CAM DRIVE
Conservation of Angular Momentum (CAM) Drive
Propellantless propulsion technology that generates thrust by rotating working fluid inside a toroidal cavity, rather than expelling propellant. Patent #10,604,255, "Lifting System Machine with Methods for Circulating Working Fluid." Patent utility application filed for NSF Phase I, "Methods of Bi-directional Angular Momentum Couple Control with Rotating Working Fluid," USPTO Application #19/361,094 (pending).
What is the CAM Drive?
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How It Works
Think of a figure skater spinning. When they pull their arms in, they spin faster. The CAM Drive uses this same physics principle—conservation of angular momentum—to generate directional thrust.
The Physics:
By rotating working fluid gas inside a toroidal cavity and changing its angular momentum and rotational energy, the system generates thrust while preserving total angular momentum. The process occurs in an ambient pressure enclosure rather than vacuum.
Key Advantages
Propellantless
Zero propellant consumption. Unlimited operational lifetime without refueling.
Per Kilogram
Target launch cost. 10x better than SpaceX. 182x better than Space Shuttle.
Days to Mars
3-4x faster than traditional 6-9 month missions. Reduced crew risk and mission costs.
Debris Items
Orbital debris ready for capture and cleanup across all Earth operational orbits.
Technical Specifications
Propulsion Method
Conservation of Angular Momentum (CAM) Drive using rotating working fluid in toroidal cavity. Patent #10,604,255 granted; USPTO Application #19/361,094 (pending).
Energy Source
Solar electric propulsion (SEP) powers the CAM Drive system
Speed Advantage
CAM Drive enables significantly faster interplanetary transit times
Applications
- ▸Primary propulsion system
- ▸Emergency backup propulsion
- ▸Orbital debris removal (20K+ items)
- ▸Interplanetary missions
Emergency Propulsion Retrofit
CAM Drive can be retrofitted as an emergency propulsion system for existing spacecraft. When conventional propellant systems fail, CAM Drive provides unlimited backup thrust capability for station-keeping, debris avoidance, and safe deorbiting.
Learn More About CAM Drive
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