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Related Experiment Videos

Assessing potential propulsion breakthroughs.

Marc G Millis1

  • 1NASA, John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field, 21000 Brookpark Rd., MS 86-2, Cleveland, OH 44135-3191, USA. marc.g.millis@nasa.gov

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|March 3, 2006
PubMed
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NASA

Area of Science:

  • Physics
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Astrophysics

Background:

  • Breakthrough propulsion concepts, such as propellantless drives, are key to practical interstellar exploration.
  • NASA's Breakthrough Propulsion Physics Project (1996-2002) investigated the physics underlying such advanced spaceflight concepts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report on NASA's assessment of breakthrough propulsion physics, focusing on benefit prediction, research selection, and technical progress.
  • To outline a methodology for selecting research in areas beyond current physics, emphasizing credibility and immediate unknowns.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed potential benefits of hypothetical space drives, using energy requirements as a comparative metric.
  • Developed and applied a research selection process prioritizing immediate unknowns, reliability, and credibility over feasibility.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Reviewed findings from 14 research tasks, categorizing them by conclusion type (null, unresolved, sequels).

    • Main Results:

    • Hypothetical space drives could offer significant energy advantages over rockets for interstellar travel.
    • The research selection process yielded four tasks with opportunities for sequels.
    • Fourteen tasks were evaluated, with six yielding null conclusions and four remaining unresolved.

    Conclusions:

    • Sequel research opportunities predominantly focus on the fundamental properties of space, inertial frames, and the quantum vacuum.
    • The study highlights the challenges and methodologies for pursuing physics-based propulsion breakthroughs.
    • Further investigation into space properties is crucial for advancing propulsion concepts.