Wherever we’re going, whether it’s into the sky or into space, we need some help to get there. Propulsion systems are the part of an aircraft that helps the vehicle move in its desired direction by producing thrust. They can take many forms, from the familiar, fiery rocket engine to exotic systems that remain the topic of science fiction, such as warp drives.
Modern propellants aren’t efficient or cheap enough for spaceflight
(or any kind of flight, really) to be inexpensive and commonplace the way that cars are. In order to make space travel as affordable and eco-friendly as possible, new propulsion methods will need to be implemented. Whatever form they come in, the development of these systems will shape the future of flight. A couple of my favorite up-and-coming ideas are listed here.
On the Horizon 