Atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion

Atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion is a type of spacecraft engine. It works by shooting particles, like tiny pieces of metal, out of the back of the spacecraft. The particles are pushed out by electric forces, and the electric forces are created with electricity. As the particles come out of the back of the spacecraft, they push against the air in the atmosphere, which is like pushing against invisible water, so the spacecraft moves forward. In addition, the same electric forces that push the particles out can be used to pull air into the spacecraft so it can breathe! This type of engine is super efficient because it doesn't need to carry its own air, which is heavy and takes up a lot of space, so it can make spacecraft smaller, lighter, and more powerful.