The quest and opportunities for air-breathing propulsion
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive analysis of acceleration mechanisms utilized in air-breathing electric propulsion, focusing on their fundamental principles, advantages, and the latest technological advancements. These thrusters, which utilize atmospheric gases to generate plasma and produce thrust, hold significant promise for very low Earth orbit missions due to their potential for high-efficiency propulsion. Central to their operation are the different mechanisms of acceleration. The review systematically categorizes the various acceleration mechanisms and discusses the physical principles behind these mechanisms, their integration into air-breathing propulsion architectures, and recent experimental efforts aimed at performance optimization.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Electrohydrodynamics and Fluid Dynamics
Plasma Diagnostics and Applications
Aerosol Filtration and Electrostatic Precipitation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- npj Microgravity
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 1
- Publication date
- 1 April 2026
- Language
- EN