Yhn ScienceSpace Policy first seen 3 h ago, last 2 min ago, peak #10
New Engine Could Keep Satellites Aloft Using Air Itself
Original: New Satellite Engine Could Use Earth's Atmosphere to Stay in Orbit Indefinitely
Engineers are developing an air-breathing electric propulsion system that scoops up molecules from the upper atmosphere and uses them as propellant, potentially letting low-orbit satellites fly indefinitely without carrying fuel. The concept could extend mission lifetimes for Earth-observation satellites and lower costs, but challenges around compression and thrust efficiency remain.
Why now: The prospect of unlimited satellite lifetimes could reshape the low-Earth-orbit economy, drawing wide interest.
European Space Agencylow-Earth-orbit satellites
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