Discovering a machine that produces thrust without propellant could change space travel forever. But here’s the catch: such a device would break the laws of physics.
Despite this challenge, research continues. The latest attempt comes from Exodus Propulsion Technologies, founded by a former NASA engineer. They’re claiming to have developed an electrostatic drive that might achieve thrust strong enough to counter Earth’s gravity. However, these claims need independent verification, leading many to approach them with skepticism.
The concept isn’t new. Back in 2001, British engineer Roger Shawyer introduced the EmDrive, a device that was dubbed “impossible” because it supposedly required no propellant. For years, scientists tested it, but the results were disappointing. By 2021, it was widely accepted that the EmDrive didn’t work.
Yet, the dream of a propellant-less propulsion system didn’t die with the EmDrive. Charles Buhler, a former NASA scientist, is now backing a new approach. While at NASA, he helped establish the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Lab, where safety is crucial for rocket launches. Now, with Exodus, Buhler claims they’ve found a way to create thrust using a “New Force” outside standard physics, just by using electric fields.
In a conversation with The Debrief, Buhler emphasized this discovery: electric fields could generate sustainable force on objects without needing to expel mass. This is a significant shift in understanding.
Buhler’s work diverges from NASA, as he recently shared findings at the Alternative Propulsion Energy Conference (APEC), where engineers explore ways to defy gravity and traditional physics. His team, which includes experts from NASA and the military, spent years researching propellant-less technologies. After many iterations, they claim to have generated enough thrust in 2023 to overcome gravity.
He explains they found that systems with specific electrostatic pressures or divergent fields can create a non-zero force on objects. While this sounds groundbreaking, it’s essential to approach these claims with caution. History shows that many promising concepts, like the EmDrive, fell short under scrutiny.
As the investigation into Buhler’s claims continues, rigorous testing is crucial. While the potential for a true propellant-less drive is exciting, it remains to be seen whether it is indeed a breakthrough or another false dawn in propulsion technology.
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Exodus Propulsion Technologies, laws of physics, Electrical Engineer, Charles Buhler, NASA, EmDrive, human space travel, Alternative Propulsion Energy Conference
