If you’re any kind of science fiction fan, then you know about warp drive and Star Trek. As one of the most compelling pieces of technology inspired by the show, the concept has eluded us due to the massive amounts of energy thought to have been needed to drive such a propulsion system. Thanks to some new calculations regarding the amount of power required to achieve faster than light travel, scientists now have a fighting chance in bringing warp drive to reality.

Originally inspired by a Mexican physicist, Miguel Alcubierre, back in 1994, initial calculations required massive power to generate a “warp bubble”. After all, the Trek Universe needed the massive amounts of “theoretical” power that came from an anti-matter propulsion system to drive it, so the concept was deemed impractical for today’s science. Thanks to new calculations, the power requirements to achieve “faster than light” travel have put the theory back into today’s scientific reality. In fact, scientists have come up with a configuration that resembles a football shaped vessel surrounded by a ring of exotic matter as their initial “starship design”.

If you’re a “Trekker” this somewhat resembles Vulcan designed starships, but is still far from the saucer front section and two “nacelles” that Jean Luc Picard “engages” on every mission. Scientists are currently attempting to conduct “table top” tests to see if they can indeed generate a field to disrupt space time. Although we are still many years away from a stable “warp bubble” it gives hope to mankind that one day, we will be able to travel the stars and return home just in time for dinner.

Source: Yahoo News