Very low Earth orbit satellites can utilize atmospheric molecules for ion thruster propellant.
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
refutedsupported
the weight of evidence
9 sources for · 0 against
Multiple studies demonstrate that satellites in very low Earth orbit can capture sparse residual atmospheric molecules and utilize them as propellant for air-breathing electric and ion propulsion systems.
This study evaluates Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) systems that collect residual atmospheric particles in very low Earth orbit to use as propellant.
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The analysis
All retrieved papers examine and validate the concept of Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) or similar atmospheric-breathing thrusters for very low Earth orbit (VLEO) or ultra-low Earth orbit (ULEO) satellites, confirming that atmospheric molecules can be collected and used as propellant. There are no refuting papers.
This work discusses air-breathing pulsed plasma thrusters for satellites in very low Earth orbit utilizing the upper atmosphere to provide thrust without onboard propellant storage.
This paper analyzes orbital boundary conditions for very-low Earth orbit spacecraft using air-breathing electric propulsion technology relying on atmospheric gas.
This study models gas breakdown phenomena in electric discharges specifically for air-breathing electric propulsion devices operating in the rarefied atmosphere of very low Earth orbit satellites.
This paper investigates intake ducts for ABEP systems designed to capture sparse atmospheric molecules as propellant for ultra-low Earth orbit satellites.
This research describes air-breathing pulsed plasma thrusters allowing extended missions by utilizing atmospheric gases instead of carrying onboard propellant.
This study simulates the discharge processes of molecular nitrogen and oxygen propellants within a micro DC ion thruster for air-breathing electric propulsion in ultra-low Earth orbit.
This paper investigates atmosphere-breathing Hall thrusters that utilize residual atmospheric particles as propellant for very low Earth orbit satellites.