Increasing interest in development of very low Earth orbit (VLEO) has attracted more and more researchers to study atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) system in past several decades. This system can use rarefied atmospheric particles as the propellant of electric thrusters, and maintain a long lifetime mission without carrying any propellant from ground. As the key component of system, intake device can realize the collection and compression of atmospheric particles within limited frontal area, which determines the performance of whole ABEP system. This review summarizes the previous studies to develop intake devices, evaluates the corresponding performance and understands the model involved, including atmosphere model, flow physic model and so on. In addition, several continued researches for intake device are also presented, including ground experiment technologies, intake surface material development, space compressor and liquefaction technology. Wherever possible, comments have been provided to provide useful reference to researchers engaged in intake device for ABEP system.

在过去的几十年里，人们对超低地球轨道（VLEO）发展的兴趣日益浓厚，吸引了越来越多的研究人员对大气呼吸电力推进（ABEP）系统进行研究。该系统可以使用稀薄的大气颗粒作为电动推进器的推进剂，并且无需从地面携带任何推进剂即可维持长寿命任务。进气装置作为系统的关键部件，能够在有限的正面区域内实现大气颗粒物的收集和压缩，决定了整个ABEP系统的性能。本综述总结了以往开发进气装置的研究，评估了相应的性能并了解了所涉及的模型，包括大气模型、流动物理模型等。此外，还介绍了对进气装置的一些持续研究，包括地面实验技术、进气面材料开发、空间压缩机和液化技术。在可能的情况下，提供了评论，为从事 ABEP 系统进气装置的研究人员提供有用的参考。