New frontiers in space propulsion sciences

Glen A. Robertson, Gravi Atomic Research, Madison, AL 35757, United States
P.A. Murad, Vienna, VA 22182, United States
Eric Davis, Institute for Advanced Studies at Austin, Austin, TX 78759, United States

Available online 3 December 2007

www.elsevier.com/locate/enconman
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com
Energy Conversion and Management 49 (2008) 436–452

Abstract

Mankind's destiny points toward a quest for the stars. Realistically, it is difficult to achieve this using current space propulsion science and develop the prerequisite technologies, which for the most part requires the use of massive amounts of propellant to be expelled from the system. Therefore, creative approaches are needed to reduce or eliminate the need for a propellant. Many researchers have identified several unusual approaches that represent immature theories based upon highly advanced concepts. These theories and concepts could lead to creating the enabling technologies and forward thinking necessary to eventually result in developing new directions in space propulsion science. In this paper, some of these theoretical and technological concepts are examined  approaches based upon Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, spacetime curvature, superconductivity, and newer ideas where questions are raised regarding conservation theorems and if some of the governing laws of physics, as we know them, could be violated or are even valid. These conceptual ideas vary from traversable wormholes, Krasnikov tubes and Alcubierre's warpdrive to Electromagnetic (EM) field propulsion with possible hybrid systems that incorporate our current limited understanding of zero point fields and quantum mechanics.