Field propulsion is the concept of propulsion theory of spaceship that is not based on usual momentum thrust but based on momentum derived from an interaction of the spaceship with external fields. Field propulsion system is propelled without mass expulsion. The propulsion principle is based on the assumption that space as a vacuum possesses a substantial physical structure. Field propulsion is propelled receiving the propulsive force (i.e., thrust) arises from the interaction of the substantial physical structure. The meaning of substantial physical structure regarding the space-time can be conjectured from both General Relativity in the view of macroscopic structure and Quantum Field Theory in the view of microscopic structure. Therefore, several kinds of field propulsion can be proposed by making choice of physical concepts.
In this chapter, the basic concepts regarding the structure of physical space for such means of propulsion within the present physics paradigm are described.
