Can Superconductors Shield Gravity? NASA veteran Glen “Tony” Robertson clears the air about Ning Li, Podkletnov, Superconductors & Gravity Control. In this interview, we explore the decades-long, multi-national effort to explore the potential of superconductors to generate artificial gravity. The conversation centers around the work of Eugene Podletnov, Dr. Ning Li, and others, focusing on experiments involving rotating superconductors and high-voltage discharges.

Robertson was a key participant in NASA superconductor efforts, and in this interview, he emphasizes the point that NASA never conducted a replication of Podkletnov’s rotating superconductor, experiment. He also notes that subsequent replication attempts by others have all failed to meet the experimental criterion required by the original experimental outline in Eugene Podkletnov’s scientific paper. While NASA’s involvement was limited and ultimately unsuccessful due to funding constraints and technical challenges (primarily superconductor fragility and creation difficulties), the speakers discuss ongoing independent research aiming to replicate and expand upon Podletnov’s experiments, which reportedly produced anomalous gravitational effects.

The current project, using a Marx generator, seeks to reproduce and analyze these effects, potentially leading to breakthroughs in understanding gravity and its applications in space travel. The discussion also highlights the challenges of working with large superconductors, the complexities of the manufacturing process, and the lack of complete data and replication in previous experiments. The passing of Dr. Ning Li and the challenges of international scientific collaboration are also mentioned.

The Podkletnov Experiment and the NASA Connection

The story begins in the late 1980s and early 1990s with Eugene Podkletnov’s pioneering work on rotating superconductors. Podkletnov observed a remarkable phenomenon: a reduced gravity column formed by cryofluid evaporation from a spinning superconductor. This intriguing observation caught the attention of a NASA team, including Dr. Ning Li, who aimed to replicate and expand upon Podkletnov’s experiment, initially planning to achieve speeds far exceeding Podkletnov’s 5000 rpm. However, the ambitious impulse experiment envisioned was never realized. NASA’s involvement primarily focused on the creation of the necessary superconductors, a task fraught with unexpected challenges.

The Challenges of Superconductor Creation

Creating large, high-quality superconductors proved to be a significant hurdle. The team, utilizing a million-ton press at Marshall Space Flight Center, faced issues with cracking and disintegration, particularly in larger components. The process, likened to pottery, required meticulous temperature control and a slow cooling process (1°C/hour for ~100 hours) to achieve the desired crystalline structure. Even with these painstaking efforts, many superconductors cracked during cooling and reheating, highlighting the significant engineering challenges involved. Dr. Li’s involvement, while crucial, also presented its own set of complexities, with inconsistencies in the superconductors she produced.

The Unfinished NASA Experiments and the SBIR Project

Despite the considerable effort invested, NASA never conducted the high-speed rotating superconductor experiment. Funding limitations and technical difficulties brought the project to a halt. A subsequent SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) project attempted to levitate a superconductor, but rotation was never achieved. The project’s failure was partly due to the failure of the NASA tank structure and inaccurate reports circulating online that suggested the experiments had been successfully completed.

The Podkletnov Impulse Experiment and the Search for Gravitational Waves

The narrative takes a new turn with the introduction of Podkletnov’s impulse experiment, a separate endeavor from the rotating disc experiment. This experiment, which involved discharging a high voltage through a superconductor, reportedly produced dramatic effects, including warping metal and crushing brick. The current research aims to replicate this impulse experiment, focusing on the potential generation of gravitational waves. The team is constructing a Marx generator to achieve the necessary high voltage, aiming for 700-800,000 volts.

Current Experiments and Future Directions

The current experiment builds upon previous work, utilizing a modified setup with a cryogenic chamber within a vacuum chamber. The team is meticulously addressing previous challenges, including moisture control and the potential for equipment damage from high-voltage discharges. Initial tests will be conducted in a controlled environment, with subsequent gravity tests planned for an open field. The team’s collaboration with VNF is enabling cost-effective construction of the necessary equipment. Testing is scheduled to begin next year.

Lessons Learned and the Legacy of Dr. Ning Li

The story highlights the significant challenges in replicating and validating earlier experiments, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodology and detailed documentation. The passing of Dr. Ning Li, a key figure in this research, serves as a poignant reminder of the dedication and sacrifices made in the pursuit of scientific advancement. Her work, funded by both NASA and the Army, underscores the enduring interest in exploring the potential of superconductors for generating artificial gravity.

Conclusion: A Continuing Quest

The pursuit of artificial gravity using superconductors remains a compelling area of research. While challenges abound, the potential rewards – including revolutionary advancements in space travel and a deeper understanding of fundamental physics – continue to drive this decades-long quest. The ongoing experiments, building upon the work of pioneers like Podkletnov and Dr. Li, promise to shed new light on this fascinating and potentially transformative field.