Pale Blue

Spacecraft Propulsion · Satellite Systems · Japan

Pale Blue develops, manufactures and sells propulsion systems for small satellites. Its water resistojet, water ion and Hall-effect thrusters are designed for CubeSats, nanosatellites and small satellites, with satellite integrators and operators worldwide as customers. The company earns revenue from sales of these propulsion systems.

Founded in 2020, Pale Blue has operated multiple water-based propulsion systems in orbit and is expanding production. Its MEXT-backed SBIR-3 work is developing miniaturized water-ion and Hall-effect thrusters for deorbiting and collision-avoidance maneuvers; the Phase 2 grant cap was JPY 1.96 billion as of July 2026.