Dark Matter Drive

The Rapid Spatial Expansion System is more commonly called the Dark Matter Drive. They "propel" vehicles by expanding space behind them at speeds faster than light. It is currently the only means of faster-than-light travel. Controversially, this technology doesn't contract space after it is made, so each use of this technology slightly expands the universe.

Utility

Dark Matter Drives expand space rapidly behind them, allowing two light years to be traversed in a single day. Space is only expanded, not contracted, which accelerates the end of the universe by an infinitesimal amount.

Manufacturing

Dark Matter Drives are complex machines and require advanced production chains to manufacture. Only very advanced worlds, like Sparkworlds, can make them.

Access & Availability

Widely available, but legally restricted.

Complexity

Dark Matter Drives are highly complex and sensitive instruments, unable to work in a strong gravity field. Even small Dark Matter Drives have around a million components, and breakdowns are common. Servicing Dark Matter Drives is a full-time job for an active crew.

Discovery

The Dark Matter Drive was perfected in 2120. It had no specific inventor, instead being an enormous public-private partnership by Federation scientists and corporate labs.