Project Firefly: AO-1 Pathfinder

Project Firefly: AO-1 Pathfinder

“Turning Earth’s breath into thrust — one molecule at a time.”

📅 Date: July 2025

🛰️ Executive Summary

Project Firefly proposes the world’s first passive atomic oxygen propulsion system, using liquid magnesium and the natural abundance of atomic oxygen (AO) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to generate micro-thrust.

This system — housed inside a basketball-sized, bullet-shaped satellite — is designed to counteract orbital decay in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) by utilizing the same atmospheric force that erodes traditional spacecraft.

Rather than resist AO, the Firefly Engine embraces it, converting oxygen bombardment into usable thrust via a controlled, exothermic reaction with magnesium. The reaction byproducts are expelled through a rear nozzle, providing continuous micro-thrust to offset drag.

This concept represents a potentially fuel-independent orbital maintenance solution for CubeSats and other small spacecraft operating below 300 km.