Dear professor Loebel,

I sincerely thank you for your interest in my propulsion project and research. My research in propulsion systems ( which at this juncture is focused on space travel) is focused on new and improved directions in the development of space propulsion systems that more effectively transport both people and equipment in interplanetary and possibly Interstellar travel. Although my latest assertion applies to enhanced fuel efficiency in private space flight in reference to orbital vehicles , it could potentially be applied to interplanetary space flight.

With kindest regard,

Edward

It would seem to me that one of the issues is to attempt to develop a launch system to get into space from a planet, but a different propulsion system focused on acceleration once in space, assuming minimal friction in space. It would also seem that "fuel " or propulsion system re-energizers, porting stations located throughout the system might be needed unless a self regenerating system is developed. If there are ever "waves" in space that offer energy, then "surfing space waves" may allow for requiring less internal energy/propulsion but might limit ability to accelerate.

@ Kenneth Loebel

Prior to addressing your answer, I would like to make an erratum to my previous post. I mean't, my research at this juncture is focused on "private space travel" LoL!........... Yes, your figuring is correct, one key element to long duration space travel, with the advantage of negligible drag or friction in space, is minimal acceleration values that compound over time to produce substantial velocities. This is the goal of many proposals in space propulsion, e.g. ion drives, the controversial EM Et al. I've often thought about establishing a network of porting/resupply stations for transiting vehicles in space, this is also an idea highly depicted in science fiction. I personally thank that as we (the human race) progress, the establishment of porting stations throughout the solar system and beyond will come to fruition. With the recent detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO interferometer , their may be ways to harness energy as research continues. However, as to "surfing" on these energy waves, the power and thrust values that gravitational waves and even distant solar wind impart is so minuscule that the notion of being propelled by these phenomenon are at present impractical.

Regards,

Edward

As an aside, impractical ideas are quite often my specialty. I am a believer that practicality as a first level filter often stifles innovation based on making decisions on what we know, not what we don't know. The difference being radical innovation may require impracticality in our current state but willingness to ponder the gap between the practical and the concept.

Try this concept: It is highly technical but try to visualize: Develop a launch system that can convert thrust gasses and capture heat in a manner that will allow a connecting wire to interact with a space vehicle thruster that has additional attached thruster tanks (2 parts hydrogen and part oxygen), once in space, the space vehicle creates water using the two tanks and then uses a "super soaker squirt gun " style thruster that, when triggered from the heat energy of the captured energy shoots out a steam towards Earth, sending the spaceship into a rapid acceleration while also aiming the water in a firehose style exhaust towards Earth to solve the drought situation. Solve two problems and be socially responsible about it. Could probably get funding from a liberal government in order to fund the resesrch, since it is environmentally friendly.