Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion; ABEP; Radio-Frequency Ion Thruster; RIT; Very Low Earth Orbit; VLEO; Mars orbit; Martian atmosphere; CO₂ propellant; drag compensation; intake design; collection efficiency; compression ratio; exhaust velocity; electrical efficiency; thrust-to-power ratio; neutralisation; cathodeless propulsion; gridded ion engine; inductively coupled plasma; capacitive discharge; electromagnetic acceleration; electrostatic acceleration; magnetoplasmadynamic thruster; Hall effect thruster; RAM-EP; TransMIT GmbH; UniBw München; AETHER project; Mars Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion Thruster; Cathodeless Electric Propulsion Thruster; R2D2 vacuum facility; atmospheric plasma; dissociation; oxygen-nitrogen mixture; reactive propellants; system feasibility analysis; ESA projects; small satellite propulsion; sustained orbital operation.     «

Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion; ABEP; Radio-Frequency Ion Thruster; RIT; Very Low Earth Orbit; VLEO; Mars orbit; Martian atmosphere; CO₂ propellant; drag compensation; intake design; collection efficiency; compression ratio; exhaust velocity; electrical efficiency; thrust-to-power ratio; neutralisation; cathodeless propulsion; gridded ion engine; inductively coupled plasma; capacitive discharge; electromagnetic acceleration; electrostatic acceleration; magnetopla...     »

Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) has long been proposed as an enabling technology for very low Earth orbits and extended Mars operations. Over more than 15 years, TransMIT GmbH has conducted a broad range of theoretical studies and experimental campaigns, encompassing various thruster sizes, power levels, and compatible neutralisation concepts. These efforts addressed operations in both Earth and Mars low orbits, taking into account the distinct atmospheric environments. Key research activities have included the feasibility and methodology studies of ABEP ground testing, approaches to reproduce orbital particle flows, and system-level analyses to define design envelopes and identify critical challenges. This paper presents the most recent theoretical and experimental results from TransMIT’s work on ABEP based on Radio-Frequency Ion Engine technology for application in Earth and Mars orbits. Building on long-term project experience, we discuss the practical potential of ABEP for future missions, outline current understanding of its unique development challenges, and describe methodologies for selecting and designing suitable thruster technologies.     «

Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) has long been proposed as an enabling technology for very low Earth orbits and extended Mars operations. Over more than 15 years, TransMIT GmbH has conducted a broad range of theoretical studies and experimental campaigns, encompassing various thruster sizes, power levels, and compatible neutralisation concepts. These efforts addressed operations in both Earth and Mars low orbits, taking into account the distinct atmospheric environments. Key resea...     »