Which missile guidance method does not depend on reflected energy?

The correct answer indicates that all the options listed rely on reflected energy in their guidance methods.

To clarify the concept:

Passive homing uses the target's emitted energy, such as infrared or radar signals, to guide the missile towards it. This reliance on external energy sources means that it depends on the signals that are reflected back to the missile.

Homing, which often encompasses various methods including passive and active techniques, also relies on some form of energy interaction with the target. As missiles track the target based on the signals received, this guidance also fundamentally requires reflected energy.

Beam riding involves the missile following a guided beam directed at the target, which again depends on the energy reflected from the target as it moves within the beam path.

Thus, since all the methods listed are contingent upon some form of reflected energy to guide the missile, stating that none of these guidance types operates independently of reflected energy is the accurate conclusion.