Science Stories

Optical invisibility may be possible - Scientists say that new "metatmaterials" enable radiation of all forms, including light to be bent around them, making objects invisible. One scientist said that invisibility devices may only be five years away. There's a problem with the multiple wavelengths found in sunlight, however, that might complicate things.

Reaction Drive work continues - As I've noted several times before, the only way for humans to realistically explore space is to stop taking their propellant with them. Having to propel both your spaceship and tons and tons of fuel makes the budget bottom lines go crazy. Some sort of reaction drive or field propulsion is simply a necessity. The problem is that nobody knows exactly how to do this, or even if it is possible.

Enter James Woodward, a professor at California State University. For the last several years, Woodward has been working on what he calls a "Mach-Lorentz Thruster" I believe he has reproducible lab results, which is a good thing. But the detractors are already out in force, and I'm sure the professor has a tough time ahead of him. Currently the effects are very small and the engines produce a lot of heat, which must be removed. But it appears that even a small-force engine could be used for things like satellite station-keeping. Or intra-solar system probe propulsion. Let's hope some person or organization gives the professor the resources he needs to commercialize his inventions.

This is yet another great argument for the government sponsoring FEW, PUBLIC, SUBSTANTIAL, PRESTIGIOUS X-Prize type rewards. Not that they are listening, but 1-10 Billion spent now on breakthrough propulsion technology would more than pay for itself over a 20 year term. I would have three stages: first stage would be a demonstration practical and inexpensive reaction engine producing enough thrust for station-keeping. Stage two would be a demonstration of an engine that would work with larger masses, and stage three would be practically producing enough force to carry a large object (50-100 tons) out of the earth's gravity well. The measurable criteria would be LEO for under a dollar a kilo. That's it. No more prizes or solutions needed. If we can provide cheap access to space, we can increase the number of people working there. This will allow the free market to solve the other problems, like space gloves. Trying to solve trivial problems now with 10-20 million prizes COMPLETELY DEFEATS the core concept of the prize system. Having firm cost-to-orbit goals and paying large rewards (with 2nd and 3rd place) for them, along with fame and recognition is the way to go. From the government's standpoint, it is an economic tool. But from the other side, the fame and fortune are big players in the mix. That's why it has to be big, public, and rare.