Mitsubishi Electric’s ME Innovation Fund Invests in Pale Blue, Startup Developing Water-based Propulsion Systems for Satellites - CleanTechnica

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation’s ME Innovation Fund has invested in Pale Blue Inc., a Japanese startup developing water-based propulsion systems for small satellites. This marks the fund’s 13th investment and aligns with the growing global demand for safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly satellite propulsion technologies amid the rapid expansion of satellite constellations. Pale Blue, founded in 2020 and originating from the University of Tokyo, utilizes proprietary technologies including low-pressure, ambient-temperature water vaporization and low-power plasma generation with oxidation resistance to create sustainable propulsion solutions. Water as a propellant offers significant advantages over conventional options, being safer, more affordable, widely available, and environmentally benign. The startup has successfully demonstrated its technology in orbit and is advancing its production capabilities. Through this investment, Mitsubishi Electric aims to strengthen technical collaboration with Pale Blue to enhance its space business competitiveness and contribute to sustainable space utilization. Pale Blue’s CEO, Jun Asakawa, emphasized the goal of enabling mobility in space as a core industry element,