SteamJet Thruster One: Testing and Flight Readiness for Artemis II Mission

SteamJet Thruster One

SteamJet Thruster One will perform an orbit correction for South Korea’s K-Rad Cube satellite during the upcoming Artemis II mission. South Korean NaraSpace designed and built the K-Rad Cube satellite for NASA’s historic Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years.

Once deployed into a highly elliptical orbit, the satellite will face an immediate challenge because its first perigee passes through Earth’s upper atmosphere. SteamJet Thruster One will provide the orbital correction required to prevent the satellite’s re-entry into the atmosphere.

Before any mission, SteamJet thrusters undergo a meticulous testing process to guarantee performance and reliability. Fuel tank burst pressure testing was also completed to meet the elevated safety standards required for the crewed Artemis II mission.

In addition to burst testing, engineers conducted acceptance testing on the SteamJet Thruster One for Artemis II, following established industry practices. Acceptance test campaign consists of several phases:

  • Functional test
  • Vibration dynamic test
  • Thermal vacuum test
  • Leak rate

Functional test

Functional testing verifies the thruster’s performance in all operational modes. The flight profile details all settings relevant for in-orbit operation aboard the satellite. For the Artemis II mission there are two main operational modes: commissioning and thrust.

The commissioning mode is the first operational state activated post-launch. It purges residual gases from the fuel lines.

For the Artemis II mission the thruster was optimized to deliver high thrust, operating nearly in continuous mode. This configuration ensures the mission objective is met, raising the orbit perigee to over 180 km during the first orbit.

An impulse of 240 Ns was generated in order to accomplish this goal. The test consisted of a sequence of cycles that included thrust generation, heating without firing and system health checks.  The manoeuvre was split in two parts, with a cooling period in between.

Telemetry data of a firing block:

Telemetry data of a firing block

The results of the overall functional thrust mode test are as follows:

  • Water Tanks initial condition: 350g of water on each tank at a pressure of 3.4 atm
  • Water consumed: 167.0 g
  • Total Impulse: 240 – 260 Ns
  • Thrust: 15 – 17 mN
  • Test duration: 11h 25m (including cool down period)

Vibration dynamic test

During the vibration dynamic test, engineers simulate operational conditions to ensure all components meet quality standards.

The vibration stand main specifications were the following:

Parameter
Value
Stand
ETS_L620M.std
Maximum payload weight [kg]
300.0
Reduced mass of the moving system [kg]
6.0
Operating frequency range [Hz]
3.00 – 3500.00
Buoyancy force [N]
6000.00
Maximum speed [m/s]
1.80
Maximum movement [mm]
25.00
Maximum acceleration [m/s2]
980.00

Thruster mounting for vibrations testing along X,Y,Z:

Thruster mounting for vibrations testing

During and after vibration dynamic testing, all thruster parameters remained within normal limits and met specifications.

Thermal vacuum test

The main goal of the thermal vacuum test is to check that the thruster performs and survives extreme temperatures encountered in space. Additionally, the test reveals any hidden issues early, reducing the chance of problems during the first hours of flight.

Engineers successfully completed all functional checks at the different dwell temperatures. The total mass loss during Thermal Vacuum was 0.7g, or 0.059 %, which confirms that the integrity of the thruster is maintained.

Leak rate

After the thermal vacuum test, engineers measured the leak rate. The thruster was fuelled and left for 20 hours in vacuum conditions while monitoring pressure and temperature values. Engineers detected no leaks during this 20-hour period.

Thruster telemetry during leak rate test:

Thruster telemetry during leak rate test

Conclusion

SteamJet Thruster One has successfully completed all testing required for the Artemis II mission. Functional, vibration, thermal vacuum, and leak rate tests confirmed that the thruster performs reliably in all operational modes, maintains its integrity under extreme conditions, and meets mission requirements. With verified performance and no detected leaks, the thruster is fully flight-ready to perform the critical orbital correction for the K-Rad Cube satellite.

About SteamJet Space Systems

SteamJet Space Systems is a leading UK-based provider of high-performance satellite propulsion solutions. We specialize in water-based thrusters designed specifically for CubeSats and Small Satellites (SmallSats), with a strong focus on water-based thruster safety.

By pioneering the use of green propellants and intelligent thermal engineering, SteamJet enables complex LEO (Low Earth Orbit) maneuvers — including orbital maintenance, collision avoidance, and de-orbiting — without the risks of toxic hydrazine or high-pressure cold gas systems. This approach advances 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 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.

Fuel Tank Burst Pressure Testing for Artemis II Mission Qualification

tank burst test

Spacecraft Propulsion Safety for a Crewed Artemis II Mission

Tank burst safety is a critical requirement for crewed space missions. For Artemis II mission, SteamJet Space Systems is preparing to demonstrate spacecraft propulsion capabilities by performing an in-orbit correction for South Korea’s K-RadCube satellite. As a result, this manoeuvre is designed to prevent premature atmospheric re-entry and relies on a simple principle: using water as the propellant.

Artemis II Mission Safety Requirements

Artemis II is a manned mission; therefore, safety and reliability are imperative. Every element of the propulsion system must withstand conditions well beyond nominal operation. In particular, the pressurised, space-grade propellant tank must safely tolerate extreme internal pressures. This capability is a critical factor for CubeSat safety and crewed mission compatibility.

For this reason, the SteamJet team performed fuel tank burst pressure testing last year to confirm that the pressurized tank meets the Design Burst Pressure requirement defined in ANSI/AIAA S-080A-2018, Section 10.4.10, as part of CubeSat mission qualification.

Why Fuel Tank Burst Testing Is Required

A fuel tank must demonstrate compliance with a burst factor (BF) of 2.5. In this case, the maximum Design Pressure (MDP) is 5.67 bar. Therefore, the required design burst pressure (DBP) is calculated as 2.5 times MDP, which results in 14.18 bar.

Design Burst Pressure = BF x ECF x MDP = 2.5 x 1.0 x 5.67 = 14.18 bar

Test Environmental Conditions

The test was conducted near ambient temperature, approximately 20°C. As a result, the environmental correction factor (ECF) remained 1.0.

During the test, pressure increased progressively at a controlled rate. This approach prevented transient load spikes or dynamic effects, thereby ensuring representative water-based thruster safety conditions.

Tank Burst Test Setup

The team positioned the pressurised tank inside a safe container to protect against shrapnel or fluid jetting in the event of rupture. Next, they connected it to a water pump designed to exceed the required burst pressure through pressure-rated fittings and hoses. Pressure gauges and sensors continuously monitored the internal pressure. In addition, temperature sensors monitored ambient conditions. The team placed them near the tank, which is consistent with space-grade propellant tank testing practices.

Instrumentation and Monitoring

The team checked the system for leaks and functionality in advance and then filled it with water. After that, all instrumentation connected to a data acquisition system for continuous monitoring and recording throughout the test. 

Because the electronic pressure sensor was limited to 30 bar, the team monitored higher pressure levels using an analogue gauge. A schematic of the test setup is shown below.

fuel tank burst testing setup

Tank Burst Test Procedure

The test began with a leak check at 5.67 bar to confirm the system was secure. Pressure was then gradually increased until it reached the calculated Design Burst Pressure of 14.18 bar. At this stage, the team held the pressure for about two minutes to verify tank integrity in line with CubeSat safety requirements.

Because the digital sensor could only measure up to 30 bar, it was removed, and the system was depressurised before continuing with the analogue gauge. Afterwards, pressure increased steadily until the tank burst. The team recorded the exact burst pressure, along with time, temperature, and the location and type of failure. Throughout the test, the team continuously monitored the system and logged all data from a safe distance.

fuel tank

Failure Location and Structural Behaviour

The tank was first pressurised up to 30 bar without rupture. After depressurisation and removal of the digital pressure sensors, the team re-pressurised the tank in a continuous event. The tank burst at 90 bar. Notably, this observed burst pressure far exceeds the required design burst pressure of 14.18 bar.

As a result, the test confirmed that the fuel tank is capable of exceeding the minimum requirement with a substantial margin, supporting CubeSat mission qualification and crewed mission safety.

tank burst test

Failure Mode and Stress Concentration

The failure happened along the edge of the tank, where stress concentrations are highest. It is consistent with the results of stress analysis. The tank edges and the centers of the smaller faces are the key areas of stress concentration.

Parameter
Required (DBP)
Actual Result
Safety Margin
Pressure (bar)
14.18 bar
90 bar
~ 6.3x
Standard
ANSI/AIAA S-080A-2018
Compliant
–
Temperature
20°C (Ambient)
20°C
–

In conclusion, the design burst pressure of 14.18 was successfully verified. The final burst pressure recorded was 90 bar. Therefore, the results demonstrate an excellent safety margin of the tank design for space-grade propellant tanks used in green propulsion systems.

About SteamJet Space Systems

SteamJet Space Systems is a leading UK-based provider of high-performance satellite propulsion solutions. We specialize in water-based thrusters designed specifically for CubeSats and Small Satellites (SmallSats), with a strong focus on water-based thruster safety.

By pioneering the use of green propellants and intelligent thermal engineering, SteamJet enables complex LEO (Low Earth Orbit) maneuvers — 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:

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.

Longest In-Orbit Burn with Steam-Based Propulsion Set for Artemis II CubeSat

SteamJet space propulsion system

SteamJet Space Systems will demonstrate spacecraft propulsion during the upcoming Artemis II mission with an orbiting correction for South Korea’s K-RadCube satellite to prevent its re-entry into the atmosphere. The manoeuvre uses a straightforward application of water.

K-Rad Cube satellite, developed by South Korean NaraSpace, will be onboard NASA’s historic Artemis II mission, the first manned lunar mission in over 50 years. The CubeSat will face a challenge after it is deployed into a highly elliptical orbit. Its first perigee is within Earth’s upper atmosphere. Without orbital correction, the satellite will be lost.

That’s where SteamJet’s water thruster steps in.

“This mission is about demonstrating what water-based propulsion can do in high-stakes, real-world conditions,” said Marco Pavan, CEO of SteamJet Space Systems. “We’re performing a high-thrust, high-precision manoeuvre that was once reserved for chemical systems.”

Configuring the thruster to operate safely and efficiently over the prolonged burn presented one of the mission’s key challenges. For this reason, the team had to ensure the engine would not overheat. At the same time, the satellite needed to remain within safe temperature limits. In addition, sufficient heat was required to generate the needed thrust. All systems had to remain stable and operate smoothly for approximately 12 hours.

Mission Objective

The primary mission of the K-RadCube is to monitor cosmic radiation and analyse its effects on astronauts as it passes through the Van Allen radiation belts, located more than 1,000 kilometres above Earth. However, to extend its mission duration and avoid atmospheric re-entry after the first orbit, the satellite must raise its perigee to 200 km.

To achieve this, SteamJet’s spacecraft propulsion system will conduct a prolonged 12-hour burn, one of the longest single burns ever performed by a water-based thruster in space. The manoeuvre is intended to extend the operational mission lifespan.

Key Mission Parameters:

Launch Orbit: Highly elliptical, ~70,000 km apogee

Corrective Action: 12-hour prolonged burn to raise perigee to ~200 km

Propulsion System: SteamJet Thruster One (water-powered)

According to our calculations, the thruster will deliver more than 250 Ns of impulse, corresponding to roughly 170 g of water — about a quarter of the capacity of our tanks. As a result, a significant propellant margin remains for the mission.

SteamJet Water Thruster Powers Critical Artemis II CubeSat Maneuver

Redefining the Frontiers of Green Propulsion

Previously, CubeSats that operate in these harsh environments would have required chemical propulsion — a costly, toxic, and complex solution. In contrast, SteamJet’s spacecraft propulsion technology offers the same performance without the hazards, a scalable option for deep-space and high-energy orbit missions.

Overall, the mission is a demonstration of sustainable propulsion for demanding orbit applications, enabling future CubeSats to conduct complex missions that were not possible without sacrificing safety or sustainability.

About SteamJet Space Systems

SteamJet Space Systems is a UK-based space propulsion company offering 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.

Detailed technical specifications, test data, and CAD models for the Steam Thruster One are available on the website. Discover how SteamJet innovations are shaping the future of sustainable satellite propulsion.

Sustainability: Innovation and Space Debris Management

CubeSat propulsion system reducing space debris

Today, the space sector is advancing rapidly. The number of launches and satellites in orbit is increasing. This creates fresh opportunities for commerce, research, and 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.

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. This debris typically includes non-functional satellites and abandoned rocket stages. As a result, orbital overcrowding and long-term viability are growing concerns.

The 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 utilized for scientific purposes and communications.

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 engines 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.

CubeSat propulsion systems powered with 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.

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.

SteamJet selected by MBRSC for its first PHI-Demo mission

CubeSat Propulsion system powered with water

In January, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced the development of the PHI-Demo mission under the Payload Hosting Initiative. Furthermore, the Initiative aims at providing an effective satellite platform that can host payloads for multiple purposes. The project includes a 12U modular satellite platform that is going to be designed in partnership with OQ Technology and SteamJet Space Systems. Specifically, SteamJet Space Systems is company specialising in sustainable CubeSat propulsion. As a result, the UAE intends to strengthen its position in space innovations.

Sustainable CubeSat propulsion

Photo Source: MBRSC, https://mediaoffice.ae/en

SteamJet’s Role in PHI-Demo

Together with an innovative IoT communication payload, PHI-Demo’s main goal will be to test SteamJet’s environmentally friendly propulsion subsystem. In particular, the Steam Thruster One is going to showcase sustainable CubeSat propulsion in real mission conditions. The Steam Thruster One is a flexible water-powered resistojet. It provides high thrust — tens of times more than electric propulsion — while consuming very little power. Consequently, this makes it a significant innovation in sustainable CubeSat propulsion technology. Moreover, another major benefit of the Steam Thruster One is the possibility to customize its water tanks size and shape to meet the mission requirements. It also improves the subsystem final integration into the spacecra, further enhancing integration into the spacecraft and advancing CubeSat propulsion efficiency.

The mission launch date is scheduled for Q4 2022. According to the Director-General of the MBRSC, His Excellency Salem Humaid AlMarri, said that this collaboration gave more opportunities for countries and entities to deploy and operate their own satellites in space. In addition, it would contribute to the advancement of satellite-related technologies.

According to the Head of Payload Hosting Initiative of the MBRSC, Zakaria Al Shamsi, the space sector’s future relies on possibilities for cooperation. And the Payload Hosting Initiative means a strategic step for the space sector.

Mission Impact and Strategic Importance

Marco Pavan, CEO of SteamJet Space Systems expressed his appreciation to have been selected for the first PHI mission. Moreover, he sees the partnership with MBRSC as an essential step towards a greener and safer approach to propulsion in the small satellite industry.

The PHI-Demo mission demonstrates how sustainable CubeSat propulsion is shaping the future of eco-friendly, efficient, and safe satellite missions.

Last year Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) announced the Payload Hosting Initiative (“PHI”) and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for satellite payload hosting. The program starts in 2022 and plans to hold two satellite missions annually.

About SteamJet Space Systems

SteamJet Space Systems is a UK-based space propulsion company offering 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.

You can access detailed technical specifications, test data, and CAD models for our new space engines on our website. Steam TunaCan Thruster and Steam Thruster One. Discover how SteamJet innovations are shaping the future of sustainable satellite propulsion

SteamJet’ TunaCan Thrusters a part of the “Above the Clouds” mission

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.