
Overview
Reclaim 100% of your internal bus volume. Utilise the cylindrical exclusion zone of standard CubeSat deployers for full orbital control.
The SteamJet TunaCan Thruster is a space-qualified, water-based electrothermal propulsion system specifically engineered to fit within the external “tuna can” volume of CubeSat deployers. By utilising low-pressure, non-toxic water as a green propellant, it delivers a high thrust-to-power ratio (up to 20 mN at < 20 W) without sacrificing internal satellite payload space or risking RF interference.
The Zero-Internal-Footprint Solution
Standard propulsion modules consume 0.5U to 1.5U of critical rail-to-rail volume. The TunaCan architecture utilises the surplus space in the launcher’s deployment cylinder. By moving the propulsion system outside the main structure, you maximise the payload-to-volume ratio without upgrading to a larger, more expensive satellite class.
Internal Volume Occupied: 0U — 0 Units.
Mounting: Standard interface plate for 3U, 6U, and 12U frames.
Envelope: Optimised for Nanoracks and ISIS-style deployers.
SteamJet Tunacan Thruster technical specifications
SYSTEM WET MASS ~0.54 kg
SPECIFIC IMPULSE 172 s
Thrust Level 5 – 20 mN
PROPELLANT TYPE Water
TOTAL IMPULSE Up to 219 Ns
INPUT POWER < 20 W (Peak)
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL RS 422, TTL UART
Properties
Overview
- Name
- Steamjet TunaCan Thruster
- Supplier
- SteamJet Space Systems, Ltd.
- Type
- Electric Propulsion Thruster
- Flight proven
- Yes
- Flight proven mission(s)
- 2022 SatRevolution “Above the Clouds” mission, multiple undisclosed commercial mission
Details
- Wet Mass
- 0.54
- Power Consumption
- Peak = 20
Pricing
- Cost
- £34,990 GBP
- Fiscal Year
- 2026
- Notes
- ROM Price. Final pricing depends on your specific mission parameters, delivery timeline, and order volume. To get an accurate quote inclusive of eligible discounts, please complete inquiry form at the Steamjet.space site.
Delivery and customization
- Lead time
- 3 to 6 months
- Customization / NRE
No