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A new model for faster-than-light travel that uses conventional physics

popularmechanics.com

11–20 of 168 posts

Re: A new model for faster-than-light travel that uses conventional physics

#11
post #4
post #2

Paywall

Summary: new method of ftl travel proposed that does not require exotic negative energy source. However requires orders of magnitude more energy than provided by a nuclear power plant, methods to reduce this have been proposed.

The ftl part does need negative energy. Subluminal warp bubbles do not need negative matter.

Re: A new model for faster-than-light travel that uses conventional physics

#12
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Summary: new method of ftl travel proposed that does not require exotic negative energy source. However requires orders of magnitude more energy than provided by a nuclear power plant, methods to reduce this have been proposed.

The ftl part does need negative energy. Subluminal warp bubbles do not need negative matter.

Right; this really doesn't seem to getting anyone any closer to a 'warp drive' in the sense of ftl.

Re: A new model for faster-than-light travel that uses conventional physics

#14
> After studying existing research on warp drives, Lentz realized there were specific forms of spacetime bubbles that scientists had overlooked. These bubbles took the shape of solitons, or compact waves that maintain their whip while moving at constant velocity.

Anyone else remember TNG's New Ground? That was the episode where the Enterprise helps test a soliton wave-based warp mechanism. If I remember right, Geordi is enthusiastic, while Data and Worf are skeptical.

Re: A new model for faster-than-light travel that uses conventional physics

#15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The ftl part does need negative energy. Subluminal warp bubbles do not need negative matter.

Right; this really doesn't seem to getting anyone any closer to a 'warp drive' in the sense of ftl.

But it is a warp drive in that it propels itself by warping space.

edit: aside from being completely theoretical at this point

Re: A new model for faster-than-light travel that uses conventional physics

#16
post #10

Not when the system requires energy equivalent to many Jupiters. To create a useful system you'd need to consume a Sun-sized star of mass on a monthly basis. We aren't there and honestly I don't see us ever being there.

My feeling is that interstellar travel will be slow and require many generations of travelers -- or not done by human beings at all.

Re: A new model for faster-than-light travel that uses conventional physics

#17
post #6
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Summary: new method of ftl travel proposed that does not require exotic negative energy source. However requires orders of magnitude more energy than provided by a nuclear power plant, methods to reduce this have been proposed.

...30 orders of magnitude more than a nuclear power plant.

We just a need a moore's law of nuclear power and we'll be able to have lunch at alpha centauri and be back in home in time for dinner!

Re: A new model for faster-than-light travel that uses conventional physics

#19

> After studying existing research on warp drives, Lentz realized there were specific forms of spacetime bubbles that scientists had overlooked. These bubbles took the shape of solitons, or compact waves that maintain their whip while moving at constant velocity. Anyone else remember TNG 's New Ground ? That was the episode where the Enterprise helps test a soliton wave-based warp mechanism. If I remember right, Geor…

I just watched this a few days ago. The soliton wave was sort of a magic carpet. They, of course, decided to test it by aiming it at a colony...
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