Glen “Tony” Robertson describes NASA’s failed attempt at a replication of Eugene Podkletnov’s rotating superconductor experiment, undertaking in the mid-2000s with the the help of Podkletnov in recreating the classic “superconductive gravity shield”, in which a rotating superconductor which was claimed to create a beam of reduced gravity above it extending up dozens or perhaps hundreds of feet.

Robertson discusses the ultimate failure of the experiment, which he largely attributes to disorganized nature of the project, the lack of progress due to issues with superconductor viability and team dynamics, and the ultimate failure of two separate funding attempts. Despite rumors of Dr. Li continuing her research in a secret laboratory, the podcast reveals that she passed away peacefully on July 27th at age 79. The episode also touches upon Dr. Li’s challenging personality and the presenters’ reluctance to share certain documents due to ownership concerns.

Rumors of the NASA superconductor experiment have circulated online for years, and as a key project participant, Robertson is quick to point out that NASA never actually tested the superconductors they constructed. In his words, the failure was a result of leadership, organizational and funding issues – which ultimately means the question of whether Podkletnov’s “superconductive gravity shield” claims are valid remains to be seen.

The Podkletnov Experiment and the Spinning Superconductor:

Our journey begins with the introduction of Tony Robertson, a veteran of the propulsion field with an impressive resume spanning over four decades. He sets the stage for a discussion about a NASA experiment, initially proposed by Dr. Ning Li, that aimed to harness the power of superconductivity to achieve, perhaps, anti-gravity. The core of the experiment involved spinning a superconductor at incredibly high speeds – initially planned for a dizzying 35,000 RPM, later reduced. This ambitious project involved a team assembled by NASA’s Science Directorate, including notable figures like Ron Koczor and Whitt Brantley.

A Project Plagued by Disorganization:

The narrative quickly shifts from ambitious beginnings to a tale of organizational failures. The team, despite its impressive credentials, lacked cohesion and accountability. Dr. Li’s failure to provide consistently viable superconductors hampered progress significantly. The initial NASA-funded attempt ultimately ended in failure, a story repeated with a subsequent attempt funded by the Space Based Radar (SBR) program. Millions of dollars were invested, yet neither project reached completion.

Debunking the Myths: Where is Ning Li?

Rumors of Dr. Li working in a clandestine laboratory fueled speculation. However, the podcast directly addresses these rumors, presenting photographic evidence of the NASA superconductor gravity team and confirming that Dr. Li, who passed away peacefully on July 27th at age 79, was not working in secrecy. The podcast clarifies that she was in Huntsville, Alabama until the early 2000s, taking a year off due to illness before returning, but not actively working on projects.

A Legacy of Innovation and Controversy:

Dr. Li’s obituary is shared, highlighting her significant contributions to the field of superconductivity and her pioneering work on anti-gravity research, including the construction of a 12-inch High-Temperature Superconducting Disk (HTSD) in the late 1990s. A celebration of her life was held on August 1st. However, the podcast also acknowledges that she was a challenging colleague, sometimes reporting colleagues to management.

Unanswered Questions and Lingering Documents:

The podcast concludes with a mention of existing paperwork related to Dr. Li from the Center of Discretionary Funds and SBR. However, due to uncertainties about ownership, the speakers are hesitant to share these documents publicly. This leaves a lingering sense of mystery, highlighting the complexities and ambiguities surrounding Dr. Li’s life and work.

Conclusion:

The story of Dr. Ning Li and the NASA anti-gravity experiments is a compelling blend of scientific ambition, organizational challenges, and enduring mystery. It serves as a reminder that even with the brightest minds and substantial resources, the path to scientific breakthroughs is often fraught with unexpected obstacles. The legacy of Dr. Li, a complex figure whose contributions and controversies are intertwined, continues to spark discussion and inspire further investigation.