You may have to read this:
Evaluating NASA’s Futuristic EM Drive | NASASpaceFlight.com
several times!
Essentially, the EM Drive uses the same principles as a microwave but converts the energy into propulsion. Originally the idea was dismissed by scientists as breaking the law of conservation of momentum but recent tests have demonstrated otherwise.
So far it is not clear exactly how it works but one theory is that it is due to Quantum Vacuum acting in a similar manner to propellant ions in more conventional propulsion units.
If that's true then the law of conservation of momentum would be irrelevant as the unit would be 'frame-less' i.e. you can't push against it to achieve momentum.
Yes, I know, my head hurts too!
Evaluating NASA’s Futuristic EM Drive | NASASpaceFlight.com
several times!
Essentially, the EM Drive uses the same principles as a microwave but converts the energy into propulsion. Originally the idea was dismissed by scientists as breaking the law of conservation of momentum but recent tests have demonstrated otherwise.
So far it is not clear exactly how it works but one theory is that it is due to Quantum Vacuum acting in a similar manner to propellant ions in more conventional propulsion units.
If that's true then the law of conservation of momentum would be irrelevant as the unit would be 'frame-less' i.e. you can't push against it to achieve momentum.
Yes, I know, my head hurts too!
