Pioneering Space Mobility: Mitsubishi Electric Backs Water-Based Propulsion Startup

Trending Innovators | 7 August 2025

A Japanese start-up is turning heads in the global aerospace sector with an innovation that could reshape the way satellites move in orbit. Pale Blue Inc., a company spun out of the University of Tokyo, has secured investment from Mitsubishi Electric’s ME Innovation Fund to accelerate the development of its water-based propulsion system for small satellites.

The announcement is part of Mitsubishi Electric’s ongoing efforts to support advanced technologies that contribute to sustainability and future mobility, making Pale Blue the thirteenth company to receive backing from the fund.

Propelling the Future with Water

Pale Blue’s unique system uses water as a propellant, offering a safer, cheaper and more sustainable alternative to traditional chemical fuels. The company has already demonstrated this technology in space, marking a significant milestone in the shift towards greener solutions in satellite operations.

Unlike traditional systems that rely on toxic substances such as hydrazine, Pale Blue’s propulsion unit vaporises water and uses low-power plasma to generate thrust. This not only reduces environmental and operational risks, but also opens the door for broader use of small satellites in areas such as Earth observation, communications and scientific research.

Beyond Investment: A Collaborative Future

This partnership goes beyond financial backing. Mitsubishi Electric, a leader in satellite systems and infrastructure, will explore further collaboration with Pale Blue to support space sustainability efforts. With plans to scale up production and strengthen quality control, the start-up is aiming to become a key player in the rapidly growing small satellite market.

According to Jun Asakawa, CEO of Pale Blue, the investment vlaidates the company's long-term vision: "Our mission is to make mobility in space more accessible, sustainable and reliable. This support brings us one step closer to that goal."

The Vice President of Business Innovation at Mitsubishi Electric, stated that the company is proud to support technologies that "reflect Japan’s strength in combining scientific advancement with environmental responsibility".

A Sustainable Orbit

As satellite launches become more frequent and the need for in-orbit manoeuvrability grows, propulsion systems like Pale Blue’s are likely to play an increasingly central role. Water, abundant and safe, could become the fuel that powers not just satellites, but a cleaner space economy.

This investment is not just a bet on a new technology, but a signal that the aerospace industry is rethinking the way we move in space , not just to go farther, but to go smarter.

Follow Trending Innovators for more clear and reliable insights into the technologies shaping our world.