Physicists propose a warp drive model that needs no negative energy and stays within known physics

The future may look like Star Trek predicted, according to a new model. Scientists have embarked on an endeavor to prove the possibility of warp drive engines outside of science fiction. This means that humans could one day be able to travel at speeds approaching the speed of light, a concept that challenges Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. For now, although the theory is purely theoretical and is a long way off from being able to test in reality, the idea is getting closer as researchers start considering the options.

Warp-speed travel is possible, according to a new theoretical model

A new study offers some theoretical support for warp drive engines, proposing that high-speed propulsion technology may not remain the stuff of science fiction forever. Star Trek fans will be familiar with hypothetical warp drive technology, which supposedly involves the manipulation of the essence of space-time by compressing it in front of a spacecraft and expanding it behind.

This creates what’s referred to as a “warp bubble” that facilitates the movement of a craft at incredible velocities. The warp speed concept has been described as the “Holy Grail of space exploration,” and theoretically, if warp speed were possible, humans could reach every corner of the galaxy in a matter of seconds.

Alcubierre’s theory from 1994 came with a notable caveat: negative energy

In 1994, theoretical physicist Miguel Alcubierre proposed his Alcubierre theory, which states that a “bubble” within space-time could manipulate distances and faster-than-light speed could be possible. Alcubierre published a groundbreaking paper that explained how a real-life warp drive may function.

However, the exciting development came with one significant complication. The so-called “Alcubierre drive,” which Alcubierre explained in his paper published in the journal, Classical and Quantum Gravity, required a source of negative energy, an alien substance that may or may not exist.

Now, a new paper published in the same journal suggests that a warp drive may not require negative energy after all, an interesting direction of thought that circumvents the limitations of Alcubierre’s model.

The warp drive theory is being revisited under different conditions

Lead author of the new study, Jared Fuchs from the University of Alabama, Huntsville, who is also a member of the independent research institute Applied Physics, said in a statement:

“This study changes the conversation about warp drives. By demonstrating a first-of-its-kind model, we’ve shown that warp drives might not be relegated to science fiction.”

The University of Alabama team says their model is based on:

“A sophisticated blend of traditional and novel gravitational techniques to create a warp bubble that can transport objects at high speeds within the bounds of known physics. The solution involves combining a stable matter shell with a shift vector distribution that closely matches well-known warp drive solutions such as the Alcubierre metric.”

Although the statement mentions “high but subluminal speeds,” the new proposed engine could not achieve faster-than-light travel, but it could come close.

Gianni Martire, CEO of Applied Physics, offered his support for the research direction:

“While we’re not yet preparing for interstellar voyages, this research heralds a new era of possibilities. We’re continuing to make steady progress as humanity embarks on the Warp Age.”

In more news that sounds like science fiction, life on Mars is looking more viable each day. A new study based on a NASA climate model suggests that using wind energy is a viable way to power human missions to the Red Planet.