World’s First Air-Breathing Satellite Thruster Set for VLEO Test

The world’s first air-breathing satellite thruster is poised for an orbital field test, marking a significant step toward sustainable operations in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). Spanish company Kreios Space announced its plans to launch a satellite utilizing air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) technology, in partnership with Kongsberg NanoAvionics, to demonstrate its capabilities.

This innovative propulsion system aims to enable satellites to counteract atmospheric drag by collecting and expelling atmospheric particles, eliminating the need for traditional liquid propellants. Such an advancement could lead to extended mission durations and enhanced capabilities for Earth observation and communication satellites operating in altitudes between approximately 100 to 400 kilometers.

the rise of vleo

Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) is emerging as a critical region for future satellite missions, offering unique advantages over higher orbits. Operating closer to Earth, satellites in VLEO can achieve significantly higher resolution for Earth observation and provide lower latency for communication services.

However, this proximity to our planet comes with a major drawback: increased atmospheric drag. Even at these altitudes, the residual atmosphere exerts a continuous braking force on satellites, necessitating frequent orbital maneuvers to maintain altitude. This traditionally requires substantial onboard propellant, limiting mission lifespans.

how air-breathing electric propulsion works

The core innovation of the air-breathing satellite thruster lies in its ability to harness the very atmospheric particles that cause drag. Instead of carrying finite fuel supplies, this system continuously «breathes» in the rarefied atmosphere present in VLEO.

This approach could revolutionize spacecraft propulsion innovation by decoupling mission duration from propellant mass, enabling longer and more efficient operations.

technical principles

Air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) systems collect atmospheric particles, typically ions and neutral atoms, present at VLEO altitudes. These particles are then compressed, heated, and ionized using an electric field.

Once ionized, they are accelerated and expelled at high velocities to generate thrust, effectively using the surrounding environment as an inexhaustible propellant source. This process provides continuous thrust to compensate for atmospheric drag, ensuring the satellite remains in its desired orbit.

advantages over traditional propulsion

Traditional satellite propulsion systems rely on onboard chemical or electric propellants, which are finite and contribute significantly to a satellite’s launch mass and cost. Once the propellant is depleted, the satellite’s operational life at lower altitudes is effectively over, leading to uncontrolled re-entry or the need for a costly orbital boost.

The ABEP system, by utilizing atmospheric drag mitigation principles, offers the promise of virtually unlimited propellant, enabling satellites to operate in VLEO for extended periods without refueling. This paradigm shift could drastically reduce operational costs and enhance mission flexibility.

the upcoming field test

The planned orbital demonstration by Kreios Space and Kongsberg NanoAvionics represents a crucial step in validating this advanced satellite propulsion demo outside laboratory conditions. Such a test is essential to prove the technology’s effectiveness in the complex and dynamic VLEO environment.

In-orbit validation will provide invaluable data on efficiency, longevity, and overall system performance, paving the way for wider adoption.

kreios space and kongsberg nanoavionics partnership

Kreios Space, a Spanish company specializing in propulsion technologies, has been developing the ABEP system. Their collaboration with Kongsberg NanoAvionics, a leading small satellite manufacturer, is pivotal for the in-orbit validation.

Kongsberg NanoAvionics will provide the satellite platform, integrating Kreios Space’s innovative thruster for the upcoming mission. This partnership leverages specialized expertise from both entities to bring the air-breathing satellite thruster from concept to orbital reality.

expected outcomes and demonstrations

The primary objective of the field test is to demonstrate the continuous operation of the air-breathing electric propulsion system in VLEO. The mission aims to prove the system’s ability to collect and utilize atmospheric particles for thrust generation, thereby counteracting orbital decay.

Successful validation would showcase the potential for satellites to fly lower, longer, and more efficiently, enabling higher-resolution Earth observation, improved satellite communications, and more responsive missions. Such a demonstration would represent a significant milestone for sustainable satellite orbits.

sustainability and long-term implications

The development of the air-breathing satellite thruster holds profound implications for the sustainability of space operations, particularly in VLEO. By eliminating the need for stored propellant, satellites can operate for extended periods, reducing the frequency of replacement launches and the amount of debris generated.

This technology aligns with global efforts to mitigate space debris and create a more sustainable orbital infrastructure. Moreover, operating in VLEO inherently offers a natural «self-cleaning» mechanism for defunct satellites, as atmospheric drag will eventually cause them to deorbit and burn up, reducing the risk of collisions. This contrasts with challenges faced by satellites in higher orbits, as seen with some Starlink launches or even the International Space Station which requires regular reboosts.

operational challenges and future outlook

While promising, the implementation of air-breathing technology presents several operational challenges. The highly rarefied atmosphere in VLEO means that collecting a sufficient number of particles for thrust requires efficient intake and ionization mechanisms. Designing these components to withstand the harsh space environment and operate reliably for years is critical.

Another aspect is the energy required for ionization and acceleration, which must be supplied by the satellite’s power system. Balancing thrust generation with available power is crucial for long-duration missions. Comparative technologies, such as electromagnetic tethers, also offer potential for propellantless propulsion, suggesting a diverse future for advanced satellite propulsion.

The successful test of this air-breathing ion thruster builds on previous ground-based tests and theoretical work supported by entities like NASA and documented in scientific literature, highlighting its evolution. The ongoing development underscores a global push for more efficient and sustainable space operations, particularly in the increasingly crowded near-Earth environment. For instance, the challenges observed with some test flights, such as the Starship’s 13th test flight loss, highlight the complexities of proving new propulsion and orbital technologies.

faq: what is the primary challenge for satellites in vleo?

The primary challenge for satellites in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) is atmospheric drag. Even at altitudes between 100 to 400 kilometers, the Earth’s residual atmosphere creates a continuous drag force that slows satellites down, causing them to lose altitude and eventually re-enter the atmosphere.

To maintain orbit, these satellites require constant propulsion to counteract this drag, which traditionally consumes significant amounts of onboard propellant.

faq: how does an air-breathing thruster address this challenge?

An air-breathing thruster addresses the challenge of atmospheric drag by utilizing the very atmospheric particles that cause it as propellant. Instead of carrying a finite supply of fuel, the thruster collects these particles, ionizes them, and then expels them to generate thrust.

This effectively provides an inexhaustible source of propellant, allowing satellites to maintain their altitude in VLEO for much longer durations without running out of fuel.

faq: what are the potential applications of this technology?

The potential applications of air-breathing satellite thruster technology are vast. It could enable satellites to operate in VLEO for extended periods, leading to higher-resolution Earth observation data due to closer proximity, and lower-latency global communication services.

It also holds significant promise for creating a more sustainable orbital infrastructure by reducing the need for propellant and minimizing space debris, as defunct satellites in VLEO would naturally deorbit faster.