SteamJet at a Major European Space Technology Expo
On November 19-21, 2019 the SteamJet team visited the Space Tech Expo Europe 2019 in Bremen, Germany. The international conference SpaceTech Expo Europe 2019 is a specialized exhibition dedicated to the design, production, and testing of space technology, including spacecraft for various purposes, satellites, propulsion systems, and ground infrastructure, and more. It brought together more than 4,500 attendees and 409 exhibitors from 54 countries. Its focus on engineering and the aerospace supply chain made it a valuable opportunity for SteamJet to meet potential partners and discuss applications for its thrusters.
Propulsion Discussions
At Space Tech Expo Europe 2019 in Bremen, industry representatives, such as Eutelsat and T4i, discussed satellite propulsion and its role in the sustainable development of satellite constellations. ThrustMe, a space mobility startup, showcased its iodine-fueled electric propulsion and cold-gas systems. Exotrail co-founder and CEO David Henri spoke about how low-cost rideshare missions, including SpaceX’s emerging smallsat program, were changing the economics of electric propulsion and orbital mobility for small satellites.
As a result of these discussions, it became clear that no single propulsion system can meet all customer requirements. Each solution has its own strengths and limitations. In response, the SteamJet team presented the capabilities of its propulsion engine and established valuable contacts for future flight tests and hosted payload opportunities.
Business Opportunities After SpaceTech Expo Europe 2019
Following meetings at Space Tech Expo Europe 2019, several CubeSat companies expressed interest in SteamJet thrusters. Some also discussed potential collaboration, including opportunities to provide flight platforms and explore investment. These discussions highlighted potential applications for SteamJet in LEO missions and for nanosatellites weighing up to 20 kg. In response, the SteamJet team plans to expand its product portfolio to address a broader range of mission requirements.
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.