Satellites and subsystems > Orbit determination and control > Satellite and CubeSat thrusters > Steam Thruster One
Key highlights
The SteamJet Thruster One is a space-qualified, electrothermal propulsion system that meets rigorous international engineering and safety standards for orbital missions. It is qualified according to the ESA ECSS-E-ST-10-03C and NASA GSFC-STD-7000A standards, ensuring its reliability and structural integrity during launch and space operations.
The system’s reliability is further demonstrated by its 100% mission success rate, with 6+ systems already successfully operated in space. This flight-proven architecture utilises 3D printing technology to develop clean, water-based propulsion solutions. SteamJet’s steam-based propulsion technology has been selected for the Artemis II NaraSpace K-RadCube mission to perform critical orbit corrections.
From a technical integration standpoint, the thruster is engineered to ensure no RF interference, preventing electromagnetic disruption to other onboard satellite subsystems. Safety qualification is simplified by the system's reliance on low-pressure water as its primary propellant, which eliminates the hazards associated with high-pressure storage or toxic chemical fuels. Additionally, the hardware is entirely ITAR-free, removing international trade hurdles and simplifying the regulatory path for global satellite integrators.
Applications
- Collision Avoidance
- De-Orbiting
- Life Extension
- Constellation Management
- Orbit Phasing
- Stationkeeping
- Critical Orbit Correction
- Orbit insertion
- Formation flying
Key features
- High Thrust-to-Power Ratio: Delivers approximately 50x more thrust than typical electric propulsion systems
- High Specific Impulse: Optimized for efficient propellant utilization in LEO missions
- High Total Impulse: Capable of supporting extended mission lifetimes and significant orbital maneuvers
- Freezing resistance: Supports water-alcohol mixtures for operation down to -30 °C
- Low Power Consumption: Engineered for high efficiency with minimal power draw during idle and active states
- Low-Pressure Storage: Eliminates the safety risks and regulatory complexities associated with high-pressure propellant tanks
- No RF Interference: Designed for electromagnetic compatibility to ensure no disruption to sensitive onboard satellite communications
- Simple launch site logistics and satellite integration due to the use of benign propellant
- Integrated "Plug-and-Play" Module: The thruster head, water tank, heat exchanger, and control electronics are in one unit
- Tank size and shape can be tailored to fit available internal satellite volume and specific delta-V budgets
- The Tank has successfully passed stringent pressure testing in compliance with NASA requirements
- Environmental Resilience
- Flight heritage singe 2023
Customization
The Steam Thruster One leverages flight-proven 3D printing technology to tailor the propulsion system's design to unique mission requirements. The size and shape of the water tanks are customizable to ensure seamless integration within the satellite's internal volume and to accommodate specific ΔV budgets. A water-alcohol mixture can be utilized to lower the propellant freezing point to -30 °C for missions in extreme thermal environments. Please contact the manufacturer directly to discuss specific budgetary and timing requirements.
Flight heritage
- Flight heritage since 2023
- More than 6 systems in orbit
- Chosen for the Naraspace Artemis II/ K-RadCube mission
Manufacturing
The SteamJet Thruster One is manufactured using flight-proven 3D printing technology which allows for the easy customization of the system's design to match specific mission requirements. Production features the integration of our proprietary heat exchanger design and proprietary water tank design. Quality and reliability are ensured by meeting ESA and NASA space qualification standards.
Testing & qualification
The SteamJet Thruster One is a space-qualified and flight-proven propulsion system that meets rigorous international engineering and safety standards for orbital missions. It is qualified according to the ESA ECSS-E-ST-10-03C standard and the NASA GSFC-STD-7000A standard, ensuring its reliability and structural integrity during launch and space operations.
Qualified for SpaceX, SLS and Soyuz rideshare.
Export control
The SteamJet TunaCan Thruster has ITAR-free status, allowing for straightforward shipping and handling worldwide.
Customers
- MBRSC “PHI-Demo” mission (2023)
- Several non-disclosed missions
- NaraSpace Artemis II/ K-RadCube mission
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Last updated: 2026-02-26
Technical specs
TTL UART
1. higher thrust is achievable using more than 20 W
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