New Satellite Engine Could Use Earth’s Atmosphere as Fuel to Stay in Orbit Indefinitely
September 26th, 2026Via: SciTechDaily:
A satellite engine that uses atmospheric gases as fuel shows promise in laboratory tests and modeling, but its performance on a mission remains unproven.
Choosing an orbit for a satellite involves balancing benefits and drawbacks. Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), which spans roughly 100 to 450 km (62 to 280 miles) above Earth, offers several advantages. Remote sensing cameras can capture sharper images, communications and radar systems need less power, and atmospheric drag helps remove inactive satellites from orbit naturally.
That same atmosphere also creates a major challenge. Even at these altitudes, air resistance slows spacecraft down, so satellites must produce thrust almost continuously to remain in orbit. Conventional propulsion systems require onboard fuel, often costly gases such as xenon.
As part of his PhD research at the University of Stuttgart, published on arXiv, Francesco Romano explored a different approach. His concept uses the atmospheric molecules responsible for drag as fuel for a plasma engine, potentially allowing satellites to remain in VLEO indefinitely without carrying a conventional supply of propellant.
The technology belongs to a class known as atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP). These systems collect the extremely thin air in front of a spacecraft (or, in some cases, a missile) and direct it into an electric engine. The engine converts the incoming molecules into plasma and expels it from the rear to generate thrust.
Related: Starlink Satellites Deorbit Daily
