Photo: Pale Blue

Mitsubishi Electric has invested in one of the most talked about Japanese space-based start-ups, Pale Blue, a company formed five years ago. Pale Blue is a start-up engaged in the development, manufacturing, and sales of propulsion systems for small satellites that uniquely use water as a propellant. Mitsubishi Electric has invested in Pale Blue through its ME Innovation Fund. This is the 13th investment the fund has made to date. Mitsubishi Electric announced the investment, Aug. 7.

Pale Blue is developing proprietary water-based propulsion systems that leverage two core technologies: low-pressure, ambient-temperature water vaporization and the generation of low-power plasma with oxidation resistance, aiming to thereby realize a safe and sustainable space infrastructure. Pale Blue has already completed multiple in-orbit demonstrations using small satellites, confirming the technical credibility and reliability of its solution.

Mitsubishi Electric will strengthen its technical collaboration with Pale Blue through this investment to enhance the competitiveness of its space business and contribute to the sustainable utilization of outer space.

“At Pale Blue, we aim to contribute to the expansion of activity in space by providing mobility—that is, the capability to move freely in space—through our propulsion systems. Through collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric, we will further enhance the reliability of our technology and work toward realizing our vision of establishing mobility as a core element of the space industry,” Jun Asakawa, Co-Founder and CEO, Pale Blue, said in a statement.