Originally published at Sa.catapult.org.uk
SteamJet Space Systems, the first Westcott BIC incubated, develops water-based propulsion systems for CubeSats, offering safe, compact, and affordable thrusters for small satellites. This innovative water-propelled CubeSat technology enables satellites to remain in orbit longer, optimize trajectories, avoid collisions, and de-orbit safely at the end of their mission.
Water-Based Spacecraft Propulsion
SteamJet develops and produces water propulsion for CubeSats using water or other low pressure, non-toxic, non-corrosive fluid as the propellant to form thrust in a low power resistojet.
Key advantages of water propulsion for CubeSats include:
- When compared to high-pressure cold gas thrusters, the SteamJet propulsion system is completely safe for launch site operations or storage within the International Space Station. This reduces the overall mission risks.
- The high thrust and low power consumption of SteamJet thrusters promote satellites to arrive at the final orbit sooner when compared to those using electric propulsion.
After a networking event at the Catapult, SteamJet became the first company incubated at the Westcott Business Incubation Centre (BIC), focusing on CubeSat water propulsion challenges:
- CubeSats are launched as secondary payloads, without the possibility to optimize their final orbit.
- The limited lifespan, 1-2 years, for a CubeSat deployed from the ISS (International Space Station) before it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere.
- CubeSats deployed at high altitude orbits (600-700 km) could violate ESA’s 25 years re-entry international guidelines.
“The greatest value-add during our year at the Catapult’s Westcott BIC includes the introductions to key personnel within the rocket propulsion community. Strengthening our knowledge of the sector and specific technologies, which has given us access to specialist innovation support. Furthermore, the BIC team helped us to identify and successfully apply for research grants from EDRF and UKSA.”
Marco Pavan
Co-Founder & Director, SteamJet Space Systems
CubeSat Challenges and SteamJet Solutions
The propulsion system is smaller than 1U and exploits the ‘tuna can’ volume available on CubeSat deployers. Its unique shape allows for installation outside the main CubeSat structure. This is a major benefit for the final customer because it provides more space for the payload or other subsystems within the satellite.
This compact option provides a minimum overall dimension with maximum flexibility. The solid thruster design and efficient mass exhaustion increases reliability and decreases costs yet meets all CubeSat safety requirements.
Outcomes and Achievements
Cross-technology collaboration
SteamJet has collaborated with Total Carbide who now manufactures part of the SteamJet system. To date, we have two prototypes and 3D printing underway.
Strong academic relationships
The SteamJet system, post-manufacture tolerances, are tested at The University of Southampton where we have recently commenced a SPRINT project.
Progressed a technology towards commercialization
The specialist knowledge gained whilst at the Westcott BIC has created the foundations for our first technology demonstration mission.
Application for a trademark
To protect SteamJet’s intellectual property, commenced during our year as a Westcott Incubatee.
Increased employment
As the company continues to grow, we will seek to move from the current six employees to ten within the next couple of years.
Future Plans for Water-Based Spacecraft Propulsion
A launch service agreement with Momentus, an in-space transportation company, is underway. This will be SteamJet’s first technology demonstration mission for a reliable, compact, and available water-based propulsion system. It will be launched from a Falcon9 rocket to a Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). At the moment, we have signed up for 2020 and 2021 Vigoride flights. These flights are designed to remain in Low Earth Orbit for several months depending upon the customers’ missions.
In the future, SteamJet has ambitious plans to apply its proprietary rapid water-heating technology to a wide range of space propulsion products, not just to serve small satellites, but medium and big satellites as well, introducing a New Age of Steam in Space!
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.
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.