Thrust from Microwaves - The Relativity Drive

dfenstrate writes "The latest New Scientist has an article about an engine that exploits relativity and microwaves to generate thrust. There is a working prototype." From the article: "Roger Shawyer has developed an engine with no moving parts that he believes can replace rockets and make trains, planes and automobiles obsolete ... The device that has sparked their interest is an engine that generates thrust purely from electromagnetic radiation — microwaves to be precise — by exploiting the strange properties of relativity. It has no moving parts, and releases no exhaust or noxious emissions. Potentially, it could pack the punch of a rocket in a box the size of a suitcase. It could one day replace the engines on almost any spacecraft. More advanced versions might allow cars to lift from the ground and hover."

Comments

Re:Forgetting some things?

[Doc Ruby]

FreeRepublic.com is also the site that applied the theory that invading Iraq to protect Americans would produce nothing but grateful Iraqi crowds throwing flowers and turning as democratic as Ohio and Florida. When they tested that one in the field, it created tens of thousands of dead and maimed Americans, which require more American military, indefinitely.

They're perpetual motion experts over at Freeperville.

Re:It doesn't violate any laws of physics....

[dfenstrate]

Okay, in my opinion, this statement is a big warning sign you should be more careful commenting about what obeys the laws of physics and what doesn't....

This being Slashdot and all, I guess I see why you think it's fine to claim the latter while admitting the former.

Did you get beat up alot at school? And now find being a dick on the web is the best way you can make up for it?

Like pretty much every popular forum on the web, this site is for pointless pontification about topics few of us will ever get involved in, and fewer still have any clue what's going on.

This place is a waste of time. Everyone here should know that. So not only do I think it's fine to claim the latter while admitting the former, I know it is. So don't be a wise ass.

Anyway, beyond the snide comments, thanks for your reply.
I suppose a little occasional education is the only value one might draw from here.