Charles Buhler, who co-founded Exodus Propulsion Technologies, recently shared insights about a unique propulsion system in an interview with The Debrief. This system claims to enable movement without expelling mass—a concept that is causing quite a stir in the scientific world. Although Buhler has a background at NASA, where he worked on the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory, he clarified that this project operates independently. It comes at a time when many experts remain skeptical about propellant-less propulsion systems, especially after past failures.
The idea of propellant-less propulsion isn’t entirely new. However, Buhler’s team stands out, featuring experienced engineers from companies like NASA, Blue Origin, and the U.S. Air Force. Despite this, experts stress that any groundbreaking claims need thorough and unbiased verification before they’re accepted.
This movement towards revolutionary propulsion traces back to 2001, when British engineer Roger Shawyer introduced the EmDrive, claiming it created thrust without the need for propellant. Initial excitement surged, particularly after NASA’s Eagleworks reported its own thrust measurements in 2016. However, follow-up studies, including one by Dresden University of Technology, revealed no measurable thrust, leading to the EmDrive being largely discredited by 2021.
Despite the setbacks of the past, the quest for a viable propellant-less engine persisted. Buhler’s team has shifted focus from microwaves to electrostatics, claiming a completely new approach. In 2023, they reported a breakthrough, noting that their system could generate thrust through electrostatic properties. Buhler explained that certain configurations can create non-zero force—something he refers to as a “New Force.” This suggests that, under the right conditions, electric fields alone can drive motion.
While Buhler presented these findings at the Alternative Propulsion Energy Conference (APEC)—a forum for innovative propulsion concepts—critics have pointed out that such venues can attract speculative theories that may lack scientific backing. In a discussion at APEC, Buhler highlighted how improvements in device configuration had finally led to measurable results.
Buhler’s claims about overcoming gravity have raised eyebrows. Critics demand rigorous independent testing, especially given the history of ambitious but unverified theories like the EmDrive. The scientific community insists that claims challenging established laws should be reproducible. For now, Buhler’s project is labeled as an “improbable engine,” reflecting its uncertain position between potential breakthroughs and improbability.
This emerging field of research opens discussions not just about propulsion technology but also about how we understand physics itself. Moving forward, the need for open-minded yet skeptical scientific inquiry will be crucial in evaluating new ideas that push the boundaries of what we think is possible.
