Cubesat and Smallsat Water-Based Propulsion System

Capsule Corporation Srl. is an Italian aerospace company specialized in the development of innovative propulsion systems for small satellites. Its flagship product, WaterCube, is a water-based propulsion unit designed for CubeSats and SmallSats ranging from 3U to 200 kg (primary propulsion), and up to 500 kg for secondary propulsion applications.

WaterCube uses de-mineralised water as a propellant, offering a sustainable, non-toxic, 50% shorter lead time and lower cost solution. The system is non-pressurised, which simplifies handling, testing, and integration, while significantly reducing safety constraints for satellite integrators and operators, reducing overall satellite platform cost up to 20% for Cubesats and 15% for Smallsats.

WaterCube’s modular, plug-and-play design allows it to be easily scaled or clustered to meet specific mission requirements. With a low operational power range of 5 to 25 W (depending on operational mode) and a short production lead time (less than 3 months), it provides an adaptable and efficient solution for a wide variety of in-orbit maneuvers.

Typical mission applications include collision avoidance, orbit maintenance, formation flying, re-phasing, de-orbiting, and attitude control for Cubesats and Smallsats constellations.