Co-founders of Pale Blue have received the Science and Technology Award (Development Category), Commendation for Science and Technology 2025 by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This award is presented by MEXT to those who have made significant contributions to the development of science and technology. The achievement recognized by the award is the “Development of a water propulsion system that enhances satellite integrability and enables utilization of space resources.” Koizumi, co-founder and director of Pale Blue and associate professor at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, and Jun Asakawa, co-founder and CEO of Pale Blue, received the award from Pale Blue.
From left, co-recipients Mr. Ataka, Mr. Sekine, Mr. Koizumi, Mr. Asakawa, and Mr. Kakihara
Name of achievement: Development of a water propulsion system that enhances satellite integrability and enables utilization of space resources
Announcement from MEXT: https://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/houdou/mext_01503.html
Pale Blue develops and manufactures propulsion systems 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.
Pale Blue