AURA
An electric engine that uses the air around a very low satellite as its propellant, so the craft can keep pushing against drag without running out of fuel.
Why it matters
Fuel is what normally limits how long a satellite can fight drag in a low orbit. An engine that uses the surrounding air removes that limit, which is what makes long missions in very low orbit possible.
How the technology works
AURA gathers atmospheric particles, ionizes them and accelerates them to produce thrust. NewOrbit reported a specific impulse of up to 8,700 seconds in lab tests.
Its EM2 engineering model has six units built and is in qualification, with flight planned for 2028.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction