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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

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