Satellites and subsystems > Orbit determination and control > Satellite and CubeSat thrusters > PBR-20 (Water Resistojet Thruster)
Key highlights
The PBR-20 (Water Resistojet Thruster) is a compact 1U water vapor propulsion system optimized for 6U–8U CubeSats. It is a fully integrated solution that incorporates the thruster head, fluidics, electronics, and propellant tank within a single unit. Its clusterable architecture also enables scalability across a wide range of spacecraft sizes and mission requirements.
The PBR-20 uses water as 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 complex fueling procedures during spacecraft integration.
The propulsion system first demonstrated successful operation in low Earth orbit in March 2023. Its reliability was further validated through a second in-orbit operation in January 2025 aboard Sony’s first satellite, EYE.
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
Manufacturing
PBR-20 is manufactured in Japan.
Customers
- Sony Group: Pale Blue offers a very compact system that can fit their 6U cubesat using - water - the ultimate green propellant, while achieving high thrust enough for orbit insertion and station keeping.
- Others undisclosed
Disclaimer: satsearch is not responsible for any mistakes on this page, although we do our best to ensure correctness. Please report any mistakes to us.
Last updated: 2026-05-22
Technical specs
Export
