NASA physicist Dr. Charles Buhler discusses a breakthrough propellantless propulsion device developed by Exodus Propulsion Technology that produces 1g (9.8 m/s²) thrust in hard-vacuum experimental testing. Buhler is the co-founder of Exodus Propulsion Technology and lead scientist and co-founder of NASA’s Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center. Dr. Buhler has a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from Florida State University, which he received in 2000 while working on high temperature superconductors at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.

The patented, propellantless propulsion system developed by Exodus generates over 1g of force using asymmetrical electrostatic pressure, a phenomenon initially unexpected by the researchers. After years of research, including exploring various momentum methods and overcoming challenges like charge leakage and ion wind, they achieved a significant increase in propulsive force in 2021. This advancement stems from a deeper understanding of charge types (free and bound) and the use of 2D thin-film thrusters.

While initially utilizing asymmetrical capacitors, the Exocus team is currently focus is on chemical battery-based thrusters for direct charge injection. The research, which has been independently verified, suggests a potential connection to quantum mechanics and vacuum fluctuations, potentially offering insights into gravity and dark energy. Future plans include space demonstrations, contingent upon securing funding.

A NASA Scientist’s Journey into the Unknown

Dr. Buehler, with a PhD in condensed matter physics and extensive experience in high-temperature superconductors and electrostatic discharge safety for space programs (including work on NASA’s Mars Exploration Program and the DUST project), brings unparalleled expertise to this field. His team at Exodus Technologies has developed a patented technology based on asymmetrical electrostatic pressure, a concept that challenges our understanding of fundamental physics.

Beyond Ion Wind and Experimental Error

Claims of field effect propulsion are often dismissed due to experimental errors or the influence of known forces like ion wind. However, Dr. Buehler’s decades of experience in electrostatics, coupled with rigorous testing and modeling, lend significant credibility to his findings. His team’s approach is unique, combining theoretical understanding with meticulous experimentation, computation, and engineering.

The Science Behind the Breakthrough

Dr. Buehler explains that systems with asymmetrical electrostatic pressure or divergent fields can produce a non-zero force on a center of mass. Asymmetrical capacitors served as a starting point, but the current research has moved beyond this simple, inexpensive method. The key to their success lies in a comprehensive theoretical framework that allows for miniaturization and optimization, a crucial element missing in previous research.

A Dramatic Increase in Propulsive Force

A slide from Dr. Buehler’s presentation (link in show notes) reveals a dramatic increase in propulsive force observed in 2021. This leap forward was achieved through several key improvements: the implementation of a high-vacuum system to eliminate noise from ion wind and discharge; a transition to 2D thin film thrusters with different dielectrics; and the discovery of two types of charge – free and bound – with bound charges producing significantly higher thrust.

Current Research and Future Potential

Current research focuses on chemical battery-based thrusters for direct charge injection, moving beyond thin films. Dr. Buehler’s team has conducted thousands of tests, revealing that force increases at the microscopic scale due to reduced mass while maintaining high thrust. Tests using both DC and AC (up to megahertz) have yielded intriguing results, suggesting a field-based effect rather than a photon-based one.

Challenging Fundamental Physics?

The device’s efficiency is remarkable; charge remains in the capacitors even after power is off, producing thrust for days. This seemingly violates energy conservation laws, but Dr. Buehler suggests this is fundamental to understanding spacetime. The simple design (Teflon, copper tape, foam) makes it an inexpensive testing tool, potentially hinting at a simple electric field warping spacetime or a connection to zero-point energy.

Verification and Future Implications

The effect has been independently verified by two outside groups, adding to the decades of anecdotal evidence of propulsive forces. Dr. Buehler’s team’s rigorous experimentation and multiple verifications stand in stark contrast to the replication issues encountered in Thomas Townsend Brown’s earlier research. The potential implications are vast, potentially impacting our understanding of gravity, dark energy, and dark matter.

Next Steps: Space Demos and Beyond

With plans for space demonstrations in early 2024 (pending funding), Dr. Buehler’s work represents a potential paradigm shift in space travel. Further research will explore AC applications for force increase and direction control, potentially utilizing higher frequencies (terahertz). The future of space exploration may well depend on the success of this groundbreaking technology.

This research, while still in its early stages, offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future where fuel-less propulsion becomes a reality. Dr. Buehler’s meticulous approach and the compelling evidence presented make this a story worth following closely.