Japanese steampunk in space - JAXA corrects satellite orbit using steam engines

Japanese specialists were able to use water vapor to move the EQUilibriUm Lunar-Earth point 6U Spacecraft (EQUULEUS), which was launched as part of the Artemis lunar program, into orbit.

Here's What We Know

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully corrected the cubesat's orbit. Using steam engines, the satellite was able to reach the correct orbit of the second Lagrangian point in the Earth-Moon system.

EQUULEUS is equipped with a propulsion system that includes eight steam boosters. They account for nearly half of the total mass of the spacecraft.

The satellite is expected to reach its second Lagrange point in mid-2024, which is considered the optimal location for a space port. From there, ships will be able to move to different orbits, including interplanetary orbits, with little orbital control.

EQUULEUS is equipped with a camera, dust sensor and telescope. The satellite's tasks also include observing asteroids and comets; fixing the impact of space bodies on the surface of the Moon; and measuring plasma concentrations in the Earth-Moon system.

Source: Interesting Engineering