Quanta Engineering Ltd, a UK-based company, is developing a revolutionary Atmosphere Breathing Ion Engine (ABIE) for space propulsion. This innovative system addresses critical limitations of traditional and conventional ion engines by utilising ambient atmospheric air as propellant, thereby eliminating the need for onboard fuel tanks and significantly extending mission lifespans. The ABIE has achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, with its core physics verified by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Quanta Engineering is currently in a de-risk phase (TRL 5 to 7), working with NPL on design optimisation and aiming for a 6-month in-orbit demonstration (TRL 9) by 2028.
Space System Design
