NASA Develops the First Engine Capable of Reaching the Speed ​​of Light

The "impossible engine" of NASA is the engine that will power travel from Earth to the Moon in under two seconds.

Humanity has long dreamed of traveling beyond what the naked eye can see and reach the farthest parts of the universe. But the constraints imposed by the speed of light have always been there. Up to now. In a bid to make it possible for travel at high velocities and bring us nearer the speed of light than ever before, NASA's brilliant engineers have been working on an innovative engine design that can defy the laws of physics as we understand them.

The Helical Motor: A Dream Come True

NASA's latest invention in its quest for impossible velocities is so-called "helical drive." Engineer David Burns developed this ambitious concept, which rests on a strange physics anomaly known as the "inertial fault."

This engine's principle is to take advantage of the fact that an object's mass increases tremendously as it approaches the speed of light.  This device would generate steady thrust without the aid of a traditional propellant by moving back and forth inside a container in the vacuum of space.

Defying the Laws of Physics

"How can an engine possibly function without an opposite reaction?" is likely what you're thinking at this point. You're justified in questioning this concept because it seems to contradict Newton's third law of motion, which states that there is always an equal and opposite reaction to an action.

But NASA engineers believe they have a solution to this dilemma. The helical engine could deliver steady propulsion without the use of conventional propellant by leveraging the inertial fault. While this hypothesis has been the subject of much debate and study, helical engine supporters argue that the concept is sound and worth further research.

The Journey to the Moon in Less than 2 Seconds

The implications would be totally mind-boggling if the helical motor lives up to its potential. Imagine a future where a spacecraft can travel to the Moon from Earth within less than two seconds. Yes, you heard right. You would be investigating the mysterious lunar regions in the blink of an eye.

Space exploration would become possible with these never-before-imagined speeds. With present technology, we can go to planets in other solar systems in a few weeks or days instead of decades or years.

Challenges and Criticisms

However, it's not without challenges that we reach the speed of light. The helical drive has been questioned and critiqued by the scientific community on several occasions.

The computations and assumptions behind the helical motor idea have come into sharp criticism by some experts. In addition, there is criticism and demands for further research before completely adopting this idea since it seems to go against established physics rules.

Other Futuristic Propulsion Systems

Yet, NASA and other space agencies are looking at other potential propulsion systems beyond the helical engine.  Extensive research and development has also been conducted on concepts such as the EM Drive and the Ion Drive.

Roger Shawyer invented the EM Drive, a reactionless propulsion engine which allegedly works as a microwave resonant cavity thruster, in 1999.  Though its efficiency is still uncertain, later experiments have shown that the EM Drive produces some form of propulsion despite initial criticism.

Yet, the Ion Drive proved to be one of the most economical spacecraft propulsion systems.  The Ion Drive generates thrust through the conversion of solar power to electric energy in order to expel ions from a nozzle.  Long-duration NASA missions have successfully used the Ion Drive, although with not enough power for high-speed flight.

The Future of Space Exploration

NASA and other space agencies toil anxiously to develop these otherworldly propulsion technologies despite the challenges and rebukes.  And for good reason—the rewards of achieving their full potential far outweigh the dismay that would come from failing tests.

Envision a time in the future when we will travel to distant galaxies.  a time when the limitations placed upon us by the speed of light will no longer apply.  That's the dream that inspires NASA scientists and engineers to continue, to extend the boundaries of what we believe is possible, and to do the impossible.

Conclusion

A thrilling milestone in space exploration history has been achieved through the discovery of the helical engine and other advanced propulsion technology. Although there is much left to accomplish, the persistence and ingenuity of the scientific community are bringing humanity closer to making the formerly impossible dream of travel at the speed of light a reality.

Therefore, stay current with the new advancements in this exciting field. Who knows, you might be one of the early pioneers to make the unthinkable journey at unimaginable speeds to the uncharted corners of the universe in the not-so-distant future.