Specialists from the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) and Moscow State University (MSU) are developing a satellite engine that can work indefinitely, as it does not require fuel. In this respect informs Izvestia edition.
The development is designed for satellites operating in low orbits, that is, at an altitude of about 200 km. The new engine will create thrust using the nitrogen and oxygen the vehicle captures from the atmosphere.
“To do this, you need to capture the gas flow coming onto the satellite, compress it and feed it to the engine, where it will turn into plasma under the influence of the electrical energy taken from the solar panels. “It is possible to accelerate the ions by acting on the plasma with electric fields, thereby obtaining jet propulsion,” said Alexander Bogaty, a senior researcher at the Moscow Aviation Institute.
Scientists hope the new engine will reduce the size and cost of satellites, as well as reduce the costs of delivering them to orbit.
Previously, St. Scientists from St. Petersburg developed 3D printer to “print” exoskeletons.