Japanese startup Pale Blue has announced cooperation with the Italian company D-ORBIT for testing a compact water ionic engine Pale Blue 1U+ Water Ion Thruster in 2025 year. This is the driver, a little larger than a 10-cm cube, designed to maneuver small satellites, Avoid space debris and completing missions through deorbitation.
Technology is based on the use of water propellent, that provides safety, availability and ease of use. The first trials of the mechanism occurred in 2023 year, After that the company attracted 16 million. dollars of investment and received a contract for the development of ionic and Hall-Effect engines based on water.
Engine performance demonstrations are scheduled for June and October 2025 year. Tests will be conducted on the Ion Satellite Carrier platform, Created D-Orbit, which has extensive experience in launching satellites and demonstration of technology in orbit. From 2020 the year platform successfully launched over 100 satellites and supported 48 useful loads.
Collaboration is also strategic to D-ERBIT, Since this is their first contract with Japanese company. The Agreement will help strengthen ties with the advanced space sector of Japan and expand D-Orbit in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Source: https://spacenews.com/pale-blue-to-flight-test-water-thruster-with-d-orbit/