(i) Primary Propulsion System

When utilised as the primary propulsion system, ABIEs offer a myriad of advantages that enhance spacecraft performance and mission capabilities. Firstly, ABIEs can provide continuous thrust, enabling spacecraft to reach distant destinations efficiently or to withstand the increased atmospheric drag of VLEO operations.  Secondly, their high specific impulse allows for efficient fuel utilisation, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and extended mission durations, thereby maximising mission potential.  Additionally, ABIEs afford spacecraft enhanced manoeuvrability, empowering them to execute intricate manoeuvres such as orbit changes, trajectory corrections, and precise attitude control, facilitating mission flexibility and adaptability.  Moreover, the decreased fuel requirements of ABIEs enable the development of smaller and more compact spacecraft designs, which can accommodate increased payload capacity or reduce launch costs, further optimising mission efficiency and resource utilisation.

(ii) Auxiliary Propulsion System

ABIEs, when employed as auxiliary thrusters, offer a host of supplementary advantages for spacecraft operations. Their precision makes them invaluable for executing intricate manoeuvres, including fine trajectory adjustments, station keeping, and precise attitude control, enhancing spacecraft manoeuvrability in various scenarios. Furthermore, ABIEs serve as reliable backup propulsion systems, augmenting spacecraft reliability by providing redundancy in propulsion capabilities. This redundancy ensures mission continuity and spacecraft safety in the event of primary propulsion system failures. Moreover, the versatility of ABIEs allows them to seamlessly integrate with other propulsion systems, such as chemical rockets or electric propulsion, to optimise spacecraft performance and align with mission objectives. This synergistic approach enhances spacecraft versatility and adaptability, enabling efficient and effective mission execution across a wide range of scenarios and mission profiles.

B. Interplanetary Missions

ABIEs pave the way for prolonged mission durations in interplanetary space, presenting a transformative approach to space exploration.  The ability to perform orbital transfer manoeuvres by using continuous thrust in Earth orbit to slingshot the spacecraft towards the planet and then use the atmosphere of the approached planet to decelerate the spacecraft without the need to carry propellant would be transformative.  Additionally, ABIEs could facilitate sample return or material transfer to planetary surfaces by spacecraft reducing their orbit to very low altitudes using continuous thrust, to deploy or receive payloads from the surface, before increasing their altitude to a higher orbit.

C. Deep Space Exploration

ABIEs ensure precise trajectory adjustments with the capacity for continuous thrust, enabling spacecraft to navigate accurately towards specific destinations within the solar system.  This precision is crucial for reaching distant celestial bodies or interplanetary targets.  Moreover, ABIE-powered spacecraft excel in executing intricate orbital insertion manoeuvres around planets or moons, facilitating extended flybys and close-up observations to provide comprehensive data collection of these celestial objects. Furthermore, ABIEs demonstrate remarkable proficiency in interstellar transfer, providing sustained acceleration over prolonged durations without requiring extensive fuel resources. Once within the zone of influence of another star system, ABIEs can leverage the collection of emitted particles by the star to generate thrust, enabling precise control of the spacecraft's velocity and movement within the new solar environment. 

D. Satellite Deployment

ABIEs have the potential to disrupt the both the launch and orbital deployment markets.  The launch sector potential is through a propellant-free SSTO capability with the ability to decelerate over time while in orbit to allow return to Earth with reduced effects from re-entry. 

The potential in orbital deployment is for a final stage or for last mile delivery platform where ABIEs would be able to provide accurate positioning for satellites in the correct altitude and orbital position, with the ability to adjust this position, before returning to Earth. 

E. Rapid constellation Deployment

With ABIE-powered satellites, precise and efficient orbital adjustments are achievable, expediting constellation deployment and optimisation, and extending mission life.  Additionally, ABIE technology enables constellations to be quickly adapted and reconfigured to meet evolving demands and optimise performance without impacting mission duration, ensuring that satellite-based services remain responsive and effective in addressing diverse needs.

F. Space Debris Mitigation

ABIEs may emerge as pivotal tools in the realm of space debris mitigation, facilitating crucial orbital manoeuvres and deorbiting endeavours. ABIE-powered spacecraft would exhibit the capability for controlled orbital manoeuvres over extended mission durations, enabling precise adjustments to evade potential collisions with space debris. Furthermore, ABIEs offer a viable means for deorbiting defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and other debris objects.  Spacecraft equipped with such propulsion systems would be able to rendezvous with debris and gradually lower their altitude.  Additionally, ABIEs find utility in on-orbit servicing missions, facilitating repair or repositioning of malfunctioning satellites through precise thrust management.  By extending the operational lifespan of satellites and aiding in the deorbiting of orbital debris, ABIEs can help to mitigate the risk of contributing to space debris accumulation.