Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) to Extend Spacecraft Lifespan in Very-Low Earth Orbits (VLEOs)
- Paper ID
101706
- DOI
- author
- company
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Intinauta Research Center; Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (Lima, Perù); Universidad Nacional De La Plata; Glorioso Colegio Nacional de Ciencias
- country
Peru
- year
2025
- abstract
In the evolving field of space exploration, the sustainability of spacecraft operating in Very-Low Earth Orbits (VLEOs) presents a significant challenge due to atmospheric drag. Traditional propulsion methods are becoming less viable for long-term missions in these orbits. This paper proposes a novel propulsion system, Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP), designed to utilize the residual atmosphere at altitudes of 200–450 km for enhanced thrust and propulsion efficiency. The ABEP system integrates atmospheric ionization with electric propulsion technologies, offering a sustainable solution to counteract drag while extending spacecraft operational lifetimes. We evaluate the system's potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption, lower mission costs, and increase mission durations in VLEOs. Results show a promising performance that could revolutionize the way we approach orbital operations in low-altitude orbits. This approach could also pave the way for new mission profiles for both commercial and scientific spacecraft, ensuring continuous mission success in the challenging environment of VLEOs.