SAN FRANCISCO - Japanese startup Pale Blue announced an agreement on January 8 with Italian transportation company D-Orbit to conduct two demonstrations in 2025 of a tiny water-fueled thruster.
The Pale Blue 1U+ Water Ion Thruster, slightly larger than a 10-centimeter cube, is designed to assist small satellites in maneuvering during missions, avoiding space debris, and de-orbiting at mission conclusion, according to a news release.
“By partnering with D-Orbit, we are taking a significant step forward in validating the performance and reliability of our propulsion technology,” stated Jun Asakawa, Pale Blue co-founder and CEO. “This collaboration will enable us to meet the growing demand while contributing to space sustainability.”
Pale Blue demonstrated its Resistojet thruster in orbit for the first time in 2023. Since then, the University of Tokyo spinoff has raised $16 million in a Series B round and secured a Japanese Small Business Innovation Research contract worth up to $27 million to develop water-based ion and Hall-effect thrusters.
“We are confident that our water-based propulsion system will redefine the future of satellite missions and open up new possibilities for space exploration,” Asakawa added.
Water propellants offer advantages including safety, availability, and ease of handling, contingent on their performance in orbit.
Pale Blue plans to demonstrate thruster performance in June and October 2025 on flights of D-Orbit's ION Satellite Carrier. Since 2020, D-Orbit has deployed 105 satellites and hosted 48 payloads across 14 ION missions.
“Water-based propulsion technology perfectly aligns with D-Orbit's commitment to sustainable space operations,” remarked Renato Panesi, D-Orbit co-founder and chief commercial officer. “Drawing on our extensive experience in successful in-orbit demonstrations and the proven versatility of ION Satellite Carrier, we are happy to support Pale Blue in advancing their innovative propulsion solution.”
Pale Blue is D-Orbit's first Japanese customer. The new contract “highlights our commitment to strengthening ties within Japan's advanced space sector and expanding D-Orbit's reach in the Asia-Pacific region,” stated Ash Takao, D-Orbit sales development manager and member of Marubeni Corp.
When Marubeni led D-Orbit's €150 million Series C round, the Japanese trading giant obtained exclusive rights to distribute D-Orbit's services in Japan and Southeast Asia.