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Japanese firm Pale Blue flew a nano-satellite using water vapor propulsion for the first time.
The company's propulsion system, tested aboard Sony's Star Sphere 1, or EYE, satellite, passed its first test using the environmentally friendly, low-cost propellant method.
Next, the two companies will use the novel method to boost the satellite into its intended orbit.
During the test on March 3, Pale Blue's water-based thrusters fired off for roughly two minutes. Data later confirmed that the engine's initial test was successful, the company confirmed in a press statement on Monday.
The EYE nanosatellite is Sony's first satellite for its Star Sphere project, which aims to make space photography more accessible.
EYE launched alongside 113 other satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the SpaceX rideshare mission Transporter 6 on January 6. The nanosatellite, or CubeSat, features a camera and will operate from an altitude of about 310 to 372 miles (500 to 600 kilometers) above the surface of the Earth. The successful test of Pale Blue's propulsion system means it can now help the satellite maneuver to its target orbit, allowing it to begin operations later this year.
Pale Blue says that its water propulsion thruster was designed to prolong the life of the small EYE satellite's lifetime by 2.5 years with small periodic orbital correction maneuvers.
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/sony-cubesat-water-vapor
The company's propulsion system, tested aboard Sony's Star Sphere 1, or EYE, satellite, passed its first test using the environmentally friendly, low-cost propellant method.
Next, the two companies will use the novel method to boost the satellite into its intended orbit.
During the test on March 3, Pale Blue's water-based thrusters fired off for roughly two minutes. Data later confirmed that the engine's initial test was successful, the company confirmed in a press statement on Monday.
The EYE nanosatellite is Sony's first satellite for its Star Sphere project, which aims to make space photography more accessible.
EYE launched alongside 113 other satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the SpaceX rideshare mission Transporter 6 on January 6. The nanosatellite, or CubeSat, features a camera and will operate from an altitude of about 310 to 372 miles (500 to 600 kilometers) above the surface of the Earth. The successful test of Pale Blue's propulsion system means it can now help the satellite maneuver to its target orbit, allowing it to begin operations later this year.
Pale Blue says that its water propulsion thruster was designed to prolong the life of the small EYE satellite's lifetime by 2.5 years with small periodic orbital correction maneuvers.
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/sony-cubesat-water-vapor