CHIBA, Japan (Nov. 18) – Pale Blue is set to introduce two new propulsion systems to its lineup, strategically designed to support the escalating demands of small satellite missions.

 

The expanded portfolio includes:

PBH-100: A small-sized Hall thruster that achieves an optimal balance of high thrust and high specific impulse.

PBR-30: A Resistojet thruster engineered for superior performance through low power consumption and high thrust capabilities.

 

 

In recent years, the rise of small satellite constellations and their full-scale practical deployment has created a critical industry need to maximize satellite mission equipment uptime. Because simultaneously operating mission payloads and thrusters is often impractical, achieving optimal satellite efficiency hinges on reducing the time required for a thruster to start up and complete its maneuver. The PBH-100 incorporates Japanese microwave cathode technology (*1), a feature that resolves the slow startup issues that have historically hampered conventional Hall thrusters for small satellites, enabling instantaneous, high-efficiency operation. By equipping the small satellite market with thrusters utilizing this highly reliable, cutting-edge technology, we are making a significant contribution to improving mission success rates and streamlining overall operational efficiency.

 

 

Small Hall Thruster: PBH-100

– Incorporates unique Japanese microwave cathode technology, flight-proven on multiple mission of JAXA, start-up time is significantly reduced compared to Hall thrusters using conventional cathode technology for small satellites.

– Delivers the ideal balance of high thrust and high specific impulse to effectively address a wide range of Delta-V requirements (*2).

– Primarily suited for 50-200kg class small satellites, featuring a miniaturized system design.

– Propellant-preloaded design eliminates launch-site fueling work.

– Component placement and mounting methods can be modified upon request to flexibly accommodate diverse satellite designs.

Details: https://pale-blue.co.jp/product/pbh-100/

 

 

2U Resistojet Thruster: PBR-30

– Adopts Pale Blue’s flight-proven resistojet technology.

– Primarily designed for 30-50kg class small satellites.

– A low-power, high-thrust system.

– Thrust can be adjusted by changing the input power. (Minimum input power 10W, thrust 3mN to Maximum input power 35W, thrust 12mN)

– Enables high-efficiency operation through rapid startup.

– 2U (*3) sized, compact, integrated design.

– Propellant-preloaded design eliminates launch-site fueling work.

– Tank size can be customized to address a wide range of Delta-V requirements.

Details: https://pale-blue.co.jp/product/pbr-30/

 

*1: Microwave cathode technology

This is the world’s first microwave electron source demonstrated in space via Asteroid Explorer Hayabusa by JAXA. It generates plasma by microwave discharge and emits electron beams.

*2: Delta-V

The total change in velocity required to move from one point to another in space.

*3: 2U

A 1U unit is a cube with 10 cm sides, and the size described is approximately two times that volume.

 

 

We are exhibiting!

Pale Blue is pleased to announce its participation in the Space Tech Expo Europe exhibition, taking place in Bremen, Germany, from November 18–20, 2025. We invite you to visit our booth for the latest updates on our technology, including the introduction of our new propulsion systems, the PBH-100 and PBR-30, and a presentation of various implementation case studies. Find us at Booth C36 in Hall 4. We look forward to connecting with you.

 

 

About Pale Blue

Pale Blue develops and manufactures propulsion systems (engines) for small satellites, serving satellite integrators and operators worldwide. Since its founding in 2020, Pale Blue has successfully achieved in-orbit operations of water-based propulsion systems a number of times, providing highly reliable solutions. While further expanding its product offering through R&D and in-orbit demonstrations, Pale Blue is also strengthening production capabilities to meet the growing demand for propulsion systems. Pale Blue is committed to creating mobility that is core to the space industry, driving the next generation of space development.

Website：https://pale-blue.co.jp/

 

 

Contact

pr@pale-blue.co.jp