Design and testing of Hybrid Airbreathing Ion Propulsion

Abstract The aim of this project is to develop an innovative propulsion system that combines the principles of air-breathing engine and ion propulsion to reduce the orbit of satellites to a range of 150 to 200 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The propulsion system uses two technologies, namely the ion thruster and jet engine, to create a hybrid ion propulsion system. The research involves the design and development of a three-stage ion grid system and a fuel system to achieve an exhaust velocity of 7+ meters per second. The results of the project demonstrate that the proposed hybrid airbreathing ion propulsion system can be used as propulsion system in satellites at very low Earth orbit, which is particularly useful for applications such as weather forecasting, military surveillance, and high-speed communication and for aircraft & missile propulsion system etc. In comparison to conventional propulsion systems, the hybrid airbreathing ion propulsion system offers several advantages such as higher fuel efficiency, lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact. These benefits make the hybrid airbreathing ion propulsion system a promising technology for future space missions, including satellite deployment in very low Earth orbit and for aircraft & missile propulsion system.