Pale Blue and D-Orbit to test water-fueled thruster for small satellites in 2025

Japanese startup Pale Blue has partnered with Italian company D-Orbit to test a new water-fueled thruster in 2025. The thruster, called the Pale Blue 1U+ Water Ion Thruster, is designed for small satellites to maneuver and de-orbit safely. Pale Blue previously demonstrated its Resistojet thruster in orbit in 2023 and has since raised $16 million in funding. The company aims to validate its water-based propulsion technology through two planned demonstrations on D-Orbit's ION Satellite Carrier in June and October 2025. This agreement marks D-Orbit's first collaboration with a Japanese company, enhancing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership aims to promote sustainable space operations using water as a propellant.