Research and development of aerospace vehicles with air breathing electric propulsion: Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

The main features and key problems in the development of air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) are outlined. Qualitative differences between ABEP and its closest predecessor, electric propulsion (EP), are highlighted. The necessary conditions for the long-term maintenance of spacecraft with ABEP in ultra-low (120–250 km) orbits (ULEO) are formulated. EP technologies, which have the best prospects for application in future ABEP, are shown. Estimates of the feasibility of long-term missions in ULEO are presented, including those based on the integrated optimization of the layout of spacecraft with ABEP and solar arrays. The main results of investigations of spacecraft maneuverability are described.

The review uses the results of studies published mainly in recent years. At the same time, some historical facts of first practical steps in EP- and ABEP-technology development, which remained out of the attention of a wide audience due to different reasons, are described. The authors felt free of giving their own assessment of a number of the results presented in key areas of the research.