CHIBA, Japan (Jul 10) – Pale Blue has been approved by the Stage-Gate Review committee to continue Phase 2 of the Small/Startup Business Innovation Research Phase 3 (SBIR-3) program backed by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The Committee has verified the steady progress of the Company’s Hall thruster R&D and business development. Consequently, the maximum grant cap for Phase 2 has been raised by JPY 790 million, reaching a total of JPY 1.96 billion.

 

The SBIR Phase 3 program is structured into three phases. This funding will support the development and in-orbit demonstration of a miniaturized water ion thruster and a Hall thruster. Phase 2, which commenced in October 2025, encompasses detailed system design and ground-based verification. During this review, the technical feasibility, innovativeness, and market competitiveness of our Hall thruster were successfully confirmed.

 

 

About this project

Program: Small/Startup Business Innovation Research Phase 3 (SBIR-3) program, Space Field

Project Theme: Development and Demonstration of Technologies Needed for Reducing Space Debris

Project Name: Development and Demonstration of Miniaturized Water Ion Thrusters and Hall-Effect Thrusters for Deorbit Maneuvers and Collision Avoidance in Satellites

Phase 2 Period: Scheduled to run until December 2026

Phase 2 Grant: USD 12.2 million (JPY 1.96 billion)

Reference Articles:

Pale Blue approved to advance to Phase 2 of MEXT’s SBIR-3

https://pale-blue.co.jp/news/959/

Pale Blue awarded up to USD 27M for MEXT’s SBIR-3, to develop and operate propulsion systems critical to space debris mitigation

https://pale-blue.co.jp/news/416/

 

 

About Pale Blue

Pale Blue develops and manufactures propulsion systems (engines) for small satellites, providing highly reliable solutions to satellite integrators and operators worldwide. Since its founding in 2020, Pale Blue has successfully achieved in-orbit operations for a number of propulsion systems, building a proven track record of performance in space. Under rigorous quality control and efficient production processes, Pale Blue has established a mass production system at its cutting-edge in-house facility to meet the growing global demand. Pale Blue is committed to creating mobility that is core to the space industry, leading the next generation of space development, ranging from Low Earth Orbit to deep space.

Website：https://pale-blue.co.jp/

 

 

Contact

pr@pale-blue.co.jp