In a recent study, physicist Erik Lentz presented a theoretical way for a spacecraft to travel faster than light, meaning faster than 299,000 km/s. At this speed, space travelers could potentially reach distant star systems in just a few years, opening up the possibility of human exploration of remote planets.
With current rocket technology, it would take our spacecraft approximately 6,300 years to reach Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the Sun. Previously, the concept of “warp drive” had been discussed but often relied on theoretical systems that violated the laws of physics. This was because, according to Einstein’s theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light.
Dr. Lentz, a scientist at the University of Göttingen in Germany, stated that “warp drive” in his research is entirely feasible within the confines of the laws of physics.
While other theories relied on exotic concepts, such as negative energy, his theory addresses the issue with a new hypothetical particle.
These superfast stable particles, known as solitons, can move at any speed while still adhering to the laws of physics – as reported by the University of Göttingen press release. A soliton is a high-speed wave that acts like a particle and maintains its shape and constant motion.
Dr. Lentz mentioned that he synthesized his theory after analyzing existing research and finding flaws in previous studies on this subject. He believes that solitons can travel faster than light and “generate a conducting plasma and normal electromagnetic fields.” Both concepts can be explained by conventional physics and adhere to Einstein’s theory of relativity.
While this discovery suggests the possibility of faster-than-light travel, it is still fundamentally in the realm of theoretical ideas. Such a spacecraft would require an immense amount of energy that modern technology cannot provide, estimating “about 30 orders of magnitude higher than modern nuclear reactors” – Dr. Lentz approximated. Fortunately, some previous research has proposed energy-saving mechanisms that could potentially reduce the required energy by nearly 60 orders of magnitude.
This reputable astrophysicist mentioned that he will focus on researching ways to make this technology practical. His research has taken the concept of faster-than-light travel one step further from theoretical physics into the realm of engineering. The next step is to find ways to make the energy required for such travel achievable with today’s technologies, such as a modern nuclear power plant.
“Then we can talk about designing the first prototypes,” he said.
This research has been published in the specialized journal “Classical and Quantum Gravity.”