NASA Validates 'Impossible' Space Drive
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NASA is a major player in space science, so when a team from the agency this week presents evidence that "impossible" microwave thrusters seem to work, something strange is definitely going on. Either the results are completely wrong, or NASA has confirmed a major breakthrough in space propulsion.
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However, a US scientist, Guido Fetta, has built his own propellant-less microwave thruster, and managed to persuade NASA to test it out. The test results were presented on July 30 at the 50th Joint Propulsion Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. Astonishingly enough, they are positive.
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"Test results indicate that the RF resonant cavity thruster design, which is unique as an electric propulsion device, is producing a force that is not attributable to any classical electromagnetic phenomenon and therefore is potentially demonstrating an interaction with the quantum vacuum virtual plasma."
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The upshot of this is that it could radically improve satellites. Currently up to half the launch mass of a satellite is on-board propellant and it eventually runs out, rendering the satellite essentially space junk.
A propellant-less thruster would allow for much less expensive satellite launches and would extend the lifespan of satellites.
As noted at the bottom of the article it could have a significant impact on other aspects of space flight as well.
I highly recommend reading the article as it is very interesting.