Inspenet, July 17, 2023.
The American company IVO will launch its controversial quantum engine IVO Quantum Drive into low Earth orbit within three months. This experimental booster is powered exclusively by solar energy and if successful in its tests, it will not only radically change the landscape of space travel, but will also challenge Isaac Newton’s laws of motion.
Traditionally, spacecraft have relied on engines that consume large amounts of fuel. However, new approaches to space engines have emerged in recent years, such as solar sails or ion engines , which are based on different principles and promise unprecedented speeds.
One of these new space boosters is the quantum engine developed by IVO , which is based on the theories of physicist Mike McCulloch of the University of Plymouth and which challenges the concept of inertia established in Newton’s first law.
A quantum engine that could revolutionize the aerospace industry
This is the first electric propulsion motor developed by a team of experts in engineering and aerospace sciences with the aim of being fully electric and as less polluting as possible . Unlike conventional chemical propulsion systems, the IVO Quantum Drive uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles and generate great force.
The main advantage of this engine is its energy efficiency , since by not depending on combustion, it can work for long periods without consuming large amounts of fuel. In addition, its compact and lightweight design allows it to be easily integrated into satellites and spacecraft of various sizes.
Initially, the launch was planned for June aboard a SpaceX rocket , but the mission has been rescheduled for October.
According to Richard Mansel, founder and CEO of IVO, the meticulous study of the mechanisms of inertia and gravity was essential for the start of the project.
After obtaining positive results in the tests carried out, they decided to make sure before embarking on the development of their engines. To do this, they used the thermal vacuum chamber of the E-Labs company in Fredericksburg, USA, which would help them obtain conclusive evidence.
The quantum engine managed to generate around 10 millinewtons, a small force but one that confirmed the validity of McCulloch’s theories. At that time, the main objective was to look for possible flaws in the engine design and the company decided to involve independent experts to help in the analysis of the development.
IVO ensures that its engine offers unmatched efficiency, reaching up to 52 millinewtons with just one watt of power. The system can use energy captured by solar panels, eliminating the need to carry fuel . In addition, it is modular, allowing more units to be added to increase the pushing force, and it can be positioned in any orientation, providing up to 6 degrees of freedom.
What will the mission of the IVO Quantum Drive be like?
For the launch, IVO has prepared two different configurations of the quantum engine, which will allow testing two different versions of the same concept and continue testing in case one of them fails. These configurations present slight differences in terms of their power and level of performance, which will allow the units to be evaluated both individually and as a whole.
Once in low Earth orbit, the team will proceed to ignite the thrusters and use the generated momentum to control and adjust its position. During this process, data will be collected by onboard sensors and later verified by independent observers for validation.
The purpose of this first IVO One Drive mission is to evaluate the performance of thrusters in the space environment and collect data to improve their design and efficiency . If all goes to plan, this technology could become an essential component for future space missions, including exploring distant planets, searching for intelligent life, and building human habitats in space.
According to Mansell, the first test results may be available in December. He states: “If after the first few drive-throughs, which could take place as soon as two months after launch, we get really clear data, we can say unequivocally that we are building momentum.”
Mansel also said that by eliminating the need for propellants, the need for bulky and heavy storage tanks is also eliminated, which reduces the total mass and weight of the spacecraft, thus increasing its payload capacity. Being a fuelless propulsion system, there is no need to resupply or deorbit the satellite due to fuel limitations.
However, the IVO CEO acknowledges the challenges that arise when trying to explore beyond established physical laws, stressing that it is not so much about “breaking” the existing laws of physics, but about expanding our current understanding of physics. by incorporating new knowledge. He emphasizes the importance of scientists working in this field without fear, promoting scientific advancement.
Loading...
