Yhn ScienceSpace Policy first seen 1 d ago, last 45 min ago, peak #9
New Satellite Engine Would Use Air as Fuel
Original: New Satellite Engine Could Use Earth's Atmosphere to Stay in Orbit Indefinitely
Engineers have unveiled a satellite propulsion concept that scoops up molecules of Earth's upper atmosphere and uses them as propellant, potentially letting satellites in low orbit refuel themselves and stay aloft indefinitely instead of falling back. The idea could cut the cost and waste of constant resupply missions and transform how long-lived observation and communications satellites are designed.
Why now: Readers are drawn to a propulsion breakthrough that promises indefinite orbital life using the atmosphere itself.
SciencesDailylow Earth orbit satellites
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