Hyperdrive

The Hyperdrive is a literary device used in science fiction stories as a means of faster than light travel. Authors posit that there is another space, or additional dimensions, though which it is possible to travel, arriving at the desired destination in less than the decades or centuries that such travel would otherwise take. The hyperdrive shifts a starship into the alternate space or additional dimensions, and sometimes also provides motive force in that realm.

This alternate space is often known as "hyperspace" although other names do exist. In some stories it is possible for objects or events in real space to affect hyperspace.

Alternative names suggested include Jump drive and Warp drive.

Examples of creative works using the "hyperdrive" or "warp drive" concept include:

• The Star Wars film series (created by George Lucas) which premiered on May 5, 1977.
• The Star Trek television series and films (created by Gene Roddenberry) which premiered on September 8, 1966.
• The "Star Trek: The Next Generation - Technical Manual" (ISBN 0671704273) provides a highly detailed overview of the warp drive and other essential systems on the galaxy class starship USS Enterprise.