HarlodVol.

JBIS, E. 63,
Puthoff
pp.82-89, 2010

ADVANCED SPACE PROPULSION BASED

ON VACUUM (SPACETIME METRIC) ENGINEERING

HAROLD E. PUTHOFF
Institute for Advanced Studies at Austin, 11855 Research Blvd., Austin, Texas 78759, USA.
Email: puthoff@earthtech.org

A theme that has come to the fore in advanced planning for long-range space exploration is the concept that empty space itself
(the quantum vacuum, or spacetime metric) might be engineered so as to provide energy/thrust for future space vehicles.
Although far-reaching, such a proposal is solidly grounded in modern physical theory, and therefore the possibility that matter/
vacuum interactions might be engineered for space-flight applications is not a priori ruled out [1]. As examples, the current
development of theoretical physics addresses such topics as warp drives, traversable wormholes and time machines that
provide for such vacuum engineering possibilities [2-6]. We provide here from a broad perspective the physics and correlates/
consequences of the engineering of the spacetime metric.
Keywords: Space propulsion, metric engineering, spacetime alteration, warp drives, wormholes, polarizable vacuum

1. INTRODUCTION

The concept of “engineering the vacuum” found its first ex- regarding global thermodynamic and energy constraints. Fur-
pression in the physics literature when it was introduced by thermore, it is likely that energetic components of potential
Nobelist T.D. Lee in his textbook Particle Physics and Intro- utility involve very small-wavelength, high-frequency field struc-
duction to Field Theory [7]. There he stated: “The experimen- tures and thus resist facile engineering solutions. With regard to
tal method to alter the properties of the vacuum may be called perturbation of the spacetime metric, the required energy densi-
vacuum engineering…. If indeed we are able to alter the vacuum, ties predicted by present theory exceed by many orders of
then we may encounter new phenomena, totally unexpected.” magnitude values achievable with existing engineering tech-
This legitimization of the vacuum engineering concept was niques. Nonetheless, one can examine the possibilities and
based on the recognition that the vacuum is characterized by implications under the expectation that as science and its at-
parameters and structure that leave no doubt that it constitutes tendant derivative technologies mature, felicitous means may
an energetic and structured medium in its own right. Foremost yet be found that permit the exploitation of the enormous, as-
among these are that (1) within the context of quantum theory yet-untapped potential of engineering so-called “empty space,”
the vacuum is the seat of energetic particle and field fluctua- the vacuum.
tions, and (2) within the context of general relativity the vacuum
is the seat of a spacetime structure (metric) that encodes the In Section 2 the underlying mathematical platform for inves-
distribution of matter and energy. Indeed, on the flyleaf of a tigating spacetime structure, the metric tensor approach, is
book of essays by Einstein and others on the properties of the introduced. Section 3 provides an outline of the attendant
vacuum we find the statement “The vacuum is fast emerging as physical effects that derive from alterations in the spacetime
the central structure of modern physics” [8]. Perhaps the most structure, and Section 4 catalogs these effects as they would be
definitive statement acknowledging the central role of the exhibited in the presence of advanced aerospace craft technolo-
vacuum in modern physics is provided by 2004 Nobel Prize gies based on spacetime modification.
winner Frank Wilczek in his recent book The Lightness of
Being: Mass, Ether and the Unification of Forces [9]: 2. SPACETIME MODIFICATION –
METRIC TENSOR APPROACH
“What is space? An empty stage where the physical
world of matter acts out its drama? An equal participant Despite the daunting energy requirements to restructure the
that both provides background and has a life of its own? spacetime metric to a significant degree, the forms that such
Or the primary reality of which matter is a secondary restructuring would take to be useful for space-flight applica-
manifestation? Views on this question have evolved, and tions can be investigated, and their corollary attributes and
several times have changed radically, over the history of consequences determined - a “Blue Sky,” general-relativity-
science. Today the third view is triumphant.” for-engineers approach, as it were. From such a study the
signatures that would accompany such advanced-technology
Given the known characteristics of the vacuum, one might craft can be outlined, and possible effects of the technology
reasonably inquire as to why it is not immediately obvious how with regard to spacetime effects that include such phenomena
to catalyze robust interactions of the type sought for space- as the distortion of space and time can be cataloged. This would
flight applications. To begin, in the case of quantum vacuum include, among other consequences, cataloging effects that
processes there are uncertainties that remain to be clarified might be potentially harmful to human physiology.

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 Advanced Space Propulsion Based on Vacuum (Spacetime Metric) Engineering

The appropriate mathematical evaluation tool is use of the with the metric tensor coefficients gµv again changed accord-
metric tensor that describes the measurement of spacetime inter- ingly. In passing, one can note that the effect on the metric due
vals. Such an approach, well-known from studies in GR (general to charge Q differs in sign from that due to mass m, leading to
relativity) has the advantage of being model-independent, i.e., what in the literature has been referred to as electrogravitic
does not depend on knowledge of the specific mechanisms or repulsion [12].
dynamics that result in spacetime alterations, only that a technol-
ogy exists that can control and manipulate (i.e., engineer) the Similar relatively simple solutions exist for a spinning mass
spacetime metric to advantage. Before discussing the predicted (Kerr solution), and for a spinning electrically charged mass
characteristics of such engineered spacetimes a brief mathematical (Kerr-Newman solution). In the general case, appropriate solu-
digression is in order for those interested in the mathematical tions for the metric tensor can be generated for arbitrarily-
structure behind the discussion to follow. engineered spacetimes, characterized by an appropriate set of
spacetime variables dxµ and metric tensor coefficients gµv. Of
As a brief introduction, the expression for the 4-dimensional significance now is to identify the associated physical effects
line element ds2 in terms of the metric tensor gµv is given by and to develop a Table of such effects for quick reference.

ds 2 = g µν dx µ dxν (1) The first step is to simply catalog metric effects, i.e., physi-
cal effects associated with alteration of spacetime variables,
where summation over repeated indices is assumed unless oth- and save for Section 4 the significance of such effects within
erwise indicated. In ordinary Minkowski flat spacetime a (4- the context of advanced aerospace craft technologies.
dimensional) infinitesimal interval ds is given by the expres-
sion (in Cartesian coordinates) 3. PHYSICAL EFFECTS AS A FUNCTION
OF METRIC TENSOR COEFFICIENTS
ds 2 = c 2 dt 2 − (dx 2 + dy 2 + dz 2 ) (2)
In undistorted spacetime, measurements with physical rods and
where we make the identification dx0 = cdt, dx1 = dx, dx2 = dy, clocks yield spatial intervals dxµ and time intervals dt, defined
dx3 = dz, with metric tensor coefficients g00 = 1, g11 = g22 = g33 in a flat Minkowski spacetime, the spacetime of common expe-
= -1, gµv = 0 for µ ≠ v. rience. In spacetime-altered regions, we can still choose dxµ
and dt as natural coordinate intervals to represent a coordinate
For spherical coordinates in ordinary Minkowski flat spacetime map, but now local measurements with physical rods and clocks
yield spatial intervals
ds 2 = c 2 dt 2 − dr 2 − r 2 dθ 2 − r 2 sin 2 θ d ϕ 2 (3) − g µν dx µ
where dx0 = cdt, dx1 = dr, dx2 = dθ, dx3 = dϕ, with metric tensor and time intervals
coefficients g00 = 1, g11 = -1, g22 = -r2, g33 = -r2 sin2 θ, gµv = 0 for
µ ≠ v. g00 dt
so-called proper coordinate intervals. From these relationships
As an example of spacetime alteration, in a spacetime al- a Table can be generated of associated physical effects to be
tered by the presence of a spherical mass distribution m at the expected in spacetime regions altered by either natural or ad-
origin (Schwarzschild-type solution) the above can be trans- vanced technological means. Given that, as seen from an unal-
formed into [10] tered region, alteration of spatial and temporal intervals in a
spacetime-altered region result in an altered velocity of light,
−1 from an engineering viewpoint such alterations can in essence
 1 − Gm rc2  2 2  1 − Gm rc2  be understood in terms of a variable refractive index of the
ds2 =   c dt −  1 + Gm rc2  dr
2
2

 1 + Gm rc    vacuum (see Section 3.4 below) that affects all measurement.

(4)
( ) (
− 1 + Gm rc2 r 2 dθ 2 + sin2 θ dϕ 2 ) 3.1 Time Interval, Frequency, Energy

with the metric tensor coefficients gµv modifying the Minkowski The case where
flat-spacetime intervals dt, dr, etc., accordingly. g 00 < 1
As another example of spacetime alteration, in a spacetime is considered first, typical for an altered spacetime metric in the
altered by the presence of a charged spherical mass distribution vicinity of, say, a stellar mass – see leading term in Eq. (4).
(Q, m) at the origin (Reissner-Nordstrom-type solution) the Local measurements with physical clocks within the altered
above can be transformed into [11] spacetime region yield a time interval
g00 dt < dt
  thus an interval of time dt between two events located in an
 1 − Gm rc
2
Q 2 G 4πε 0 c 4  2 2
ds 2 =  +  c dt undistorted spacetime region remote from the mass (i.e., an
( )
2 2
 1 + Gm rc r 2 1 + Gm rc 2  observer at infinity) – say, ten seconds - would be judged by
  local (proper) measurement from within the altered spacetime
−1 region to occur in a lesser time interval,
 
 1 − Gm rc
2
Q 2 G 4πε 0 c 4 
− +  dr 2 (5)
g00 dt < dt
( )
2 2
 1 + Gm rc r 2 1 + Gm rc 2  - say, 5 seconds. From this it can be rightly inferred that,
 
relatively speaking, clocks (including atomic processes, etc.)
( ) r ( dθ )
2
− 1 + Gm rc 2 2 2
+ sin 2 θ d ϕ 2 within the altered spacetime run slower. Given this result, a

83
Harlod E. Puthoff

physical process (e.g., interval between clock ticks, atomic

emissions, etc.) that takes a time ∆t in unaltered spacetime g 00
slows to in the spacetime-altered region, energy states may be raised or
lowered relative to an unaltered spacetime region.
∆t → ∆t g00
when occurring within the altered spacetime. Conversely, un- 3.2 Spatial Interval
der conditions (e.g., metric engineering) for which
Again, by considering the case typical for an altered spacetime
g00 > 1 metric in the vicinity of, say, a stellar mass,
processes within the spacetime-altered region are, relatively
speaking, sped up. Thus we have our first entry for a Table of − g11 > 1
1
physical effects (see Table 1). for the radial dimension x = r – see second term in Eq. (4).
Therefore, local measurements with physical rulers within the
Given that frequency measurements are the reciprocal of altered spacetime yield a spatial interval
time duration measurements, the associated expression for fre-
quency ω is given by − g11 dr > dr
ω → ω g00 thus a spatial interval dr between two locations in an undistorted
the second entry in Table 1. This accounts, e.g., for the redshifting spacetime (say, remote from the mass) would be judged by
of atomic emissions from dense masses where local (proper) measurement from within the altered spacetime
to be greater,
g 00 < 1
Conversely, under conditions for which − g11 dr > dr
From this it can be rightly inferred that, relatively speaking,
g00 > 1 rulers (including atomic spacings, etc.) within the altered
blueshifting of emissions would occur. In addition, given that spacetime are shrunken relative to their values in unaltered
quanta of energy are given by E = =ω , energy scales with spacetime. Given this result, a physical object (e.g., atomic
orbit) that possesses a measure ∆r in unaltered spacetime shrinks
g00 to
as does frequency,
∆r → ∆r − g11
E → E g00 when placed within the altered spacetime. Conversely, under
the third entry in Table 1. Depending on the value of conditions for which

TABLE 1: Metric Effects on Physical Processes in an Altered Spacetime as Interpreted by

a Remote (Unaltered Spacetime) Observer.

Variable Typical Stellar Mass Spacetime-Engineered Metric

( g 00 < 1, g11 > 1) ( g 00 > 1, g11 < 1 )

Time Interval processes (e.g., clocks) processes (e.g., clocks)

∆t → ∆t g00 run slower run faster
Frequency red shift toward blueshift toward
ω → ω g00 lower frequencies higher frequencies
Energy energy states lowered energy states raised
E → E g00
Spatial measure objects (e.g., rulers) shrink objects (e.g., rulers) expand
∆r → ∆r − g11

Velocity of light effective vL < c effective vL > c

vL = c → c g 00 − g11
Mass m effective mass increases effective mass decreases

m = E c2
(
→ − g11 g 00 m)
Gravitational “force” “gravitational” “antigravitational”
f ( g00 , g11 )

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 Advanced Space Propulsion Based on Vacuum (Spacetime Metric) Engineering

refractive index
− g11 < 1
objects would expand - thus the fourth entry in Table 1 of n = − g11 g 00 ≠ 1
physical effects. by technological means can from an engineering viewpoint be
interpreted as manipulation of the vacuum parameters µ0 and
3.3 Velocity of Light in Spacetime-Altered Regions ε0. In GR theory such variations in µ0, ε0, and hence the
velocity of light, c, can be treated in terms of a “THεµ” formal-
Interior to a spacetime region altered by, say, a dense mass ism used in comparative studies of gravitational theories [20].
(e.g., a black hole), the locally-measured velocity of light c in,
say, the x1 = r direction, is given by the ratio of locally- As discussed in Section 4.4 below, a number of striking
measured (proper) distance/time intervals for a propagating effects can be anticipated in certain engineered spacetime re-
light signal [13] gions.

− g11 dr 3.5 Effective Mass in Spacetime-Altered Regions

v Li = =c (6)
g 00 dt
In a spacetime-altered region E = mc2 still holds in terms of
local (“proper coordinate”) measurements, but now energy E
From a viewpoint exterior to the region, however, from the
and the velocity of light c take on altered values as observed
above the remotely-observed coordinate ratio measurement
from an exterior (undistorted) spacetime region. Reference to
yields a different value
the definitions for E and c in Table 1 permits one to define an
effective mass as seen from the exterior undistorted region as
dr g 00 therefore taking on the value
vLe = = c (7)
dt − g11 m → m ( − g11 ) g 00
Therefore, although a local measurement with physical rods providing a sixth entry for Table 1. Depending on the values of
and clocks yields c, an observer in an exterior reference frame g00 and g11 the effective mass may be seen from the viewpoint
remote from the mass speaks of light “slowing down” on a of an observer in an undistorted spacetime region to have either
radial approach to the mass due to the ratio increased or decreased.

g 00 − g11 < 1 3.6 Gravity/Antigravity “Forces”

Conversely, under (metric engineering) conditions for which
Strictly speaking, in the GR point of view there are no
g 00 − g11 > 1 gravitational “forces,” but rather (in the words of GR theo-
the velocity of light - and advanced-technology craft velocities rist John Wheeler) “Matter tells space how to curve, and
that obey similar formulae – would appear superluminal in the space tells matter how to move [21].” As a result, Newton’s
exterior frame. This yields the fifth entry in Table 1 of physical law of gravitational attraction to a central mass is therefore
effects. interpreted in terms of the spacetime structure as expressed
in terms of the metric tensor coefficients, in this case as
3.4 Refractive Index Modeling expressed in Eq. (4) above. Therefore, in terms of the metric
coefficients gravitational attraction in this case derives from
Given that velocity-of-light effects in a spacetime-altered re- the condition that
gion, as viewed from an external frame, are governed by Eq. g00 < 1 , g11 > 1.
(7), it is seen that the effect of spacetime alteration on light
propagation can be expressed in terms of an optical refractive As to the possibility for generating “antigravitational forces,” it
index n, defined by was noted that in equation (5) inclusion of the effects of charge
led to metric tensor contributions counter to the effects of mass,
i.e., to electrogravitic repulsion. This reveals that conditions
c − g11 under which, say, the signs of the coefficients g00 and g11 could
vLe = , n= (8)
n g00 be reversed would be considered (loosely) as antigravitational
in nature. A seventh entry in Table 1 represents these features of
where n is an effective refractive index of the (spacetime- metric significance.
altered) vacuum. This widely-known result has resulted in the
development of refractive-index models for GR [14-17] that 4. SIGNIFICANCE OF PHYSICAL EFFECTS
have found application in problems such as gravitational lensing APPLICABLE TO ADVANCED AEROSPACE
[18]. The estimated electric or magnetic field strengths re- CRAFT TECHNOLOGIES AS A FUNCTION
quired to generate a given refractive index change are given by OF METRIC TENSOR COEFFICIENTS
standard GR theory (the Levi-Civita Effect) and can be found
in [19]. As discussed in Section 3, metric tensor coefficients define the
relationship between locally- and remotely-observed (i.e.,
In engineering terms, the velocity of light c is given by the spacetime-altered and unaltered) variables of interest as listed
expression in Table 1, and in the process define corollary physical effects.
Table 1 thereby constitutes a useful reference for interpreting
c =1 µ0ε 0 the physical significance of the effects of the alteration of
where µ0 and ε0 are the magnetic permeability and dielectric spacetime variables. The expressions listed indicate specific
permittivity of undistorted vacuum space (µ0 = 4π x 10-7 H/m spacetime alteration effects, whether due to natural causes
and ε0 = 8.854 x 10-12 F/m). The generation of an effective (e.g., the presence of a planetary or stellar mass), or as a result

85
Harlod E. Puthoff

of metric engineering by advanced technological means as Based on the second entry in Table 1 (frequency), yet an-
might be anticipated in the development and deployment of other implication of an accelerated time-frame due to craft-
advanced aerospace craft operating on the principles of vacuum associated metric engineering that leads to
engineering.
g00 > 1
4.1 Time Alteration frequencies associated with the craft would for a remote ob-
server appear to be blueshifted. Corollary to observation of
With regard to the first entry in Table 1 (time interval), in a such a craft is the possibility that there would be a brightening
spacetime-altered region time intervals are seen by a remote of luminosity due to the heat spectrum blueshifting up into the
(unaltered spacetime) observer to vary as visible portion of the spectrum (see Fig. 1). Additionally, close
approach to such a craft could lead to possible harmful effects
1 g 00 from ultraviolet and soft-X-ray generation due to blueshifting
relative to the remote observer. Near a dense mass, of the visible portion of the spectrum to higher frequencies.
g 00 < 1 With regard to the third entry in Table 1 (energy), in a
for example, and therefore time intervals are seen as lengthen- spacetime-altered region energy scales as
ing and processes to run slower (and, in the case of a black hole,
to stop altogether). One consequence of this is redshift of g 00
emission lines. Should such a time-slowed condition be engi- relative to a remote observer in an undistorted spacetime. In the
neered in an advanced aerospace application, an individual vicinity of a dense mass where
having spent time within such a temporally-modified field would,
when returned to the normal environment, find that more time g 00 < 1
had passed than could be experientially accounted for. If unin- the consequent reduction of energy bonds correlates with ob-
formed about the metric-engineered characteristics of the envi- served redshifts of emission. For engineered spacetimes associ-
ronment from which he emerged, the individual might be in- ated with advanced craft technology in which
clined to interpret the experience in terms of a “missing time”
Rip van Winkle effect, as it were. g00 > 1
(accelerated time-frame case), a craft’s material properties would
Conversely, for an engineered spacetime associated with an appear “hardened” relative to the environment due to the in-
advanced aerospace craft in which creased binding energies of atoms in its material structure.
Such a craft could, say, impact water at high velocities without
g00 > 1 apparent deleterious effects. A corollary is that the potential
time flow within the altered spacetime region would appear radiation exposure effects mentioned above would not be haz-
sped up to an external observer, while to an internal ob- ardous to craft occupants since for those totally within the field
server external time flow would appear to be in slow motion. of influence the biological chemical bonds would be similarly
In this scenario close approach to such a craft could leave hardened. Finally, an additional side effect potentially associ-
one with the impression of, say, a 20 minute time interval ated with exposure to the accelerated time-frame field would be
(corroborated by the observer’s watches), whereas only a accelerated aging of, say, plants in the area of a landed craft,
few minutes would have passed in “real” or “normal” or and thus observation of the latter could act as a marker indicat-
“exterior” time. A corollary would be that within the ing the presence of such a field.
spacetime-altered region normal environmental sounds from
outside the region might cease to be registered, since exter- 4.2 Spatial Alteration
nal sounds could under these conditions redshift below the
auditory range. The fourth entry in Table 1 (spatial measure) indicates the size
of an object within an altered spacetime region as seen by a
An additional implication of time speedup within the frame remote observer. The size of, say, a spherical object is seen to
of such an exotic craft technology is that its flight path that have its radial dimension, r, scale as
might seem precipitous from an external viewpoint (e.g., sud-
den acceleration or deceleration) would be experienced as 1 − g11
much less so by the craft’s occupants. From the occupants’ In the vicinity of a dense mass
viewpoint, observing the external environment to be in relative
slow motion, it would not be surprising to consider that one’s − g11 > 1
relatively modest changes in motion would appear abrupt to an in which case an object within the altered spacetime region
external observer. appears to a remote observer to have shrunk. As a corollary,
infrared
visible
(shifted infrared)
Spectral Power
Spectral Power

visible

Frequency ω Frequency ω
Fig. 1 Blueshifting of infrared heat power spectrum.

86
 Advanced Space Propulsion Based on Vacuum (Spacetime Metric) Engineering

metric engineering associated with an exotic craft to produce

this effect could in principle result in a large craft with spacious
interior appearing to an external observer to be relatively small.
Additional dimensional aspects such as potential dimensional
changes are discussed in Section 4.4, “Refractive Index” Ef-
fects.

4.3 Velocity of Light/Craft in Spacetime-Altered Regions

Interior to a spacetime-altered region the locally-measured

velocity of light, vLi = c , is given by the ratio of (locally-
measured) distance/time intervals for a propagating light signal
– Eq. (6) above. From a viewpoint exterior to the region,
however, the observed coordinate ratio measurement can yield
a different value vLe greater or less than c as given by the 5th
entry in Table 1. As an example of a measurement less than c,
one speaks of light “slowing down” as a light signal approaches
a dense mass (e.g., a black hole.) In an engineered spacetime in
which,
g00 > 1, g11 < 1
however, the effective velocity of light vLe as measured by an
external observer can be > c.

Further, velocities in general in different coordinate systems

scale as does the velocity of light, i.e.,
v → g 00 − g11 v
For exotic spacecraft an engineered spacetime metric - gener- Fig. 2 Light-bending in a spacetime-altered region.
ated by and carried along with the craft - can in principle
establish a condition in which the motion of a craft approaching the sudden “cloaking” or “blinking out,” which would at least
the velocity of light in its own frame would be observed from be consistent with strong gravitational lensing effects that bend
an exterior frame to exceed light speed, i.e., exhibit motion at a background view around a craft, though other technical op-
superluminal speed. This opens up the possibility of transport tions involving, e.g., the use of metamaterials, exist as well
at superluminal velocities (as measured by an external ob- [23].
server) without violation of the velocity-of-light constraint within
the spacetime-altered region, a feature attractive for interstellar 4.5 Effective Mass in Spacetime-Altered Regions
travel. This is the basis for discussion of warp drives and
wormholes in the GR literature [2-6]. Although present techno- As noted in Section 3.5, spacetime alteration of energy and
logical facility is far from mature enough to support the devel- light-speed measures leads to an associated alteration in the
opment of warp drive and wormhole technologies [22], the effective mass of an object in a spacetime-altered region as
possibility of such technologies being developed in the future viewed from an external (unaltered) region. Of special interest
cannot be ruled out. In other words, effective transport at is the case in which the effective mass is decreased by applica-
speeds exceeding the conventional speed of light could occur tion of spacetime metric engineering principles as might be
in principle, and therefore the possibility of reduced-time inter- expected in the case of metric engineering for spaceflight appli-
stellar travel is not fundamentally ruled out by physical princi- cations (reference last column in Table 1). Effective reduction
ples. of inertial mass as viewed in our frame of reference would
appear to mitigate against untoward effects on craft occupants
4.4 Refractive Index Effects associated with abrupt changes in movement. (The physical
principles involved can alternatively be understood in terms of
When one considers metric-engineered spacetimes associated associated coordinate transformation properties as discussed in
with exotic propulsion, a number of corollary side effects asso- Section 4.1.) In any case, changes in effective mass associated
ciated with refractive index changes of the vacuum structure with engineering of the spacetime metric in a craft’s environs
emerge as possibilities. Expected effects would mimic known can lead to properties advantageous for spaceflight applica-
refractive index effects in general, and can therefore be deter- tions.
mined from known phenomena. Indistinct boundary definition
associated with “waviness” as observed with heat waves off a 4.6 Gravity/Antigravity/Propulsion Effects
desert floor is one example. As another, a light beam may bend
(as in the GR example of the bending of starlight as it grazes the In the GR ansatz gravitational-type forces derive from the
sun – see Fig. 2) or even terminate in mid-space. Such an spacetime metric, whether determined by natural sources (e.g.,
observation would exhibit features that under ordinary circum- planetary or stellar masses) or by advanced metric engineering.
stances would be associated with a high-refractive-index opti- Fortunately for consideration of this topic, discussion can be
cal fiber in normal space (well-defined boundaries, light trapped carried out solely based on the form of the metric, independent
within, bending or termination in mid-space). Additional obser- of the specific mechanisms or dynamics that determine the
vations might include apparent changes in size or shape (changes metric. As one exemplar consider Alcubierre’s formulation of a
in lensing magnification parameters). Yet another possibility is “warp drive,” a spacetime metric solution of Einstein’s GR

87
Harlod E. Puthoff

field equation [2, 22]. Alcubierre derived a spacetime metric which the topic is explored in detail. (See Ref. [1] for a compre-
motivated by cosmological inflation that would allow arbitrar- hensive introduction to the subject with contributions from lead
ily short travel times between two distant points in space. The scientists from around the globe.)
behavior of the warp drive metric provides for the simultaneous
expansion of space behind the spacecraft and a corresponding The analysis presented herein, a form of general relativity
contraction of space in front of the spacecraft (see Fig. 3). The (GR) for engineers so to speak, takes advantage of the fact that
warp drive spacecraft would thus appear to be “surfing on a in GR a minimal-assumption, metric tensor approach can be
wave” of spacetime geometry. By appropriate structuring of the used that is model-independent - that is, does not depend on
metric the spacecraft can be made to exhibit an arbitrarily large knowledge of the specific mechanisms or dynamics that result
apparent faster-than-light speed as viewed by external observ- in spacetime alterations, only assumes that a technology exists
ers without violating the local speed-of-light constraint within that can control and manipulate (i.e., engineer) the spacetime
the spacetime-altered region. Furthermore, the Alcubierre solu- variables to advantage. Such an approach requires only that the
tion showed that the proper (experienced) acceleration along hypothesized spacetime alterations result in effects consonant
the spaceship’s path would be zero, and that the spaceship with our presently known GR physics principles.
would suffer no time dilation, highly desirable features for
interstellar travel. In order to implement a warp drive, one In the metric engineering approach application of the princi-
would have to construct a “warp bubble” that surrounded the ples gives precise predictions as to what can be expected as
spacecraft by generating a thin-shell or surface layer of exotic spatial and temporal variables are altered from their usual (i.e.,
matter, i.e., a quantum field having negative energy and/or flat space) structure. Signatures of the predicted contractions
negative pressure. Although the technical requirements for such and expansions of space, slowdown and speedup of time, al-
are unlikely to be met in the foreseeable future [22], nonethe- teration of effective mass, speed of light and associated con-
less the exercise serves as a good example for showcasing sequences, both as occur in natural phenomena in nature and
attributes associated with manipulation of the spacetime metric with regard to spacetimes specifically engineered for advanced
at will. aerospace applications, are succinctly summarized in Table 1
included in the text.
The entire discussion of the possibility of generating a
spacetime structure like that of the Alcubierre warp drive is Of particular interest with regard to innovative forms of
based simply on assuming the form of a metric (i.e., gµv) that advanced aerospace craft are the features tabulated in the right-
exhibits desired characteristics. In like manner, arbitrary hand column of the Table, features that presumably describe an
spacetime metrics to provide gravity/antigravity/propulsion char- ideal craft for interstellar travel: an ability to travel at
acteristics can in principle be postulated. What is required for superluminal speeds relative to the reference frame of back-
implementation is to determine appropriate sources for their ground space, energy bonds of materials strengthened (i.e.,
generation, a requirement that must be met before advanced hardened) relative to the background environment, a decrease
spaceship technology based on vacuum engineering can be in effective mass vis à vis the environment, an accelerated time
realized in practice. The difficulties and challenges as well as frame that would permit rapid trajectory changes relative to the
the options for meeting such requirements can be found in the background rest frame without undue internal stress, and the
relevant literature [22]. generation of gravity-like forces of arbitrary geometry - all on
the basis of restructuring the vacuum spacetime variables [24].
5. DISCUSSION As avant garde as such features appear to be, they are totally in
conformance with the principles of general relativity as pres-
In this paper the possibility has been considered that future ently understood. What remains as a challenge is to develop
developments with regard to advanced aerospace technologies insight into the technological designs by which such vacuum
could trend in the direction of manipulating the underlying restructuring can be generated on the scale required to imple-
spacetime structure of the vacuum of space itself by processes ment the necessary spacetime modifications.
that can be called vacuum engineering or metric engineering.
Far from being simply a fanciful concept, a significant litera- Despite the challenges, sample calculations as presented
ture exists in peer-reviewed, Tier 1 physics publications in herein indicate the direction of potentially useful trends deriv-

Fig. 3 Alcubierre warp drive metric.

88
 Advanced Space Propulsion Based on Vacuum (Spacetime Metric) Engineering

able on the basis of the application of GR principles as embod- guess at an optimum strategy, let alone attempt to form a
ied in a metric engineering approach, with the results con- critical path for the engineering development of such technolo-
strained only by what is achievable practically in an engineer- gies. Nonetheless, only by inquiring into such concepts in a
ing sense. The latter is, however, a daunting constraint. At this rigorous way can we hope to arrive at a proper assessment of
point in the consideration of such nascent concepts, given our the possibilities inherent in the evolution of advanced spaceflight
present level of technological evolution, it is premature to even technologies.

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(Received 21 October 2010; 21 November 2010)

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