‘Warp drives’ may actually be possible, new study suggests

Recent research has brought new life to the concept of traveling faster than the speed of light, a technology once confined to the realms of science fiction, particularly popularized as “warp drive” speed in the series “Star Trek.”

The advancement suggests that the dream of surpassing the speed of light could potentially become a reality, offering a glimmer of hope that humanity may one day achieve space travel of nearly 200,000 miles per second.

“This study changes the conversation about warp drives,” said lead author Jared Fuchs of the University of Alabama, Huntsville and the research think tank Applied Physics, in a statement, Space.com reported. “By demonstrating a first-of-its-kind model, we’ve shown that warp drives might not be relegated to science fiction.”

Warp drives, as envisioned by science fiction enthusiasts, are innovative propulsion systems designed to transport spaceships at velocities exceeding the speed of light. This is achieved by manipulating space-time itself, creating what is known as a “warp bubble” around the spacecraft.

The process involves compressing space-time in front of the spaceship while expanding it behind, allowing for rapid travel across vast distances.

The theoretical foundation for warp drive technology was first laid out in 1994 by Mexican physicist Miguel Alcubierre. His seminal paper proposed a mechanism for a real-life warp drive, which, despite its exciting potential, faced significant challenges.

The primary obstacle identified was the requirement for negative energy, a concept that remains speculative and largely undefined.

The exotic form of energy, or possibly an application of dark energy — the enigmatic force driving the universe’s accelerated expansion — is currently beyond the grasp of scientists.

“While we’re not yet preparing for interstellar voyages, this research heralds a new era of possibilities,” Gianni Martire, CEO of Applied Physics, said in the same statement. “We’re continuing to make steady progress as humanity embarks on the Warp Age.”