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Anomalous Thrust Production from an RF Test Device Measured on a Low-Thrust Torsion PendulumThis paper describes the test campaigns designed to investigate and demonstrate viability of using classical magnetoplasmadynamics to obtain a propulsive momentum transfer via the quantum vacuum virtual plasma. This paper will not address the physics of the quantum vacuum plasma thruster (QVPT), but instead will describe the recent test campaign. In addition, it contains a brief description of the supporting radio frequency (RF) field analysis, lessons learned, and potential applications of the technology to space exploration missions. During the first (Cannae) portion of the campaign, approximately 40 micronewtons of thrust were observed in an RF resonant cavity test article excited at approximately 935 megahertz and 28 watts. During the subsequent (tapered cavity) portion of the campaign, approximately 91 micronewtons of thrust were observed in an RF resonant cavity test article excited at approximately 1933 megahertz and 17 watts. Testing was performed on a low-thrust torsion pendulum that is capable of detecting force at a single-digit micronewton level. Test campaign results indicate that the RF resonant cavity thruster design, which is unique as an electric propulsion device, is producing a force that is not attributable to any classical electromagnetic phenomenon and therefore is potentially demonstrating an interaction with the quantum vacuum virtual plasma.
Document ID
20140009930
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Brady, David A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
White, Harold G.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
March, Paul
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Lawrence, James T.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Davies, Frank J.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
July 21, 2014
Publication Date
July 28, 2014
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-31446
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference (JPC)
Location: Cleveland, OH
Country: United States
Start Date: July 28, 2014
End Date: July 30, 2014
Sponsors: American Society for Electrical Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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