Mars Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion Thruster

IQM is developing and testing an electric propulsion thruster operating on CO₂, the dominant constituent of the Martian atmosphere. Built on the 2011 TransMIT experience operating RIT with alternative, Martian-like propellants, the project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of atmosphere-breathing EP systems for sustained Mars orbiters, including thruster design, representative test environments, and performance characterisation. Preliminary feasibility studies investigated target altitudes, atmospheric density, and composition, providing the basis for the first tests of a prototype thruster using Mars-like CO₂ mixtures.

• Smirnova, M., Mingo, A., Smirnov, P., Pessina, V., and Schein, J. “Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion in Earth and Mars Orbits: Basic Feasibility Studies and the Case for Radio-Frequency Ion Thrusters.” IEPC-2025-499, 39th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Imperial College London, UK, 14–19 Sept. 2025. LINK PDF
• Pessina, V., Smirnova, M., & Schein, J. (2024). Numerical framework for the development of atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion for Earth and Mars atmosphere. Journal of Electric Propulsion, 3. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44205-024-00090-1
• Smirnova, M., Mingo, A., Smirnov, P., & Pessina, V. (2024, June 23–28). Radio Frequency Atmosphere Breathing Ion Engine development (IEPC-2024-499). Paper presented at the 38th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Pierre Baudis Convention Center, Toulouse, France. PDF

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