New spacecraft system sucks air for fuel to offer unlimited propulsion

A fuel-free satellite system that sucks in the air may be able to provide unlimited propulsion for longer-duration orbital operations one day.

This innovative concept, called air-breathing electric propulsion spacecraft, will fly near our planet in the very low Earth orbit . This orbit is between 95 and 250 miles in altitude. This orbital location has the potential to dramatically improve Earth observation, climate monitoring, and satellite communications.

“We’ve been developing a cathode, or neutraliser, to work in electrostatic thrusters operating in the thin air found in ultra-low Earth orbit,” explained Mansur Tisaev, a postgraduate research student at the university. From this orbital position, the new air-breathing spacecraft can provide more detailed observations and imagery of our planet.

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