Thrust from electric devices as source for anomalous effects on space probes

Elio B. Porcelli; Victo S. Filho; Elio B. Porcelli; Victo S. Filho

doi:10.3934/mina.2026001

Metascience in Aerospace

2026, Volume 3, Issue 1: 1-14. doi: 10.3934/mina.2026001

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Research article

Thrust from electric devices as source for anomalous effects on space probes

Elio B. Porcelli ^,,
Victo S. Filho

H4D Scientific Research Laboratory, São Paulo, SP 04674-225, Brazil

Received: 03 August 2025 Revised: 19 January 2026 Accepted: 27 January 2026 Published: 11 February 2026

Telemetry data have confirmed that the space probes Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 experienced anomalous accelerations. A possible explanation for this phenomenon involves thermal effects, based on estimates, approximations, simulations, and several assumptions. Motivated by successful results obtained in similar electric devices, such as the traveling-wave tube amplifier (TWTA) in the probes, we propose an alternative explanation within our theoretical framework based on generalized quantum entanglement, assuming its existence between the onboard TWTA and the external environment. We simulated the operation of this device in the laboratory by manipulating an electron beam. As a result, an anomalous acceleration was detected, and its magnitude was shown to be consistent with our predictions derived from simple models using classical macroscopic observables and known physical parameters from spacecraft designs. The characterization of this novel property paves the way for its application to space propulsion without the ejection of electrons, ions, or propellant gases.
- electric thrust,
- space probes,
- quantum entanglement,
- pioneers,
- TWTA
Citation: Elio B. Porcelli, Victo S. Filho. Thrust from electric devices as source for anomalous effects on space probes[J]. Metascience in Aerospace, 2026, 3(1): 1-14. doi: 10.3934/mina.2026001

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Abstract

Telemetry data have confirmed that the space probes Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 experienced anomalous accelerations. A possible explanation for this phenomenon involves thermal effects, based on estimates, approximations, simulations, and several assumptions. Motivated by successful results obtained in similar electric devices, such as the traveling-wave tube amplifier (TWTA) in the probes, we propose an alternative explanation within our theoretical framework based on generalized quantum entanglement, assuming its existence between the onboard TWTA and the external environment. We simulated the operation of this device in the laboratory by manipulating an electron beam. As a result, an anomalous acceleration was detected, and its magnitude was shown to be consistent with our predictions derived from simple models using classical macroscopic observables and known physical parameters from spacecraft designs. The characterization of this novel property paves the way for its application to space propulsion without the ejection of electrons, ions, or propellant gases.

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