Warp drive

In the fictional universe of Star Trek, the warp drive is a form of faster-than-light (FTL) propulsion. It is, however, a very serious research topic in factual science. (See Alcubierre drive)

Could there be an actual warp drive?

As many Star Trek fans know, many of the futuristic technologies featured on Star Trek have actually been created (such as the hypospray) or are currently being researched (e.g., the VISOR). The warp drive is no exception. NASA is researching interstellar travel and has a website called Space Transportation and the section "Advanced Space Transportation Program" http://www.highway2space.com/ast/astp.html states "The ASTP is also conducting fundamental research on the cutting edge of modern science and engineering, including fission, fusion and antimatter propulsion, and breakthrough physics theories that might enable thrusting against space-time itself and faster-than-light travel."

Related Topics:
Hypospray - VISOR - NASA

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While thought experiments on the wilder shores of theoretical physics continue, no scheme that may allow "warp speed" travel has yet been devised that has been accepted by mainstream science. Some physicists have proposed a method for FTL travel, based on Einstein's theory of general relativity. They recognize that it is impossible to go faster than the speed of light. However, given enough energy it is possible to change the shape of space, i.e., to warp it. In which case, a starship using this system would need only travel a few kilometers per hour. This theory, known as the Alcubierre drive, has the convenient feature that its terminology is in accord with Trek jargon: "warp factors" measure the warping of space, not actual speed.

Related Topics:
Thought experiment - Einstein - General relativity - Alcubierre drive

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A major problem would be developing the reactor or Warpcore, capable of producing sufficient energy to power a warping device, which most physicists suggest would be necessary for faster than light travel.

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