Second Generation Engines

Asteroid Deflection

Terrestrial Applications

Hybrid Reusable Launch Vehicle

Another way to limit the kinetic output is to use the technology in a lift engine where the high specific thrust is used only to counteract gravity. Any acceleration of the vehicle itself would be by conventional propulsion.

A comprehensive design study has shown that a 2nd generation EmDrive, VTOL hybrid spaceplane, could be used in sub-orbital flights, LEO and GEO payload delivery missions, and a Lunar landing/return mission. The spaceplane is shown below in its sub-orbital mission configuration.

Further details are given in: CEAS 2009 paper