A researcher at the University of Stuttgart developed an atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion system that could allow satellites in Very Low Earth Orbit to remain aloft indefinitely by using atmospheric gases as fuel instead of conventional propellants. The concept uses a contactless plasma thruster paired with an optimized intake system to address challenges like atomic oxygen corrosion and atmospheric variability, showing promising laboratory results though real-world mission performance remains unproven.
Lanie McKinney, a PhD candidate at MIT, is developing plasma technology to convert Mars's atmospheric carbon dioxide into oxygen and propellant, enabling human missions to produce resources on-site rather than transporting everything from Earth. Her research integrates a plasma reactor with an oxygen-selective membrane to extract oxygen efficiently, work she connects to future Mars exploration and sustainability missions.