CubeSat in-Orbit Propulsion on the “Above the Clouds” Mission
Virgin Orbit announced the changes in the “Above the Clouds” mission where SteamJet Space Systems will participate with its CubeSat water propulsion thruster.
According to Virgin Orbit, the Spire CubeSat will join the smallsats of the Space Test Program and SatRevolution on the next LauncherOne mission. Notably, this will be the rocket’s fourth flight since the first launch in May 2020. Meanwhile, the “Above the Clouds” mission with a Virgin Orbit LauncherOne rocket is scheduled for launch on January 12, 2022 (UTC).
The mission “Above the Clouds” was first announced in November. At that time, the participants were the Defense Department’s Space Test Program (STP) and SatRevolution. SatRevolution is a Polish manufacturer of nanosatellite technologies. The satellite aimed to collect information about “micro” space debris in low Earth orbit. It will be done with the help of a short-range radar provided by Spire. Furthermore, SatRevolution planned to test two projects: STORK-3 as an imaging satellite and SteamSat-2, based on SteamJet’ TunaCan Thruster. SteamJet TunaCan Thruster is a compact resistojet with a unique water-powered propulsion technology, produced by SteamJet Space Systems. It demonstrates CubeSat in-orbit propulsion using a compact, water-powered resistojet designed for small satellite missions. Moreover, the TunaCan Thruster has been specifically designed for CubeSat platforms, keeping in mind all the limitations in terms of volume, power, and safety while enabling reliable in-orbit propulsion for CubeSats.
TunaCan Thruster for External CubeSat Installation
One of the key benefits of the SteamJet TunaCan Thruster is its external installation in the TunaCan volume, which sits outside the CubeSat structure. Therefore, it has the ability to deliver CubeSat in-orbit propulsion while occupying almost no internal satellite volume. In fact, it is the only propulsion unit in the market that needs almost no volume inside the satellite. Moreover, the TunaCan Thruster is environmentally friendly, as water is the main propellant, provides a high thrust, and has a low power consumption. For more details, technical information about the TunaCan Thruster is available on our website.
About SteamJet Space Systems
SteamJet Space Systems, based in the UK, develops high-performance, water-based thrusters for CubeSats and small satellites. By utilising green propellants and intelligent engineering, SteamJet enables complex in-space missions without resorting to toxic or high-pressure systems.
More technical information regarding the thrusters is available on our website. This includes specifications, performance data, and recent test results. Steam TunaCan Thruster and Steam Thruster One. Discover how SteamJet innovations are shaping the future of sustainable satellite propulsion.