Egyptian teen invents spacecraft propulsion system
May 24th, 2012 - 9:09 pm ICT by IANSLondon, May 24 (IANS) A 19-year-old Egyptian university student has invented a futuristic propulsion system for spacecraft.
The invention “leapfrogs” NASA research, and uses a hi-tech quantum effect to drive satellites through space, rather than ordinary rocket engines.
Aisha Mustafa’s invention generates energy using the Casimir-Polder force, an obscure quantum effect using two surfaces and objects in a vacuum, Daily Mail reported Wednesday.
The force is described as an “invisible rubber band” between bulky objects and atoms that arises from the ever-present random fluctuation of microscopic electric fields in empty space.
The fluctuations get stronger near a surface, and an isolated neutral atom nearby feels the force as a “pull”.
Instead of using nuclear reactors or jets, Mustafa’s satellites could generate drive using the panels, the Mail added.
NASA had researched a similar idea using the Casimir-Polder force.
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Tags: bulky objects, casimir, daily mail, egyptian university, empty space, fluctuations, hi tech, invention, jets, may 24, nasa, nasa research, neutral atom, nuclear reactors, propulsion system, quantum effect, random fluctuation, rocket engines, rubber band, spacecraft propulsion