Yhn ScienceSpace Policy first seen 10 h ago, last 11 min ago, peak #9
New Satellite Engine Could Use Earth's Atmosphere as Fuel
Original: New Satellite Engine Could Use Earth's Atmosphere to Stay in Orbit Indefinitely
Researchers have unveiled an air-breathing electric propulsion engine that scoops up molecules of Earth's upper atmosphere and uses them as propellant, potentially letting satellites in very low orbit refuel themselves and operate indefinitely without carrying limited fuel supplies. The concept could reshape how low-orbit missions are designed, extend satellite lifetimes dramatically, and reduce the cost of Earth observation and communications operations.
Why now: Advances in space propulsion and satellite longevity draw strong interest from the technical community, especially the novel idea of using atmospheric molecules as free fuel.
SciTech DailyEuropean Space Agencylow Earth orbit satellitesair-breathing electric propulsion