Faster Than Light Travel: Exploring the Possibilities of Spacetime Curvature

In summary, faster than light travel is a concept that explores the possibilities of manipulating spacetime curvature to enable travel at speeds greater than the speed of light. This idea has been studied extensively in the field of theoretical physics and has sparked much debate and speculation. While there are theories and experiments that suggest it may be possible, the concept of faster than light travel still remains largely theoretical and unproven. However, advancements in technology and further research may one day lead to the realization of this seemingly impossible feat.
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Marcarious Thomas
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Based on the current understanding of general relativity, it is possible that curving spacetime in the back of a spacecraft would allow for faster-than-light travel. In general relativity, the curvature of spacetime is determined by the universe's distribution of matter and energy. If a propulsion system could create a very dense region of matter at the back of a spacecraft, wouldn't it possibly curve spacetime in a way that allows the spacecraft to travel through space faster than the speed of light, essentially "surfing" on a wave of distorted spacetime. This type of propulsion has some advantages over the Alcubierre drive in terms of energy requirements and does not involve the same degree of manipulation of the surrounding universe. What are your thoughts?
 
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A dense region of matter at the back pulls the spacecraft backwards. It doesn't allow faster-than-light travel in any way.
 
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I'm not getting the proposal.

You have a mass that curves spacetime - produces a gravitational force in older language, and that causes the spaceship to accelerate towards the mass. The spaceship then pushes the mass forward so it can keep accelerating forever.

I don't think that's going to work.
 
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Marcarious Thomas said:
Based on the current understanding of general relativity, it is possible that curving spacetime in the back of a spacecraft would allow for faster-than-light travel.
You speak as though there is a known solution of the Einstein Field Equation that has these properties. Can you give a reference?

If you are not aware of such a solution, then your post is personal speculation, which is off limits here at PF.
 
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Marcarious Thomas said:
wouldn't it possibly curve spacetime in a way that allows the spacecraft to travel through space faster than the speed of light, essentially "surfing" on a wave of distorted spacetime. This type of propulsion has some advantages over the Alcubierre drive in terms of energy requirements
I also don’t think there is a known solution of the EFE with these properties. I also think a reference is in order.
 
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Marcarious Thomas said:
Based on the current understanding of general relativity, it is possible that curving spacetime in the back of a spacecraft would allow for faster-than-light travel. In general relativity, the curvature of spacetime is determined by the universe's distribution of matter and energy. If a propulsion system could create a very dense region of matter at the back of a spacecraft, wouldn't it possibly curve spacetime in a way that allows the spacecraft to travel through space faster than the speed of light, essentially "surfing" on a wave of distorted spacetime. This type of propulsion has some advantages over the Alcubierre drive in terms of energy requirements and does not involve the same degree of manipulation of the surrounding universe. What are your thoughts?
You could start your investigations here:

 
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Would it be possible to create more density in the rear of the craft while also lessening density in the front? Creating a push/pull propulsion system much like a water pump? Redistribution of mass would be important but is it achievable in space?
 
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nicm05 said:
Would it be possible to create more density in the rear of the craft while also lessening density in the front? Creating a push/pull propulsion system much like a water pump? Redistribution of mass would be important but is it achievable in space?
No. That's just moving stuff around your center of mass, which doesn't move. Unless you start throwing stuff out into space, of course, but that is just a rocket.
 
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Ibix said:
No. That's just moving stuff around your center of mass, which doesn't move. Unless you start throwing stuff out into space, of course, but that is just a rocket.
What is being done with light and its momentum to use as propulsion? Everything I’ve read is older and the thread has died off
 
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nicm05 said:
What is being done with light and its momentum to use as propulsion? Everything I’ve read is older and the thread has died off
As a rocket it's very mass efficient but extremely low acceleration. Solar sails have been deployed, though.
 

FAQ: Faster Than Light Travel: Exploring the Possibilities of Spacetime Curvature

1. What is Faster Than Light (FTL) travel?

Faster Than Light (FTL) travel refers to the hypothetical ability to move faster than the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (186,282 miles per second). This concept challenges our current understanding of physics, particularly Einstein's theory of relativity, which posits that as an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases and would require infinite energy to reach or exceed that speed.

2. How does spacetime curvature relate to FTL travel?

Spacetime curvature is a concept from Einstein's General Theory of Relativity that describes how mass and energy warp the fabric of spacetime. Some theoretical models suggest that if spacetime could be manipulated or curved in specific ways, it might allow for shortcuts through space, such as wormholes or warp drives, potentially enabling FTL travel without violating the laws of physics as we currently understand them.

3. Are there any theoretical models that allow for FTL travel?

Yes, there are several theoretical models that propose mechanisms for FTL travel. One of the most famous is the Alcubierre warp drive, which suggests creating a "bubble" of spacetime that contracts in front of a spacecraft and expands behind it, allowing the craft to move faster than light relative to an outside observer. Another concept involves traversable wormholes, which could connect two distant points in spacetime, effectively enabling instantaneous travel between them.

4. What are the potential challenges or limitations of FTL travel?

There are significant challenges and limitations associated with FTL travel. One major issue is the requirement of exotic matter with negative energy density to stabilize structures like wormholes or warp bubbles, which has yet to be discovered or created. Additionally, FTL travel raises paradoxes, such as causality issues, where events could occur out of order, leading to potential contradictions in time. Finally, the immense energy requirements and technological advancements necessary to achieve such travel remain beyond our current capabilities.

5. Is FTL travel purely science fiction, or is there a possibility it could become a reality?

While FTL travel is often depicted in science fiction, it is grounded in speculative physics and theoretical models. As of now, there is no experimental evidence or practical method to achieve FTL travel. However, ongoing research in fields like quantum mechanics and general relativity continues to explore the nature of spacetime and the universe, leaving the door open for future discoveries that could one day make FTL travel a reality, albeit potentially in forms we cannot yet imagine.

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