Air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP)
A thruster that collects the thin air at very low orbital altitudes and ionizes it to make thrust, so satellites can stay low for years.
Why it matters
Very low orbits allow sharper imaging and faster links, but drag drags satellites down unless they carry lots of fuel. Using the air as propellant removes that limit.
How the technology works
An intake gathers atmospheric gas, and electric power turns it into plasma that is accelerated out as thrust to offset drag. Kreios's first demo will fly on a NanoAvionics MP42 bus, released at about 300 to 350 km and firing at different heights as it descends.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction