by Jochem Hauser, Walter Dröscher, Wuye Dai, and Jean-Marie Muylaert

Abstract: The paper discusses the current status of space transportation and then presents an overview of the two main research topics on advanced propulsion as pursued by the authors, namely the use of electromagnetic interaction (Lorentz force) as well as a novel concept, based on ideas of a unified theory by the late German physicist B. Heim, termed field propulsion. In general, electromagnetics is coupled to the Navier-Stokes equations and leads to magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Consequently, the ideal MHD equations and their numerical solution based on an extended version of the HLLC (Harten-Lax-van Leer-Contact discontinuity) technique is presented. In particular, the phenomenon of waves in MHD is discussed, which is crucial for a successful numerical scheme. Furthermore, the important topic of a numerically divergence free magnetic induction field is addressed. Two dimensional simulation examples are presented. In the second part, a brief discussion of field propulsion is given.

Based on Einstein's principle of geometrization of physical interactions, a theory is presented that shows that there should be six fundamental physical interactions instead of the four known ones. The additional interactions (gravitophoton force) would allow the conversion of electromagnetic energy into gravitational energy where the vacuum state provides the interaction particles. This kind of propulsion principle is not based on the momentum principle and would not require any fuel. The paper discusses the source of the two predicted interactions, the concept of parallel space (in which the limiting speed of light is nc, n being an integer, c denoting vacuum speed of light), and presents a brief introduction of the physical model along with an experimental setup to measure and estimate the so called gravitophoton (Heim-Lorentz) force. Estimates for the magnitude of magnetic fields are presented, and trip times for lunar and Mars missions are given.