Speculative Fact #279: Dean Drives, EM Drives, and Quantum Vacuum Thrusters

Engines have a major drawback – engines require exhaust in order to create thrust and that requires fuel. Recently, an engineer’s named Roger Shawyer made the bold claim that his “EM Drive” could create thrust without propellant. Thrust without reaction mass contradicts Newton and physics; it’s such a controversial premise that NASA was asked to test the claim.
            Although the initial tests seem to confirm Shawyer’s claims, experts are looking for other explanations to account for the discrepancy before fully subscribing. This is not the first time an engineer has claimed to design a thrust-less drive. In the fifties and sixties inventor Norman Dean claimed to invent a reactionless drive called the “Dean Drive.” After extensive tests the consensus is that the Dean Drive, despite the issued patents and attention, never actually worked.
            Although the skeptics remind us to remain cautious, it’s not just the EM Drive that’s generating buzz.  Serious studies are being done on at least one other controversial engine called the “Quantum vacuum thruster.” Even if these drives never become a reality we can see how interested and excited the public becomes about the prospect. If your story has a starship, what kind of drive does it use? Do you take a more traditional approach or do you prefer a more radical engine?

-Jonathan Hernandez

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