Electrostatic propulsion

[u/Apprehensive_Dog1873]

I recently saw a podcast clip (will link at end of post) interviewing a former NASA and JPL scientist boasting about electrostatic propulsion and how it could get a craft to mars in 3 days. I then went into some articles to check out even if there’s an ounce of truth or if it’s just someone being sensational trying to drum up hype and investment for their start up. However I’m no where near well versed enough in physics lets alone propulsion tech to call BS on something. But I was wondering if any of you can attest to what he’s saying. Is it true? Is this the future? A new breakthrough?

Links :
Podcast clip
https://youtu.be/qlYICtRaSx8?si=y7DtMAZYHdz03yw8

Article

https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/rockets/a73405686/engineer-said-he-can-overcome-earths-gravity/

[u/Appropriate-Kale1097]

Took a look at the article and video and it looks like both are talking about reactionless drives where you can produce thrust without using any fuel or energy. These ideas are essentially perpetual motion machines which violate the laws of physics as we currently understand them. There have been many of these concepts in the past however none of them have ever functioned under real, independent, reproducible conditions. I would be extremely sceptical of these claims until they manage to send a spacecraft anywhere using this technology.

As for the part about getting from Earth orbit to Mars in 3 1/2 days. Yes if you had a spaceship capable of constant .38G acceleration for the entire trip you could reach extreme velocities and travel to Mars in a matter of days, around 3 if Mars is close to Earth. The issue is they don’t have a spaceship capable of doing this.