
Key highlights
The PBI (Water Ion Thruster) is a compact 1U ion propulsion system designed to deliver an unprecedented level of total impulse, making it ideal for nanosatellites and microsatellites. The system is fully integrated, incorporating the thruster head, fluidics, electronics, and propellant tank within a single unit. Its modular and clusterable design also enables scalability across a wide range of spacecraft sizes and mission profiles.
The PBI uses water as its propellant, eliminating the need for high-pressure storage systems. The propellant is preloaded into the tank prior to factory delivery, allowing satellite integrators to avoid the complexity and operational burden associated with conventional fueling procedures.
The propulsion system achieved its first successful in-orbit deployment in June 2025, followed by a second successful launch in October 2025, where it continues to support ongoing mission operations.
Applications
- Orbit insertion
- Orbit maintenance
- De-orbit
- Collision avoidance
- Formation flying
Key features
- Quick start-up time
- No fueling work needed
- Simple commands
- Ready to use
- Ease of handling
- Quick, stable delivery
Flight heritage
- 1st launch in June 2025
- 2nd launch in Oct 2025
- Both with D-orbit
Manufacturing
PBI is manufactured in Japan.
Customers
Building on the successful demonstration with D-Orbit, Pale Blue is actively pursuing new opportunities with customers and mission partners.
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Last updated: 2026-05-22

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