Pale Blue has provided a water vapor propulsion system (water engine) for a nano-satellite of Sony’s STAR SPHERE Project. The propulsion system will enter and maintain the orbit of the satellite, which will fly in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 500 km to 600 km. Leveraging its technology, the water propulsion system will prolong the satellite’s life by 2.5 years.

In recent years, environmental problems occurring on a global scale have become more serious, and many countries around the world, one after another, have declared themselves carbon neutral. An increasing number of companies are also working to reduce environmental impact and handling costs by adopting green propellants in the space industry. Pale Blue tackles environmental issues and growing demand by providing safe, sustainable, and low-cost propulsion systems that use water as a propellant.

The Sony STAR SPHERE Project endeavors to liberate people’s perspective of space through the power of technology. The project aims to create opportunities for people to nurture their thoughts on the global environment and social issues by freely observing the Earth from outer space.

The project’s nano-satellite was launched by SpaceX Falcon 9 on January 3rd, 2023, marking Pale Blue’s first on-orbit space demonstration of a water vapor propulsion system. Going forward, Pale Blue will advance science and technology by innovating a safe water-based propulsion system to create the next generation of space mobility infrastructure.

“I am sure that STAR SPHERE, which enables everyone to discover perspectives from space and gain new inspiring experiences, is an unprecedented new use of space and a project with the potential to grow the space industry itself in a discontinuous manner,” said Jun Asakawa, CEO, and Co-Founder of Pale Blue. “I am very pleased that our safe, sustainable, and low-cost water thruster can contribute to this project, and we are committed to the development of the space industry.”

Pale Blue Exhibits:

Jan. 3 (5:00-8:30 p.m.) – CES Unveiled (Booth #332, Mandalay Bay)

Jan. 5 (6-10 p.m.) – ShowStoppers (Bellagio Hotel, Grand Ballroom)

Jan. 5-8 – CES 2023 (Booth #62201, Japan Pavilion @Eureka Park)

Click here to learn about the STAR SPHERE project’s Nano Satellite.

Click here to learn about thrusters from different manufacturers listed on SatNow.