ESA's air-breathing thrusters help keep satellites alive longer
Satellites could soon remain in orbit for years on end thanks to new technology that turns air molecules into propellant. A European Space Agency ( ESA ) team has developed an electric thruster that collects molecules from the top of the atmosphere and gives them electric charges so they can be accelerated and ejected to provide thrust. This could create a new class of satellites able to operate in orbit for long stretches. Current technology means that satellite missions are limited by the need for on-board propellant. ESA's GOCE gravity mapper, for example, managed to operate for five years thanks to an electric thruster that minimised air drag, but it still relied on 40kg of xenon -- once that was depleted the mission ended. A host of companies, including NASA , ViviSat and The China National Space Administration have already demonstrated some in-space refuelling capabilities, but this is obviously a much more elegant solution. The new electric thruster, developed for test...