Air-breathing plasma thruster ionizes ambient atmospheric gas to supply continuous propulsion for ultra-low Earth orbit satellites

https://phys.org/news/2026-09-plasma-fuels-thin-air.html

"Very Low Earth Orbit satellites' atmospheric drag rapidly depletes onboard fuel... overcome: parabolic intake collects >94% incoming air particles/ surrounding magnetic solenoid ejects quasi-neutral plasma beam maintaining steady forward thrust, keeping satellites aloft indefinitely... contactless, neutralizer-less radio-frequency helicon plasma thruster paired with MRI-inspired birdcage antenna prevents corrosive atomic oxygen from destroying sensitive parts... no propellant weight, 50 to 60 watts from solar arrays"