A space thruster that doesn't lose mass?

[tangaroa]

Current spaceship engine technology works by throwing stuff out the back and letting the equal-and-opposite-reaction push you forward, which has the drawbacks of 1) you have to lift the stuff into space and 2) you will eventually run out of stuff. If someone could figure out a way to obtain forward velocity without losing mass, spacecraft would be lighter, launching them would be cheaper, and satellites would have a longer lifespan. Here's a report suggesting that two scientists in different countries have figured out just such a way, using microwaves and a quirk of relativity. Hopefully it works and isn't just a case of wishful thinking and equipment error.

Comments

[siliconshaman]

The thing is, the theory is sound, the demonstration is valid [72 grams of thrust is easily enough to be measured.]... and most people refuse to believe it because:
a] it defies common sense and,
b] there have been numerous 'snake-oil' merchants making similar claims before.

I don't think anyone will buy it until someone builds an EMdrive capable of open air flight. Maybe not even then.