Subspace traversal

Subspace traversal is one of four known FTL technologies, the others being the hyperdrive, the jump drive, and the gateway. Like the jump drive and gateway, subspace traversal is used exclusively by the Emorian Union.

Subspace traversal is similar to hyperdrive-enabled FTL in that it allows a vessel to breach a separate dimension of space-time, called subspace. This type of FTL is not restricted to particular routes because it is entirely divorced from normal space-time. Mapping of subspace is not required.

Subspace traversal, though in theory similar to hyperspace travel, requires a great deal more energy to achieve. The minimum power required to breach subspace is approximately 10,000 times that which is required to breach hyperspace.

As such, the achievement of subspce traversal is seen by the Emorian Union as a necessary step in technological development and in maintaining a wide-reaching territory, as "speeds" achievable through subspace traversal far exceed those achievable by hyperspace travel, effectively decreasing the time necessary to traverse a galaxy-spanning distance.

The Emori achieved subspace traversal approximately 20,000 years ago, and about 400 years after first achieving hyperdrive capability. By approximately 19,000 years ago, the Emori had fully replaced their hyperdrive-equipped vessels with vessels capable of subspace traversal.

No other known species have achieved subspace traversal.