Field Propulsion System for Space Travel: Physics of Non-Conventional Propulsion Methods for Interstellar Travel

In this chapter, we describe the brief history of space travel by mankind, grand view of the Space Travel in 21st century regarding Solar system exploration and stellar system exploration, NASA research project, and also present the outlook of actualization technology for space travel.

Besides the practical chemical propulsion system, many propulsion systems and concepts, such as electric propulsion system, laser propulsion system, nuclear propulsion system, solar sail, nuclear electric propulsion, and solar electric propulsion are introduced. In this chapter, the outline propulsion theory are presented.

Field propulsion is the concept of propulsion theory of spaceship that is not based on usual momentum thrust but based on momentum derived from an interaction of the spaceship with external fields. Field propulsion system is propelled without mass expulsion. The propulsion principle is based on the assumption that space as a vacuum possesses a substantial physical structure. Field propulsion is propelled receiving the propulsive force (i.e., thrust) arises from the interaction of the substantial physical structure. The meaning of substantial physical structure regarding the space-time can be conjectured from both General Relativity in the view of macroscopic structure and Quantum Field Theory in the view of microscopic structure. Therefore, several kinds of field propulsion can be proposed by making choice of physical concepts.

In this chapter, the basic concepts regarding the structure of physical space for such means of propulsion within the present physics paradigm are described.

This chapter consists of two sections, the first section is for the field propulsion systems based on the General Relativity Theory, such as space drive propulsion and warp drive propulsion. The second section is for the systems on the Quantum Field Theory, which are based on the hypothesis that the inertial mass can be developed from the interaction of elementary particles with the vacuum electromagnetic zero-point field. Several field propulsion systems on these theories are presented in this chapter.

In order to conquer these huge distances and times for interstellar travel, superluminal speeds become indispensable. If one considers the use of general relativity in the context of interstellar space travel rather than special relativity, then we no longer think of the problem in terms of a propulsion theory, but rather a navigation theory, such as a wormhole engineering of space-time itself. This notion becomes indispensable for the problem if interstellar travel, where cruising ranges are on the order of light-years. Practical interstellar exploration must therefore solve both the propulsion and the navigation problem. In this chapter, several different concepts involving warp drive navigation are described.

There are realms of propulsion theory that stretch over the boundaries of known relativity and quantum theories. Some of these theoretical attempts incorporate electromagnetism or the relativity theory, while others attempt to evolve existing theories. Some of the more interesting theories that may some day be proven to be useful for space travel are presented in this chapter.