Is anyone working on the next BIG step for propulsion?

Question

Seems like crossing space the conventional way (chemical and ION engines) takes a really long time to get where you're going.

Is anyone working on the next quantum leap forward for propulsion? I hate to use the term 'WARP' engine because it involves warping space and time but isn't that the way it needs to be done to cross great distances.

So, the question remains, is anyone working on the next big deal for crossing space? Can you point me to any web sites?

Answer 1

Nobody knows where to begin. I believe NASA has cut what little funding they had for research into breakthrough propulsion. I mean we don't even have a theory that could be used to make an engine that would warp space or go faster than light or whatever. There are some crazy people out there who they say they have ideas. Those people also say they can do things like make perpetual motion machines. But none of them has succeeded. And no traditional scientists believe that they really have discovered anything new or even real.

Answer 2

Some of the most advanced work is going on at NASA--specifically nuclear propulsion and the use of solar power to heat hydrogen (both are much more efficient than chemical power). The work is limited--due to inadequate funding-but it is ongoing. Check out nasa.gov

Quite honestly the next step is simply to develop cost-effective launch vehicles to get into earth orbit. Until we do that, any real interplanetary travel is simply not doable--fast, slow, or otherwise. But there are some exiting things going on with private-sector projects in that direction. You can pick up a lot of info on that at space.com

Answer 3

If anyone here is, they are certainly not at liberty to speak about it.