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California Startup's Satellite to Test Water-Powered Propulsion

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

General Galactic, a California startup, will launch a 1,200-pound satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 in October to test a water-powered propulsion system.
The satellite will evaluate electrical and chemical propulsion methods.
The electrical system uses electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The chemical system burns hydrogen with oxygen.
Success could pave the way for future missions to Mars and beyond.

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Story summary

General Galactic, a California startup, will launch a 1,200-pound satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 in October to test a water-powered propulsion system.
The satellite will evaluate electrical and chemical propulsion methods.
The electrical system uses electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The chemical system burns hydrogen with oxygen.
Success could pave the way for future missions to Mars and beyond.