Geomagnetic Propulsion is a technology based on the magnetic forces between an electromagnet and the Earth's magnetic field. Now as any good physics student knows, a magnet suspended by a string will rotate until it is in alignment with the Earth's magnetic field. No matter how strong the magnet is, the best it can do is behave like a compass. But if we were able to convert the torque on the magnet into a linear force, we would have a useful propulsion system! Recent progress in this area has been very encouraging.

Once we have the ability to generate a net force, the next hurdle will be to find a way to vector that force in any direction. The result will be a true field-effect propulsion system capable of generating lift without wings and attitude control without rudders and ailerons. Since a geomagnetic craft won't have an engine, flight noise will be minimum. Furthermore, since rockets are limited in speed by the velocity of their exhaust, and a geomagnetic craft doesn't expel anything, it's speed will be limited solely by wind resistance.

Geomagnetic craft will be powered entirely by electric current stored in superconducting persistant current loops known as SMES (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage) devices. Able to store billions of amps of current due to nearly zero resistance, SMES coils are the solid-state equivalent of a flywheel.

Part of what makes our design so elegant is the same coil that stores the power also produces the magnetic field which propels the craft. Yet in order not to defy the laws of thermodynamics, there will be a slow drain on the current within the SMES coil. However, there is speculation among some engineers that as the craft descends through the Earth's magnetic field, some amount of current could be induced back into the system much like regenerative breaking on hybrid/electric cars. But overall, there is still much to learn about a technology that uses an integrated power supply and propulsion system. Elegant? Yes. Predictable? Not.

Indeed, the Earth's magnetic field averages a mere 0.5 gauss at sea level. That's about 10,000 times weaker than the field around a small permanent magnet. Yet what the geomagnetic field lacks in flux density, it more than makes up for in size. In fact, one cubic kilometer near the surface packs a magnetic energy density of about 1.4 million Joules!

Theoretically, a craft could be levitated by the geomagnetic field in much the same way a helium baloon rises. A balloon rises because it displaces more weight in air than its own weight. Similarly, if a magnetic field displaced the energy equivalent of the geomagnetic field needed to overcome gravity, then it would float as well.

Even though a geomagnetic craft will use a static (DC) magnetic field, the fact that the field will be moving can induce currents in conductive objects. But generally, if a geomagnetic craft maintains a safe distance, these currents will be insignificant- typically in the microampere range. Normal shielding will protect most sensitive electronics against interference.

Anyone who's seen the movie "The Core" may be wondering if its wise to be tapping into the Earth's magnetic field in the first place. Afterall, it does protect us from solar radiation, and catastrophies not unlike those in the movie would certainly occur if the field was to collapse.

Obviously, this has been and still remains an important issue concerning the viability of geomagnetic craft on a large scale. Research, however, has indicated that magnetic fields within the geomagnetic field, contrary to weakening it, have actually produced localized field increases- as in the case of magnetic storms. Furthermore, some studies suggest that it will be a give or take scenario. That is, a geomagnetic craft will draw energy from the Earth's field as it ascends, but will replace that energy as it descends; thus keeping the energy balance at equalibrium.

A little closer to home, a recent survey has suggested the Earth's magnetic field may be getting weaken on its own accord- perhaps indicating the start of a polar shift as some have been predicting. However, there remains no conclusive evidence to support this theory; as it could just be the result of a fluctuation in field strength. Read the full story here

Geomagnetic craft will offer silent, pollution-free air travel at a fraction of the operating cost of jet craft. If speed is of concern, nothing will be faster! Geomagnetic craft will be able to reach low Earth orbit quickly and smoothly without the atmospheric turbulence associated with fixed-wing aircraft. As far as re-entry goes, no expensive heat shielding will be required. And to make the environmentalists happy, geomagnetic craft will run solely on clean, renewable electricity!

This is still a highly controversial subject. Yet it should come at no surprise that the medical industry has been using MRI's (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) on patients for years without any known harmful side effects. Furthermore, scientists at the Nijmegen High Field Magnet Laboratory in Amsterdam, have succeeded in levitating a live frog in a 16T field with no apparent effects. And in March 2000, Robert P. Liburdy, a cell biologist for the U.S. Energy Department was found guilty of published misleading data in order to win a $3.3 million grant to investigate a link between low frequency electromagnetic fields and cancer. After the investigation, Liburdy resigned from the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and agreed to withdraw his research findings.

"Judging from our success in the experimental phase, I have no doubt that geomagnetic propulsion is technically feasible. And with the likelihood of room temperature superconductors in about 5 to 10 years, there's no reason to think geomagnetic propulsion will not be economically feasible as well." -Bill Butler

With current technology, we estimate a 2-person geomagnetic craft prototype would cost $3-5 million to develop over the next five years. This estimate includes the lease of a commercial warehouse, a $500k annual budget, and salaries for 4-5 engineers. If you're interested in investing in HoverTech, please see our Investors page.

Once patents have been filed, we may begin offering geomagnetic propulsion products to the consumer market. One possibility we've been tossing around is a high-tech version of a model rocket complete with high current charger and superconducting coil. Liquid nitrogen sold separately! Look for news about upcoming products on our homepage.

Since our geomagnetic craft is still in the early prototype stages, it could be five years before you see our first press release. However, we expect to have a proof-of-concept prototype ready within a year that will fully demonstrate geomagnetic flight. A consumer version could follow shortly thereafter. Keep it here for the latest news and updates!