The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced that the first mission of the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI)-Demo was scheduled to launch on June 27, 2023, at 15:34 GST from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome aboard a Soyuz-2 rocket. The Initiative aims to provide an effective satellite platform that can host payloads for multiple purposes. The project includes a 12U modular satellite platform to be designed in partnership with OQ Technology and SteamJet Space Systems. Specifically, SteamJet Space Systems is a company specialising in sustainable CubeSat propulsion. As a result, the UAE intends to strengthen its position in space innovations.
The Payload Hosting Initiative is designed to deliver partner entities’ payloads to space and provide operational support. According to MBRSC project manager Zakaria Al Shamsi, PHI-Demo will also serve as a pathfinder for future missions under the programme and support organisations in the region in pursuing their space ambitions.
Photo Source: MBRSC, https://mediaoffice.ae/en
SteamJet’s Role in PHI-Demo
Together with an innovative IoT communication payload, developed by OQ Technology, a UAE-based start-up under MBRSC’s Space Ventures initiative, and designed to store and forward data collected from IoT devices in remote areas, industries, and autonomous vehicles using state-of-the-art 5G technology, PHI-Demo will also test SteamJet’s environmentally friendly propulsion subsystem. In particular, Thruster One is going to showcase sustainable CubeSat propulsion in real mission conditions. Thruster One is a flexible water-powered resistojet. It provides high thrust while consuming very little power. Consequently, this makes it a significant innovation in sustainable CubeSat propulsion technology. Moreover, another major benefit of Thruster One is the possibility to customise its water tank size and shape to meet the mission requirements. It also improves the subsystem final integration into the spacecraft, further enhancing integration into the spacecraft and advancing CubeSat propulsion efficiency.
SteamJet Thruster One technical specifications
METRIC | VALUE | ENGINEERING IMPACT |
|---|---|---|
SYSTEM WET MASS | ~1.70 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/ Water-Alcohol | Green-label; simplified Range Safety approval. |
TOTAL IMPULSE | 1200 Ns | 1200 Ns |
INPUT POWER | < 20 W (Peak) | Compatible with standard CubeSat power rails. |
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL | RS 422, TTL UART | Defined by mission requirements |
According to the Director-General of the MBRSC, His Excellency Salem Humaid AlMarri, 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.
Mission Impact and Strategic Importance
Marco Pavan, CEO of SteamJet Space Systems, expressed his appreciation for having 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 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.
