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Alpha Impulsion, a French-Italian deep-tech startup, has developed the autophage engine, a rocket engine that consumes its own structure to maintain flight. This technology could revolutionize space exploration by significantly reducing spacecraft weight and costs for high-energy missions.

The engine uses a solid fuel rod made of plastic filled with oxidizer, which it gradually consumes to generate thrust. This continuous mass reduction allows the spacecraft to achieve exotic orbits that were previously deemed too complex or expensive.

The engine operates by melting the fuel rod into gas, which ignites with the oxidizer, enabling precise thrust control. This innovation is particularly beneficial for small satellites, as it eliminates the need for heavy fuel tanks, allowing up to 90% of a rocket's initial mass to be converted into energy. The autophage engine represents a significant advancement for deep space travel and could facilitate more ambitious missions to the Moon and Mars.