Most space debris consists of fragments generated by collision with other space debris and satellites that have ceased operation. In order to reduce space debris, it is imperative to ensure that future satellites will be equipped with the ability to avoid collision and perform deorbit maneuvers upon completing operation.
As propulsion systems enable satellites to both avoid collision and deorbit, they are one of the most effective tools available today to mitigate space debris. While more and more smallsats are expected to be launched going forward, especially in the 10 to 500 kg mass range, the need for propulsion systems that are small enough to fit on small satellites and integration friendly will only continue to grow.
Pale Blue is going to tackle this challenge by developing a propulsion system that uses water as propellant, which is not only safe and procurement but which can also be miniaturized friendly and made considerably lighter.
Under this program, Pale Under will develop two types of propulsion systems; a water-based, miniaturized, ion thruster, targeting 10 to 100 kg class satellites, and a water-based, hall-effect thruster targeting 100 to 500 kg class satellites, both of which will be demo’d on-orbit.
This program supports startup companies that are ready for large scale technology demonstrations and is designed under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program in Japan to promote innovation by facilitating the R&D executed by startup companies.
The program aims to promote the social application of state of the art technologies by subsidizing grant projects. The SBIR-3 program awarded to Pale Blue 3 program is divided into three phases and will grant as much as $27 million (JPY 4 billion). The grant amount is determined separately at each phase, with the first phase amount totaling $88.7.7 million (JPY 1.million.
Pale Blue is a space tech company that was developed from the University of Tokyo in 2020. The company is dedicated to providing a propulsion solution for spacecraft and produces a range of systems. Through its innovative propulsion technology, Pale Blue aims to create mobility that is core to the space industry.
“We are truly honored to have been selected for the SBIR,” said Jun Asakawa, CEO of Pale Blue. “We will contribute to space debris mitigation through agile development of the miniaturized water ion thrusters and the hall-ion thrusters. This program will enable the product to rapidly enter after the on-orbit demonstration and will allow for quick adoption by satellite constellation operators. We are confident that this will lead to our vision of creating mobility that is core to the space industry.”
