NEWS
Pale Blue approved to advance to Phase 2 of MEXT’s SBIR-3
CHIBA, Japan (Sep 17) – Pale Blue Inc. (Pale Blue) has been approved by the Stage-Gate Review committee to advance to Phase 2 of the Small and Business Innovation Research 3 (SBIR-3) program backed by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Since late 2023, Pale Blue has been engaged in Phase 1, where the team has been developing propulsion systems aimed at mitigating space debris.
The SBIR Phase 3 program is structured into three phases with a total maximum budget of approximately JPY 4 billion (USD 27 million). This funding will support the development and in-orbit demonstration of a miniaturized water ion thruster and a Hall thruster.
Phase 1, with a maximum grant of USD 10.7 million, focused on fundamental system design and necessary ground tests for each propulsion system. Phase 2, with a maximum grant of USD 7.9 million, will involve their detailed system design and system verification on the ground.
About this project
Small and Business Innovation Research 3 (SBIR-3) program, Space Field
Project Theme: Develop and demonstrate key technologies for space debris mitigation.
Project Name: Development and Demonstration of a Miniaturized Water Ion Thruster and a Hall Thruster for Satellite Deorbitting and Collision Avoidance
Phase 2 Period: Scheduled to run until December 2026
Phase 2 Grant: USD 7.9 million (JPY 1.17 billion)
Reference Article: 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, 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/