ThrustMe - contracts to equip 40 Japanese satellites

ThrustMe, a French scale-up specializing in electric propulsion systems for satellites based in Verrières-le-Buisson (Essonne), is equipping 40 Japanese satellites under commercial agreements worth over ten million euros. These commercial agreements are highlighted on the occasion of the French President’s official visit to Japan, in which the company is participating.

A pioneering deep tech company in the space sector, born from scientific research conducted at CNRS, ThrustMe designs and manufactures electric propulsion systems for satellites, including Earth observation satellites, a fast-growing sector. These innovative propulsion systems radically transform satellite maneuverability, enabling essential functions such as station-keeping, trajectory corrections and end-of-life deorbiting.

Its iodine-based electric propulsion technology represents a technological breakthrough in the space industry. It eliminates the use of rare gases such as xenon or krypton, relying instead on an abundant resource already produced at industrial scale. This approach aims to simplify the supply chain, reduce certain costs associated with propulsion systems and facilitate their integration into satellites.

As one of the world’s largest iodine exporters, Japan’s space industry is naturally predisposed to adopting this technology.

The commercial agreements with ThrustMe cover the equipping of 40 satellites, for Japanese operators of observation satellite constellations.

Ane Aanesland, co-founder and CEO of ThrustMe: “That Japanese operators are turning to ThrustMe for a sub-system as strategic as propulsion is a very meaningful recognition. Japan is a major space power, with very high technological standards. Their choice validates both the relevance of our technology – using iodine as propellant for constellations – and our ability to produce and deliver at industrial scale, anywhere in the world.”