PBI water ion thruster
A 1U+ ion engine that runs on water, giving small satellites high-efficiency propulsion for orbit changes and deorbiting.
Why it matters
Ion engines stretch a small fuel load much further than steam thrusters. Running one on water keeps the safety and cost benefits.
How the technology works
The water ion thruster ionizes water vapor and accelerates the ions electrically. Pale Blue lists more than 7,000 Ns of total impulse in a 1U+ package.
D-Orbit agreed to fly two demonstrations of it in 2025.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction