Reclaim 100% of your internal bus volume. Utilise the cylindrical exclusion zone of standard CubeSat deployers for full orbital control.
The SteamJet TunaCan Thruster is a space-qualified, water-based electrothermal propulsion system specifically engineered to fit within the external “tuna can” volume of CubeSat deployers. By utilising low-pressure, non-toxic water as a green propellant, it delivers a high thrust-to-power ratio (up to 20 mN at < 20 W) without sacrificing internal satellite payload space or risking RF interference.
The Zero-Internal-Footprint Solution
Standard propulsion modules consume 0.5U to 1.5U of critical rail-to-rail volume. The TunaCan architecture utilises the surplus space in the launcher’s deployment cylinder. By moving the propulsion system outside the main structure, you maximise the payload-to-volume ratio without upgrading to a larger, more expensive satellite class.
- Internal Volume Occupied: 0U — 0 Units.
- Mounting: Standard interface plate for 3U, 6U, and 12U frames.
- Envelope: Optimised for Nanoracks and ISIS-style deployers.
Steamjet Tunacan Thruster looks like ⌀80 X 80 mm lightweight cylinder. It features a sleek, metallic cylindrical body. The outer shell acts as a structural propellant tank. The aft side houses the precision thrust nozzle and integrated fueling caps, allowing for easy access during the dry-ship fueling process at the launch site. The front side features standardised structural mounting points and the primary data and power port, enabling a single-cable connection for all telemetry and firing logic.
TunaCan Thruster In-Orbit Heritage
The Steam TunaCan Thruster maintains an established in-orbit heritage dating back to 2022, notably featuring technical validation during the SatRevolution “Above the Clouds” mission. This initial orbital success has been supplemented by performance data from several undisclosed commercial missions across various Low Earth Orbit (LEO) profiles. These deployments collectively demonstrate the operational maturity and mission-readiness of the TunaCan’s water-based electrothermal propulsion architecture.
All-in-One Mechanical Integration
The TunaCan is a hermetically sealed, self-contained orbital manoeuvre unit designed for rapid integration. We’ve eliminated the complexity of external piping and driver boards.
- Integrated Power & Control: Onboard electronics handle thermal management, telemetry, and firing logic via a single I2C/UART/RS-422 interface.
- Structural propellant tank: The housing serves as the low-pressure vessel and the primary mounting structure, reducing part count and failure points.
- Pre-filled Readiness: Delivered as a flight-ready component. No complex propellant loading or high-pressure gas handling required at your facility.
SteamJet Tunacan Thruster technical specifications
METRIC | VALUE | ENGINEERING IMPACT |
|---|---|---|
SYSTEM WET MASS | ~0.54 kg | Minimal impact on CoG and moment of inertia. |
SPECIFIC IMPULSE | 172 s | Efficient for orbital manoeuvring. |
Thrust Level | 5 – 20 mN | High-fidelity control for constellation phasing. |
PROPELLANT TYPE | Water | Green-label; simplified Range Safety approval. |
TOTAL IMPULSE | Up to 219 Ns | Sufficient for multi-year station keeping & deorbiting. |
INPUT POWER | < 20 W (Peak) | Compatible with standard CubeSat power rails. |
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL | RS 422, TTL UART | Defined by mission requirements. |
Safety & Launch Compliance
Low-Risk Path to Orbit. The TunaCan utilises water — a non-hazardous, low-pressure liquid that simplifies the safety clearance process for secondary payloads. It is designed to meet NASA GSFC-STD-7000A and ESA ECSS-E-ST-10-03C standards, ensuring that your propulsion system is never the bottleneck in your launch schedule.TunaCan structural integrity is approved for Falcon 9, SLS, and Soyuz launches.
Maximising Mission Capability
The TunaCan propulsion system is not just an auxiliary module; it is a mission enabler. By moving the propulsion outside the 1U-6U rail structure, mission designers can implement capabilities that were rare for CubeSats:
Precision Phasing & Constellation Deployment
Deploy your fleet from a single launch and use TunaCan’s external Delta-V to phase satellites into their respective slots without losing payload capacity.
Active Collision Avoidance
With its low-vibration profile and rapid response time, the system provides high-confidence manoeuvring to protect your high-value optical or RF instruments.
Orbit Raising & Maintenance
Extend the life of your LEO mission by counteracting atmospheric drag, all while keeping your internal bus dedicated to oversized power systems or sensors.
Responsible De-orbiting
Meet international space debris mitigation guidelines (25-year rule) using a dedicated external module that doesn’t “steal” space from your primary mission hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
The system is designed with a low-profile, symmetric mass distribution. While it is mounted externally, its dry mass (~0.3 kg) is optimised to reduce torque during firing. We provide full STEP models to help your ADCS team simulate the precise CoG shift.
Yes. The TunaCan uses a non-toxic, non-flammable, and low-pressure liquid. This “Green” classification allows it to be integrated into missions launching on ISS resupply vehicles and commercial rideshares where high-pressure hazardous gases (like Hydrazine) are prohibited.
No. The system is “all-in-one.” All valves, heaters, and control logic are integrated into the TunaCan housing. You only need to provide a standard power rail and a digital communication interface (I2C/UART/RS-422).
The module is designed to fit within the cylindrical exclusion zones of most standard canister-based deployers, including Nanoracks, ISISpace, and Exolaunch. It utilises the “TunaCan” volume that is otherwise left empty during launch.
Yes. TunaCan Thruster is designed and manufactured to be 100% ITAR-free. This simplifies the procurement process and international shipping for satellite manufacturers and space agencies globally.
What’s new on TunaCan Thruster
What's next?
- Download the TunaCan Thruster Datasheet and CAD model.
- Ask for Price or any other question.
- Need a bigger internal solution for microsatellite? Check out our SteamJet TunaTank Thruster or even bigger SteamJet Thruster One.
- If you’re representing an academic or non-profit project, we have a special offer for you! Follow this link to learn more.
- Learn more about SteamJet.