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Except for Quantum Electrodynamics, there has been no real extension of Maxwell’s classical electromagnetic (EM) field theory since his electromagnetic EM field equations were developed in 1864. These equations describe the behavior of vector fields of low (U1) Lie group symmetry. In this respect, Terence W. Barrett has used topology, group and gauge theory, to extend Maxwell theory into tensor fields of higher symmetry form: SU (2), SU (3), and higher, that describe the behavior of specially conditioned EM fields. One of Barrett’s ways of emitting SU(2) EM fields was driving alternating current through toroidal coils at any of the resonant frequencies that will occur for a specific toroid geometry. Experiments to explore the possibility of achieving such resonant frequencies and SU(2) EM emissions will be described.

Although the space-time metric associated with gravitation can be distorted somewhat by electromagnetic influences (such as magnetic fields of stupendous strength) there is no strong interaction or coupling between ordinary electromagnetic fields and those of gravitation because they are of a different essence and form. But if ordinary EM fields could be endowed with an essence and form similar to that which underlies gravitational fields, a much stronger coupling or interaction might be accomplished for propulsive use. This paper, which placed second in the Electric Spacecraft Competition, describes several ways of creating specially-conditioned EM radiation and how the fields associated with such radiation might interact with those associated with gravity. It also describes several experiments that could reveal such an interaction.

Second place in the Electric Spacecraft Competition was awarded to H. David Froning, Jr. and Terence W. Barrett for their paper, ?Electric Spacecraft Propulsion by Specially-Conditioned EM Fields.? (See ESJ 24:17-22.) This is an update. Preliminary tests of some of the concepts presented in the original paper have been completed in a collaborative effort with George Hathaway at Hathaway Associates, Toronto. The latest findings are presented with an outline for the direction of future experimentation.

In Space Technology, V13, N5, pp. 503-512