Marc G. Millis- The Challenge to Create the Space Drive

8/3/2019 Marc G. Millis- The Challenge to Create the Space Drive

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NASA Technical Memorandum 107289

The Challenge to Create the Space Drive

Marc G. MillisLewis Research CenterCleveland, Ohio

Prepared for theInterstellar Flight Symposium of the 15th Annual International SpaceDevelopment Conferencesponsored by the National Space SocietyNew York, New York, May 23-24, 1996

National Aeronautics andSpace Administration


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Jul 16, 1996

THE CHALLENGE TO CREATE THE SPACE DRIVEBY MARC G. MILLISSpace Propulsion Tech. Div., NASA Lewis Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, OH 44135, USA

To travel to our neighboring stars as practically as envisioned by science fiction, breakthroughs in science are required.One of these breakthroughs is to discover a self-contained means of propulsion that requires no propellanL To chart apath toward such a discovery, seven hypothetical space drives are presented to illustrate the specific unsolved challengesandassociated research objectives toward this ambition. One research objective is to discover a means to asynunetricallyinteract with the electromagnetic fluctuations of the vacuum. Another is to develop a physics that describesinertia,gravity, or the properties of spacetime as a function of electromagnetics thatleads to using electromagnetic technologyfor inducing propulsive forces. Another is to determine ff negative mass exists or ff its properties can be synthesized.An alternative approach that covers the possibility that negative mass might not exist is to develop a formalism ofMach's Principle or reformulate ether concepts to lay a foundation for addressing reaction forces and conservation ofmomentum with space drives.

1 . INTRODUCTIONNew theories have emerged suggesting that gravitational andinertial forces are caused by interactions with theelectromagnetic fluctuations of the vacuum [1, 2]. There havealso been studies suggesting experimental tests for mass-altering affects [3], and a theory suggesting a "warp drive" [4].With the emergence of such new possibilities, it may be timeto revisit the notion of creating the visionary "space drive."Space drive, as defined here, is an idealized form of propulsionwhere the fundamental properties of matter and spacetime areused to create propulsive forces anywhere in space withouthaving to carry and expel a reaction mass. Such anachievement would revolutionize space travel as it wouldcircumvent the present constraint of requiring propellanLWithout such a discovery, human interstellar exploration maynot be possible [5].

One of the missing prerequisites to achieving thisbreakthrough is having a starting point for the research; adescription of the specific problems to be solved. Withoutthis fh-st step of the Scientific Method there is no frameworkagainst which to assess, augment, and apply emerging scienceto the goal of creating a space drive.

To provide such a starting point, a variety of hypotheticalspace drives are presented and analyzed to identify the specificproblems that have to be solved to make such schemesplausible.

2. PROBLEM FORMULATION METHODA NASA precedent for systematically seeking revolutionarycapabilities is the "Horizon Mission Methodology" [6]. Thismethod forces paradigm shifts beyond extrapolations ofexisting technologies by using impossible hypotheticalmission goals to solicit new solutions. By settingimpossible goals, the common practice of limiting visions toextrapolations of existing solutions is prevented. This

method forces one to look beyond existing methods andspecify the technologies and sciences thatare genuinely neededto solve the problem, whether the solutions exist yet or not

The theme of the Horizon Mission Methodology isfollowed here. The "impossible" goal targeted in this exerciseis to create a space drive. In the spirit of the HorizonMethodology, the envisioned propulsion methods canentertain the possibility of physics yet to be discovered.However, to ensure that the envisioned methods are consistentwith fLrmly established physics, the analysis imposes theconstraints of conservation of momentum and energy, andrequires that observed naturalphenomena are not contradicted.From imposing these constraints, the characteristicsneededtomake space drives plausible can be identified.Seven different hypothetical propulsion concepts werecreated for this exercise. These concepts were envisioned byconsidering analogies to collision forces and interactions withfields to produce net forces.3. HYPOTHETICAL COLLISION SAILSOne means to produce force is collisions. Conventionalrocket propulsion is fundamentally based on the collisionsbetween the propellant and the rocket These collisions thrustthe rocket in one direction and the propellant in the other.To entertain the analogy of collision forces for a spacedrive, consider the supposition that space contains abackground of some form of isotropic media thatis constandyimpinging on all sides of a vehicle. This media could be acollection of randomly moving particles or electromagneticwaves, either of which possess momentum. If the collisionson the front of a vehicle could be lessened and/or thecollisions on the back enhanced, a net propulsive force wouldresulL Three variations of such a hypothetical collision-sailare illustrated in figures 1 through 3. In all these


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Marc G. MiUisilluswations, the rectangle represents a cross sectional dementof the sail and the wavy lines represent impinging waves ofthe isou-opic radiative media. The large arrow indicates thedirection of acceleration.

Fig. 1 Hypothetical Differential SailAnalogous to the principles of an ideal radiometer vane, a netdifference in radiation pressure exists across the reflecting andabsorbing sides.

Fig. 2 Hypotheti_ Diode SailAnalogous to a diode or one-way mirror, space radiationpasses through one direction and reflects from the othercreating a net differeuce inradiation pressure.

Fig. 3 Hypothetical Induction SailAnalogous to creating a pressure gradient in a fluid, the energydensity of the impinging radiation is raised behind the sail andlowered in front of the sail to create a net difference inradiation pressure across the saiL

For any of these concepts to work, there must be a realbackground media in space. This media must have a

sufficiently large energy or mass density, must exist equallyand isotropicaUy across all space, and there must be acontrollable means to alter the collisions with this media topropel the vehicle. A high energy o_mass density is requiredto provide sufficient radiation pressure or reaction momentumwithin a reasonable sail area. The requirement that the mediaexist equally and isotropically across all space is to ensure thatthe propulsion device will w_ anywhere and in any directionin space. The requirement that there must be a conm3Uablemeans to alter the collisions ensures that a controllablepropulsive effect can be created.

The supposition that space contains isotropic media isreasonable. Space contains eleclmmagnetic fluctuations of thevacuum, also called the Zero Point Fluctuations CZPF), [7]Cosmic Background Radiation (CBR) [8], free hydrogen(protons)9],he theoreticallyuggestedvirtualairsI0]andpossiblyvendarkmatter[11].Whetherany ofthesemediahasallthecharacteristicseeded to be used as a propulsivemedia remains a subject for fulureresearch.

Regarding conse_ation of momentum, this condition canbe satisfied by using the media as the reaction mass. Any netmomentum imparted to the vehicle must be equal andopposite to the momentum change imparted to the media.

Regarding conservation of energy, this condition can besatisfted by imposing the consWaint that whatever propulsivemethod or phenomena is used, the total system energy beforeand after the propulsive effect is equal. This includes theenergy state of the surrounding media, the energy state of anyenergy sources on the vehicle, the kinetic energy imparted tothe vehicle, and any loss mechanisms.4. HYPOTHETICAL FIELD DRIVES

Inaddition to producing forces with collisions, forces canbe produced from interactions between matter and fields.Gravitational fields accelerate masses and electric fieldsaccelerate charges. To entertain the analogy of using fieldinteractions to create a space drive, it is necessary to assumethat there is some way for a vehicle to induce a field arounditself that will in turn accelerate itself. Field drive conceptsare more complex and more speculative than collision saildrives. A description of the critical issues follows.

Even ff there was a way for a device on a vehicle toinduce force-producing field, there is still the question ofwhether such a field would accelerate the vehicle. A typicalexpectation is that the induced forces would just act betweenthe vehicle's field-inducing device and the rest of the vehicle,like blowing in your own sails, or trying to move a car bypushing on it from the inside. In such cases all the forces actinternally and there would be no net motion of the vehicle.For reference, this issue can be called the "net external forcereClUL,menL"

The net external force requirement is closely related toconservation of momentum. Conservation of momentumrequires that the momentum imparted to the vehicle must be


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equal and opposite to the momentum imparted to a reactionmass. In the case of a field drive, there is no ob_ous reactionmass for the vehicle to push against.

Similarly to conservation of momentum is the issue ofconservation of energy. This issue can be satisfied byimposing the constraint that whatever propulsive method orphenomena is used, the energy required to create the effect isequal to the kinetic energy imparted to the vehicle and towhatever constitutes its reaction mass, plus any inefficiencylosses. In addition, there is also the issue of conlzollability,insuring that the force-producing effect can be turned on andoffat will.

A closely related aspect to controllability issustainability. Sustainability refers to the ability to continuethe propulsive effect throughout the vehicle's motion. Thisimplies that the force inducing effect must work in both aninertial flame and an accelerated frame. It also requires that theforce-producing field is carried along with or propagated withthe vehicle, or at least can be induced again after the vehiclehas been set in motion.

In the spirit of the "Horizon Methodology", it is assumeda priori that space drives are possible. By doing so and thenby addressing the critical issues, the required physicalcharacteristics of matter and space to make such propulsionmethods plausible can be identified. Future research couldthen determine whether these conditions can be created withthe phenomena that are known to exist, or at least indicatewhat other phenomena to search for.

Four hypothetical field drives, "Diametric Drive," "PitchDrive," "Bias Drive," and "Disjunction Drive," are presentednext and illustrated in figures 4 through 7. These conceptswere envisioned by examining the characteristics that describea field or how matter reacts to a field, and then assuming it ispossibleomodifyagivencharacteristicfthisrelation.heDiametricDriveworks withfieldsources,hePitchDrivewith the field itself, the Bias Drive with the properties of thespace that contain the field, and the Disjunction Drive withthe properties ofmatterthatcreatendreacto a field.A common theme to all of these is that an asymme_/cfield is induced such that a gradient is located at the center ofthe vehicle, or more specifically atthe center of whatever partof the vehicle will experience a reaction force from the field.An asymmetric field is required so thata net force is created onthe vehicle.

These concepts are presented in the context of using massand gravitational properties. A more thorough treatise wouldalso have to address using space media and electromagneticphenomena.4.1 Diametric Drive

This irtrstype of hypotheticalieldpropulsion,sillustratednfigure4,considershepossibilityfcreatinglocal gradient by the juxtapositionf diametrically opposedfield sources across the vehicle. This is analogous to negativemasspropulsionndtocreatingpressureourceandsinkina space media as suggested previously with the Induction Sail.

Fig. 4 Hypothetical DiamcU-ic DriveIt is theoretically possible to cream a continuously

propulsive effect by the juxtaposition of negative and positivemass as suggested by Bondi [12], Winterberg [13] andForward[14]. A crucial assumption to the success of this concept isthat negative mass has negative inertia.Mathematically, this concept can be illustrated by thefollowing equation:

(_o) (_o),y,=(-m) 4(x+d)2+y 2 +(+m)4(x_d)2+y 2 whereVsys is the gravitational scalar potential for the combinedsystem, shown as a surface plot over an x-y plane in figure 4(singularities have been truncated for clarity). The first termis the gravitational potential for the negative mass, -m, thesecond for the positive mass. +m. In both cases, G isNewton's gravitational constant. The negative mass is locateda distance, d, along the x axis behind the origin and thepositive mass is located a distance, d, in front of the origin.The origin is taken to be the midpoint between the twomasses along the x axis.

By taking the gradient of the scalar potential caused bythe negative mass at the location of the positive mass, and ofthe positive mass at the location of the negative mass, the_.elerations for each mass can he calculated;

-G(-m ) (2a)a_.=for the negative mass which is in the positive x direction, and

G (+ m ) (2b)a+.- (2d)forthepositiveass whichisalsointhepositivedirection


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Marc G. MiUisTheir combined interucfions result in a sustained accelerationof both masses in the same direction.4.2 Pitch Drive

This second type of hypothetical field mechanism, asillustrated in figure 5, entertains the poss_ility that somehowa localized slope in scalar potential is induced across thevehicle which _ forces on the vehicle. In contrast to thediameffic drive presented earlier, it is assumed that such aslope can be created without the presence of a pair of pointsources. It is not yet known if and how such an effect can becreated.

Fig. 5 Hypothetical Pitch DriveMathematically, this can be illustrated by the following

equatio_(3)

where Vsys is the gravitational scalar potential for thecombined system, shown as a surface plot over an x-y planein figure 5, which is equal to the superposition of thepotentials from the vehicle and the induced pitch effect. Theterm for the vehicle's gravitational potential is the familiarNewton's gravitational potential where r is the distance fromthe source mass (r2 = x2 + y2 fox the x-y plane). The originis taken to be at the center of the vehicle. To entertain theposs_illty of a Pitch Drive, a localized gradient in the scalargravitational potential is superimposed across the symmetricgravitational potential already present from the vehicle's mass.This induced pitch effect is represented by a magnitude, A(units of acceleration), with a negative slope in the positive xdirection, and is localized by a Gaussian distribution, e-r2,over the distance, r, centered at the origin. This localizingequation was arbitrarily chosen for illustration purposes only.

By taking the gradient of the scalar potential at thelocation of the vehicle (r=0), the acceleration fox the vehicle isdetermined to be equal to A, the magnitude of the inducedeffect, and acts in the positive x direction.4.3 Bias Drive

The third type of hypothetical field mechanism asillustrated in figure 6, entertains the possibility that thevehicle alters the properties of space itself, such as thegravitational constant, G, to create a local propulsive gradient.From this asymmetric alteration of a space property a localgradient similar to the Pitch Drive mechanism results.

Figure 6 is drawn showing the result of modifyingNewton's gravitational constant, G, around the vehicle's ownmass. Newton's constant has been modified to have alocalized bias where it is reduced behind the vehicle andincreased in f_vnt.

Fig. 6 Hypothetical Bias DriveMathematically, this concept can be illustrated by the

following equation:

(4)

where V is the gravitational scalar potential plotted over an x-y plane, shown as a surface plot in Figure 6. This scalarpotential is described by the familiar Newton's gravitationalpotential on the right which is multiplied by a spatiallyasymmetric modifier on the left. The spatially asymmetricmodifier is represented by a magnitude, B (units of mass overdistance squared), multiplied by x, to give a positive slope inthe positive x direction, and is localized by a Gaussiandistribution as with the Pitch Drive. The "+l" identity termis necessary to return the Newtonian gravitational potential toits original form atlarge distances (r>>0).

4


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By taking the gradient of the scalar potential at thelocation of the vehicle (r--0), the acceleration for the vehicle isdetermined to be equalto BG, the productof themagnitudeofthe induced effect and Newton's constant, and acts in thepositive x direction.

A similar concept by Alcubierre [4] suggests creating apropulsive effect by asymmetrically altering spacetime itself.Alcubierre theorized that by using large quantities of negativeenergy density with an equally large positive energy density,faster-than-light travel would be possible without violatinggeneral relativity. The negative energy density expandsspacetime behind the vehicle and the positive energy densitycontracts spacetime in front of the vehicle. The net effect isthat this "'warped" space and the region within it would propelitself "with an arbitrarily large speed." Observers outside this"warp" would see it move faster than the speed of fight.Observers in,de this "'warp" would feel no acceleration as theymove at warp speed. Although a sub-light-speed space drivewould constitute a sufficiently important breakthrough, thepossibility that a space drive may also enable faster-than-lighttransport is intriguing. The feasibility of this "warp drive"theory is an open issue.4.4 Disjunction Drive

The fourth type of hypothetical field drive, as illustratedin figure 7, entertains the possibility that the source of a fieldand that which reacts to a field can be separated. By displacingthem in space, the reactant is shifted to a point where the fieldhas a slope, thus producing reaction forces between the sourceand the reactant. It is assumed that the source and reactant areheld apart by some sort of rigid device.

Fig. 7 "Disjunction Drive"

The ChallengetoCreatethe Space Drive

Obviously, a critical issue of this scheme is whether thefield's source is a separate entity from that which reacts to afield. This perspective is similar to that used in the analysisof the properties of negative mass [14]. In the course ofexamining the nature of hypothesized negative mass, threedifferent masses can be distinguished: ms, "gravitationalsource mass" which is the source of a gravitational field, mR,"gravitationally reactant mass" which reacts to a gravitationalfield, and mi, "inertial mass" which sets the relation betweenforce and acceleration (mi = F/a). Although these distinctionswere made to classically analyze the behavior of negativemass, they do invite speculation. Could either a "source" or"reactant" mass be mimicked through some coupling betweengravity, electromagnetism and spacetime? If so, thepropulsive effect suggested above may be possible. This isunknown at this time.

Mathematically, this concept can be illustrated by thefollowing equations:

-Gm,V= (5)}(x-d)2+y2

where V isthegravitationalcalarpotentiallottedover an x-y plane as a surfaceplotin figure7 which isequal to thefamiliarNewton's gravitationalotentialf thesource mass,m s,which isa distance,,alongthe x axis,from thereactantmass. The source mass is defined to have the property that itonly causes a field, but does not react to one. The reactantmass is defined to react to the presence of a field, but not tocause one. Thus, there is no force on the source mass fromthe reactant mass.

To illustrateow thisconceptworks,examine thesum ofthe resulting forces:I:forces- Gmsmx i_msia+mma (6)d_The first term of the sum is the gravitational force from thesource mass, ms, acting on the reactant mass, m R . Bydefinition, there is no force created on the source mass fromthe reactant mass, and hence, no term for that force in thisequation. However, to entertain the possibility that the sourceand the reactant mass have inertial mass, terms are included forthe reaction forces due to these inea'tia. These reaction forcesare the second and third terms in the summation, where msi isthe inertia of the source mass and mRi is the inertia of thereactant mass. Since it is assumed that the masses are rigidlyconnected by whatever device has pulled them apart, theacceleration, a, is the same for both masses. Solving for theaccelerationives:

a= _ IIlsi+Inmwhich acts in the positive x direction.


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Marc G. Millis

Although existing evidence strongly suggests thatactive,passive, and inertial mass are inseparable properties, anyfuture evidence to the contrary would have revolutionaryimplication to this propulsion application.5. REMAINING RESEARCH

There are a variety of unexplored paths toward discoveringthe physics for a space drive. To explore the collision sailconcepts it would be useful to seek any means to interactasymmetrically with the media that are known to exist inspace. In particular, the media of the electromagneticfluctuations of the vacuum, also called the ZPF, is apromising candidate because of its high energy density.

A research approach to further explore the concept fielddrives is to investigate the physics of negative mass. It is notknow whether negative mass exists, but methods have beensuggested to search for evidence of negative mass in thecontext of searching for astronomical evidence of wormholes[15]. If negative mass is found to exist and if methods can beeventually engineerext to collect and handle negative mass, itseems reasonable that a propulsive effect could be engineeredas previously discussed with the Diametric Drive. If negativemass does not exist, it is still possible, in the spirit of theHorizon Methodology, to consider the alternative ofartificially synthesizing negative mass effects using some as-yet-undiscovered physics, perhaps using a form of gravity-electromagnetic coupling.

The idea of discovering some gravity-electromagneticcoupling goes beyond the idea of mimicking negative mass.If there is any way to modify gravity, inertia, or the propertiesof spacetime using electromagnetics, it may be possible tomimic negative mass to create a gravitational dipole, inducegravitational or electromagnetic fields to create a Pitch Drive,or modify other properties of space to create aBias Drive.

The idea of using one phenomenon to comrol another isnot new. Elecuic fields are used to create magnetic fields. Byknowing the specifics of how these phenomena are coupled, itis possible to engineer such effects. In the case of a spacedrive it is desired to create an acr.,eleration-inducing field usingsome phenomenon like electromagnetics that can be readilycontrolled.

Electromagnetism is suggested as the controlphenomenon for two reasons: electromagnetism is aphenomenon for which we are technologically proficient, andit is known that gravity, spacefime, and electromagnetism arecoupled phenomena. In the formalism of general relativitythis coupling is described in terms of how mass warps thespacetime against which electromagnetism is measured. Insimple terms this has the consequence that gravity appears tobend light, red-shift light and slow time. These observationsand the general relativistic formalism that describes them havebeen experimentally supported [9]. Although gravity's effectson electromagnetism and spacetime have been observed, thereverse possibility, of using electromagnetism to affect

gravity, inertia, or spacetime is unknown. To explore thispossibility, it would be advantageous to have a formulationthat describes these observed couplings as a function ofelectromagnetics.

Electromagnetism is also suggested as a targetphenomenon for space drive research because of the ZPF. TheZPF is an electromagnetic phenomenon. Discovering anyway to react asymmetrically with the ZPF would likely createa space drive. ZPF has also been theorized to be anunderlying phenomena to inertia and gravity [1, 2], andexperiments have been suggested to test these theories and totest other related speculations on the relation between the ZPFand mass properties [3]. It should be noted that these theorieswere not written in the context of propulsion and do notprovide direct clues forhow to elec_magnetically manipulateinertia or gravity. Also, these theories are still too new tohave either been confirmed or discounted. Despite suchuncertainties these theories provide new, alternativeapproaches to search for breakthroughpropulsion physics.

Still another piece of evidence of possible gravity andelectromagnetic coupling is an experiment that indicates thatthere may be a gravity shielding effect with superconductors[16]. This effect has not yet been confirmed or discounted, soit is prematureto conclude thatsuch a gravity shielding effectis real. Itdoes, however, provide another research avenue forspace drive physics.

Inherent to all the propulsive mechanisms discussedabove is the need to generate an asymmetric field, one thatresults in a net acceleratiou of the vehicle. One way to searchfor such asymmetric effects is to search for nonlinear or non-conserved effects. If, for example, there exists somecharacteristic coupling between electromagnetism, spacetime,inertia, or gravity that behaves nonlinearly, has somehysteresis, or is non-conserved (analogous to friction) it maybe possible to create net forces from imbalanced, cyclicpemubafious of this effect.

To illustrate this possibility, consider the analogy of anirregularly oscillating mass affLxed to a cart that is initially atrest on the floor. When the mass moves slowly in onedirection its reaction forces are not sufficient to overcome thestatic coefficient of friction between the cartand the floor andthe can remains still. When the mass moves quickly in theother direction its reaction forces are sufficient to overcomethe static coefficient of friction, and the cart rolls. Repentingthis cycle results in a net motion of the cart. If there are anyfield properties of space that have such a characteristic non-conserved interaction analogous to friction, then it may bepossible to create an analogous propulsive effect in space.

A more conventional example which better illustrates thepossibilities of nonlinear propulsion, is a method suggestedby Landis [17]. This concept outlines a technique forchanging the orbits of satellites without using propellant, anddoes so using conventional physics. It uses tethers on asatellite to take advantage of the nonlinear nature of agravitational well. If the orbiting satellite extends a tether


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toward Earth and another tether away from earth, theimbalanced reactions will create a net force toward the Earth.This is because the downward force on the near-F_aa_ tetherincreases more than the outward force on the outer tether asthe tethers are deployed. By alternately deploying andretracting long tethers at different points during the orbit(apogee and perigee), an orbiting satellite can change itsorbital altitude or eccentricity.

Another approach is to revisit the field properties of spaceitself in search of evidence of imbalanced forces. Oneexperiment to explore this possibility is where a homopolarmotor is used to il lustrate a paradox of apparently imbalancedmagnetic reaction forces [18]. Another is from experimentalobservations of unipolar induction that explores the relationbetween magnetic fields and the surrounding space [19]. Toaddress the propulsive implications of this approach, the issueof conservation of momentum and the role played by thesm'rounding space would have to be fully addressed.

To fully develop ways to create such forces against theproperties of space, the issue of conservation of momentummust be addressed. In the case of the tether example discuss_above, the Earth acts as the reaction mass to conservemomentum. In the case of negative mass propulsion,conservation of momenlmn is satisfied by taking advantage ofthe negative inertia of negative mass [14]. With theremaining field drives, however, research will be required tofred some other way to conserve momentum.

One approach to conserve momentum is to consider spaceitself as the reaction mass. This approach evokes the old ideaof an "ether." To be strictly consistent with empiricalevidence, such as the Michelson-Morely experiment, anyfurther research to revisit the idea of an ether would have toimpose the condition that an ether is electromagneticallyLorentz invariant- Note that this condition is a characteristicof the ZPF [7].

An alternative to considering space as the reaction mass isto further develop Mach's Principle. Mach's Principle assertsthat surrounding matter gives rise to inertial frames, and thatthe inertial frames are somehow connected to the surroundingmatter [9]. Mach wrote that although he felt a connection tothe surrounding matter was required for the property of inertiato be detectable, he also admitted that such a treatment wasnot necessary to satisfactorily describe the laws of motion[20]. Specifically, to be useful for propulsion physics, aformalism of Mach's Principle is required that provides ameans to wansmit reaction forces to surrounding matter. Thisimplies developing a quantitative description for how thesurrounding matter creates an inertial frame, and how pushingagainst that flame with a space drive is actually pushingagainst the distant surrounding matter.

It is also possible to consider the very structure ofspacetime itself as a candidate for propulsive interactions. If itwere possible, for example, to create asymmetries in the veryproperties of spacetime which give rise to inertial frames, itmay be possible to create net inertial forces. This is similar

to the"warp drive" suggested by Alcubierre [4]It is also conceivable that other research aPlXOaches exist.

To further explore any of these possibilities, it would beuseful to have a succinct problem statement to guide theevaluation and application of emerging science to the goal ofcreating a space drive. Such a problem statement is offerednext.6. PROBLEM STATEMENT

The critical issues for both the sail and field drives havebeen compiled into the problem statement offered below.Simply put. a space drive requires some controllable andsustainable means to create asymmetric forces on the vehiclewithout expelling a reaction mass, and some means to satisfyconservation laws in the process. Regardless of whichconcept is explored, the following criteria must be satisfied.(1) A mechanism must exist to interact with a property of

space, matte_, or energy which satisfies these conditions:(a) must be able to induce an unidirectional

acceleration of the vehicle.(b) must be controllable.(c) must be sustainable as the vehicle moves.(d) must be effective enough to propel the vehicle.(e) must satisfy conservation of momentum.(f) must satisfy conservation of energy.

(2.1) If properties of matter or energy are used for theIropulsive effect, this matter or energy...(a) must have properties that enable conservation of

momentum in the propulsive process.b) must exist in a form that can be contronably

collected, carried, and positioned on the vehicle,or be controllably created on the vehicle.

(c) must exist in sufficiently high quantities tocreate a sufficient propulsive effect.

(2.2) If properties of space are used for the propulsiveeffect, these properties...(a) must provide an equivalent reaction mass to

conserve momentum.Co) must be tangible; it must be able to be detected

and interacted with.(c) must exist across all space and in all directions.(d) must have a sufficiently high equivalent mass

density within the span of the vehicle to be usedas a propulsive reaction mass.

(e) must have characteristics that enable thepropulsive effect to be sustained once the vehicleis in motion.

(3) The physics proposed for the propulsive mechanism andfor the properties of space, matter, or energy used for thepropulsive effect must be completely consistent withempirical observafons.


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Marc G. Millis

7. CONCLUSIONS

Prior to the emergence of new theories suggestingconnections between gravity, inertia, and the electromagneticfluctuations of the vacuum, and the recent "warp drive" theory,the prospects for creating a space drive have seemed too far inthe future to provide near term reseurch opportunities. Nowwith these emerging the.a_es, new research approaches exist.To provide a framework for taking advantage of theseemerging theories and progressing science toward the goal of aspace drive, a problem statement was needed and is nowoffered in this paper.

Regarding the prospects for breakthroughs, consider thefollowing quotes from past expects. These quotes were copiedfrom Anderson's article on the Horizon Methodology [6].

"Heavier than air flying machines are impossible,""Radio has no future,""X-rays are a hoax."

- William Thomson (Lord Kelvin)President of London's Royal Society (1895-1904).

"There is no likelihood man can ever tap the power of theatom.

- Robert Millikan,Nobel Prize in Physics (1923).

"The secrets of flight will not be mastered within ourl ifet ime., not within a thousand years."

- Wilbur Wright (1901).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe following individuals conm'buted thought-provokingquestions and critical reviews that were instrumental in

completing this work: Mike Binder, Mike LaPointe, Ira T.Myers, Bryan Palaszewski, and Ed Zampino.REFERENCES1. Haisch, B., Rueda, A. & Puthoff, H.E.,"Inertia as a

Zero-Point Field Lorentz Force", In Physical Review A, Vol.49, No. 2, p. 678-694, (FEB 1994)

2. Puthoff, H.E., "Gravity as a zero-peint-flucmation force", InPhysical Review A, Vol.39, N. 5, (A89-33278),p.2333-2342, (Mar 1, 1989).

3. Forward, R. L., Mass Modiftcation Experiment DefinitionStudy, PL-TR-96-3004, Final Report on Conl_act FO4700-95-M-4216, Phillips Lab, Edwards Air Force Base, (Feb1996).

4. Alcubierre, M., 'Whe warp drive: hyper-fast travel withingoneral relativity', In Classical and Quantum Gravity, Vol11, p. L73-L77, (1994).

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Cleveland Ohio, May 18-25 1995. Also on web site:http:llww w.lerc.nasa.gov/Other_Groups/PAO/warp.htm

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9. Misoer,C.W., Thome,K.S., and Wheeler,J.A., Gravitation,W.H.Fremn_ & Co., New York (1973).

10. Kaufinmm, W. J. HL Black Holes and Warped Spacetime, pp206-208, W. H. Freeman & Co., San Francisco, (1979).

11. Krauss, L. M., "Dark Matter in the Universe', In ScientificAmerican, p. 58-68, (Dec 1986).

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13. Winterberg, F., "On Negative Mass Propulsion', AIF Paper89-668, 40th Congress of the International AstronauticalFederation, Malaga, Spain, (Oct, 1989).

14. Forward,R.L., "Negative Matter Propulsion', In Journal ofPropulsion and Power, Vol. 6, No. 1, p 28-37, (Jan - Feb,1990).15. Cramer, I., Forward. R.L., Morris, M., Visser, M., Benford,G. and Landis, G., "Natural Wormholes as GravitationalLenses", In Physical Review D, p.3124-3127, 15 March1995. 47th Symposium on Relativistic Astrophysics, Max-Planck Institute for Physics. Munich. December 1994.

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I Form ApprovedEPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE OMBNo.0704-0188eu/o_i reporting 10u_le_ for this coils=ion of int'ormation is =Umated to average 1 ho_ per response, inofud,_ the t ime f_ rev'._n_.t .ll=_n_, _ =_'."_1 dala _u_c_i_coflsctton of Information, including suggestions tor reauang this bur_.., to Wasntngton i-m,_quarters ._lcv lc_, u[ecmram mr ,m.mTrm___ upa_ _ MeI_B, _= _,,W=U.Davis Highway. Suite 1204, Arlington. VA 22202.4302. and to the Ofbce of Management and BudgeL Papmwork Reduc tmn Projec t (0704 -0188)0 wasnmgton. L_ _U=UU.1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank) 2. REPORT DATE 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED

August 1996 Technical Memorandum4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS


6 . AUTHOR(S)MarcG. MUlls

7. PERFORMINGORGANIZATIONNAME(S)ANDADDRESS(ES)National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationLewis Research CenterCleveland, Ohio 44135-3191

9. SPONSORIN_NITORING AGENCYNAME(S)ANDADDRESS(ES)

National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationWashington, D.C. 20546-0001

WU-None

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E- 10365

10. SPONSORING/MONITORINGAGENCY REPORT NUMBER

NASA TM- 107289

11. SUPPLEMENTARYNOTESPrepared for the Interstellar Flight Symposium of the 15th Annual International Space Development Conference spon-sored by the National Space Society, New York, NewYork, May 23-24, 1996. Responsible person, Marc G. Millis,organization code 5340, (216) 977-7535.

12a. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Unclassified -UnlimitedSubject Category 70

This publi cation is available from the NASA Center forAezoSpace Informati on, (301 ) 621- -0390

12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE

13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)

To travel to our neighboring stars as practically as envisioned by science fiction, breakthroughs in science are required.One of these breakthroughs is to discover a self-contained means of propulsion that requires no propellant. To chart apath toward such a discovery, seven hypothetical space drives are presented to illustrate the specific unsolved challengesand associated research objectives toward this ambition. One research objective is to discover a means to asymmetricallyinteract with the electromagnetic fluctuations of the vacuum. Another is to develop a physics that describes inertia,gravity, or the properties of spacetime as a function of electromagnetics that leads to using electomagnetic technology forinducing propulsive forces. Another is to determine if negative mass exists or if its properties can be synthesized. Analternative approach that covers the possibility that negative mass might not exist is to develop a formalism of Mach'sPrinciple or reformulate ether concepts to lay a foundation for addressing reaction forces and conservation of momentumwith space drives.

14. SUBJECT TERMSGravitation; Electromagnetism; Antigravity; Warp drive; Faster-than-light;Spacecraft propulsion; General physics

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Unclassified18. SECURITY CLASSIRCATION

OF THIS PAGEUnclassified

19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATIONOF ABSTRACTUnclassified

15. NUMBER OF PAGES]016. PRICE CODEA0220. UMITATION OF AB_'IRACT

qSN 7540-01-280-5500 Standard Form 298 (Rev. 2-89)Prescribed by ANSI Sld. Z39-18298-102


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Marc G. Millis- The Challenge to Create the Space Drive

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