CHIBA, Japan (Jan.20) – Pale Blue has successfully demonstrated the performance of its water ion thrust, “PBI,” in orbit, verifying its key feature: “Rapid Startup.” Concurrently, the company has released a white paper summarizing PBI’s operational data from both in-orbit and ground tests.

 

Pale Blue successfully validated the performance specifications and the signature “Rapid Startup” capability of its water ion thrust for small satellites (Product Name: PBI) in an actual space environment. Details are available in the newly released white paper, which provides a comprehensive summary of in-orbit and ground operational data (Download here). Due to power and resource constraints, many small satellites must suspend mission operations, such as observation and communication, while the propulsion system is active. Traditional propulsion systems using solid propellants often require lengthy sequences, which directly leads to a loss of valuable mission time. Pale Blue’s PBI, with its rapid startup, maximizes the time satellites can dedicate to their primary missions, thereby contributing to increased profitability.

 

 

Key Achievements of PBI In-Orbit Demonstration

Through this in-orbit demonstration of PBI, Pale Blue achieved the following two major milestones:

・Rapid Startup: In an actual space environment, PBI was confirmed to generate the required thrust within 129 seconds of initiating startup. This achievement represents a significant reduction in “time-to-thrust” compared to conventional propulsion systems using solid propellants.

・High Operational Stability: In an actual space environment, the system achieved a 100% operation success rate. This reliable performance significantly reduces the risks of re-attempts or deviations from original operational plans.

 

 

Release of the PBI White Paper

The PBI white paper, released today, provides a detailed overview of product specifications, operating principles, and system configurations, alongside operational data from both ground and in-orbit tests. Please download the document from the URL below to support your propulsion system evaluation and selection process.

URL: https://raiwv.share-na2.hsforms.com/2CuCs-9ucTXiyx908iuDacQ

 

 

About Water Ion thruster (PBI) In-Orbit Demonstrations

“Water Ion Thruster achieves historic in-orbit success” (September 10, 2025)

https://pale-blue.co.jp/news/946/

“Pale Blue to test the world-first 1U+ Water Ion Thruster in orbit with D-Orbit” (January 8, 2025）

https://pale-blue.co.jp/news/543/

 

 

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 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