Sony CubeSat Fires up Water-Based Engine in Earth Orbit for the First Time

Japanese company Pale Blue successfully tested its water vapor propulsion system on a nano-satellite for the first time in space using an environmentally friendly, cost-efficient propellant.

The propulsion system was tested on Sony’s first satellite for its Star Sphere project, which aims to provide more people with access to photography from space.

The microsatellite will operate in orbit from a distance around 310 to 372 miles (500 to 600 kilometers) above Earth.