The Electromagnetic (EM) Drive can actually provide a thrust. An official edition of the research study has been divulged on the Journal of Propulsion and Power by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
Back in 1999, British innovator Roger Shawyer has introduced the EM propulsion approach. It is based upon the Theory of Special Relativity wherein thrust generation results from the exertion of microwave particles against the flat surface of a cone's larger part. Within a curtailed cone-formed close metal chamber, electrical energy that has been turned into microwaves is set off.
The significance of the propulsion research can be applied to NASA's space expeditions. If the claim truly works, the possibility of astronauts and explorers in reaching the moon and Mars can be done in just four and 70 days, respectively. Even going to Pluto can be achieved in a span of 18 months.
Over the past months, the EM Drive Paper has undergone numerous argumentations, discussions and debates. Although the outline proposed by the NASA Eagleworks Laboratory group has been reviewed and publicized by their peers, there is no guarantee that the procedures support the accepted laws of Physics.
Critics point out that since the electromagnetic drive study is a closed system, a counterthrust that runs in the other direction must also happen. This view adheres to Newton's law of conservation momentum.
Shawyer has reiterated that his proposal upholds the energy conservation process. Fuel sustainability can be done through the reutilization of microwaves, which bounces inside the cone-shaped continuum.
The recent investigation has shown that the electromagnetic drive does indeed come up with 1.2 millinewtons per kilowatt of thrust power.
Applying this procedure in the powerful Hall thruster will induce a force of 60 millinewtons which is more than required for the drive. However, the extra weight on the thrust apparatus, which can be attributed, for instance, to the accompanying propellants, will negate the force.
The Eagleworks Lab team has reasoned that further tests, including those done in space, will be key to the efficient application of the drive.
According to Dr. Patrick Neumann, the Australian inventor who came up with the idea of using space ion engine as metal fuel, calls the concept exciting.
