Instead of taking 7 months to reach Mars as it does currently, in the future, humans may be able to travel to this planet in just 3 days, thanks to a type of “super-spatial” engine that the U.S. government is researching.
In other words, a spacecraft equipped with this engine could fly at a speed of 5,573,611 km/h (in the scenario where Mars is at its farthest from Earth – 401,300,000 km). In comparison, the fastest airplane today reaches a speed of 11,200 km/h, a record held by NASA’s X-43A supersonic jet.
The engine has been theoretically outlined, but it is based on a controversial theory regarding the structure of the universe. It operates by creating a magnetic field so strong that it generates a gravitational field, leading to the propulsion of the spacecraft.
Moreover, if the magnetic field is strong enough, the spacecraft could travel in a direction where the speed of light is faster. Consequently, the spacecraft could achieve incredible speeds. Turning off the magnetic field would return the engine to our current dimension.
The Future of Mars Exploration
The U.S. Air Force is very interested in this idea, and scientists from the Department of Energy have stated that they can conduct experiments if the theory is proven correct. Currently, the U.S. Department of Energy has a device called the Z Machine, which can create the type of magnetic field needed to propel this engine.
Professor Jochem Hauser from the University of Applied Sciences in Germany is one of the scientists proposing this idea. Previously, he was the head of fluid dynamics at the European Space Agency. He indicated that if everything goes well, such an engine could be tested within the next 5 years.
Professor Hauser further stated that this engine would enable spacecraft to reach other solar systems, for instance, transporting humans to a star located 11 light-years away in just 80 days. NASA has contacted him, and this week he will meet with officials from the U.S. Air Force to discuss the super-spatial engine in more detail.
Minh Sơn (According to ScienceToday)
