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EM drive could be realistic after all

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TheContrarian:

--- Quote from: RavynousHunter on July 21, 2016, 09:28:08 am ---
--- Quote from: Tolpuddle Martyr on July 21, 2016, 02:50:51 am ---Ok, but do these sneaky, out of phase photons pack as much oomph as rapidly expanding hot gas?

--- End quote ---

Even if they don't, they don't have nearly as big an environmental impact.  Combine it with a high-altitude launch, and the engine needn't be large at all, saving space for more useful things.  Wonder if you could power one off an RTG/RSG...

--- End quote ---

Um, no?

The thrust from something like this would be comparatively tiny.  It's great for low acceleration in space over a long timescale, but as for getting out of earth's gravity well from the surface?  Not so much.

RavynousHunter:
Derp...forgot those things output like a little DC motor.  Though, something like this does lend itself well to things like HTGRs (since they commonly use non-combustible CO2) and solar backups.

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