EM spaceship drive.

[wheresthetorch?]

Interesting article in the Telegraph. Moon in 4 days, Pluto in 18 months, Alpha Centauri in 100 years ...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/space/11769030/Impossible-rocket-drive-works-and-could-get-to-Moon-in-four-hours.html

[mbhyde]

Very interesting hope it's true

[Knight of Clear Skies]

It would be fantastic if there is something to this, but please bear in mind the measured forces are a few micro-newtons, close to the detection limit of the equipment. In the latest test it continued producing a force after it was turned off for a while, which is a little suspicious. If i was to place a bet it would be on experimental error.

It merits more investigation as in the unlikely event there is some unknown physics at play then the payoff would be very large, but talk of going to Pluto or Alpha Centauri is very premature. The papers and news outlets are in the business of shifting copy, and have been hyping this and the similar Cannae Drive to the heavens (literally) for a while now.

[laudropb]

Interesting, but a long way from being proved.

[Zakalwe]

I never, ever trust mainstream news journalists for science information. This article is a prime example. "We can neither confirm or deny" is twisted onto 4 days to the Moon with added "plucky British invention".

It's sensationalist, designed to grab headlines and destined to be tomorrow's chip wrapper.

[JamesF]

destined to be tomorrow's chip wrapper.

These days it's not even considered high enough quality for that

James

[DaveS]

Reminds me of something I saw in New Scientist a few years back. Relied on obscure relativistic effects as I recall, the kicker being that the predicted thrust reduced as the velocity of the "motor" increased.

I'll believe it when I see it working and actually propelling something.

You know what they say in relation to scams, "If something sounds to good to be true..."?

[brantuk]

Well I popped two microwaves in a box out in the yard on a sunny day and hooked up one of those caravan solar panels to it. Didn't budge an inch in any direction......  nothing rattled inside either.... typical press nonsense..... :grin:

[Alien 13]

I remember when tunnel diodes where thought to be odd not quite what normal physics would predict so I still have an open mind on any new potential development.

Alan

[DaveS]

I made the mistake of scrolling down and reading the "comments"