LoneSnark All American 12317 Posts user info edit post |
I call bunk. Thou shalt not violate the laws of thermodynamics.
That said, even if we assume it does work, which it doesn't, the estimated thrust to weight ratio (EM drive + nuclear power plant) is unimaginably horrible (only photon thrust is worse). An ion engine is many many times better. Yes, an ion engine consumes reaction material, an EM Drive does not, but on interplanetary time scales, an ion engine is by far the better choice, because the increased thrust is well worth hauling the fuel with you.
Of course, the calculation changes on longer time scales. If instead of going to mars, you're going to another solar system, then of course some form of EM drive is a necessity, making the trip in a hundred years rather than a thousand with anything else. 11/22/2016 1:52:37 AM |
moron All American 34078 Posts user info edit post |
Hasn't been proven, just published. We need to wait for replication studies.
^ this is just a "prototype" or proof of concept. If someone can figure out "why" it works, then they would surely be able to scale up the thrust output. 11/22/2016 2:41:05 AM |