continue to be launched into long-lived orbits without any means of disposing of them, then they will contribute to the growing space debris hazard. This is not a responsible or sustainable practice, in my view. However, if efforts are made to limit the lifetimes– as some are already doing – then the risks will be reduced.”
The Space Debris Challenge
Space exploration is becoming more attainable for entrepreneurs and innovators. Furthermore, with the expansion of satellite constellations in both quantity and scale, numerous new items are being introduced into low Earth orbit—not only satellites but also space debris. According to ESA, space surveillance networks currently track about 40,000 objects in orbit, including about 11,000 active payloads. The actual number of debris objects is estimated to exceed 12 million for objects larger than 1 cm, including more than 50,000 objects larger than 10 cm. As a result, orbital overcrowding and long-term viability are growing concerns.
Space debris poses a threat of collision events and may ultimately hinder or render it unfeasible for satellites to function properly in the low Earth orbits utilised for scientific purposes and communications. For example, between December 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, each Starlink satellite fired its thrusters an average of 14 times to avoid orbiting objects, including other satellites and space debris.
Commitment to Sustainable CubeSat Propulsion
At SteamJet, we believe the future depends on making responsible choices and exploring the stars without leaving unnecessary marks. To support this goal, our commitment is to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly propellants to reduce the effect on space environments.
SteamJet propulsion systems function solely in the space environment and pose no threat to the Earth’s atmosphere. They don’t contain hazardous or flammable materials that require special care when being installed on a satellite. Additionally, our thrusters activate solely in space, and unlike various other satellite types, they can be deployed from a spacecraft or space station. Their launch and functioning pose no risk to the crew. A practical example is the K-Rad CubeSat mission aboard NASA’s Artemis II, where the satellite is set to use a water-based propulsion system for an orbital correction. Learn more about the Artemis II water-propulsion demonstration.
CubeSat propulsion systems powered by water transform the modern approach to satellite mobility and help mitigate space debris in orbit. Moreover, they offer safe, cost-efficient, and environmentally responsible solutions. In particular, these systems enable precise orbit adjustments, maintain satellite positioning, support constellation coordination, and ensure end-of-life de-orbiting.
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.