Faster-than-light (FTL) travel has been a staple of science fiction for decades. It’s a concept that captures our imagination and fuels our dreams of exploring the cosmos. But is FTL travel possible? And if it is, what kind of FTL travel is purely science fiction, and what is based on scientific fact? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind FTL travel, the different types of FTL, and what we can learn from the 2017 movie “FTL.”
The Science of FTL Travel
FTL travel seems simple: travel faster than the speed of light, and you’ll arrive at your destination faster than light would. However, the concept is more complex than it seems. According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. This means that any object traveling at or above the speed of light would have an infinite mass and require infinite energy to move. Therefore, FTL travel violates the laws of physics as we currently understand them.
However, scientists have explored several theoretical ways to bypass this limitation. One of the most promising is the concept of a wormhole, a theoretical shortcut through space-time that connects two distant points in the universe. While wormholes remain purely theoretical, scientists believe they could allow FTL travel if created and stabilized.
Types of FTL Travel
Several types of FTL travel are depicted in science fiction, and some are more plausible. The most common types are:
- Warp Drive: This method involves compressing space in front of a spacecraft while expanding it behind it. It would allow a spacecraft to move faster than the speed of light relative to the compressed space, effectively allowing it to travel faster than light.
- Hyperspace: This method involves traveling through another dimension of space, which is not constrained by the speed of light. Hyperspace is a popular concept in science fiction, but no scientific evidence supports its existence.
- Wormholes: Wormholes are hypothetical tunnels through space-time that could allow FTL travel if created and stabilized.
- Quantum Entanglement: This method uses quantum mechanics to create an instantaneous connection between two distant points in space. While this method has been proven to work on a small scale, it’s unclear if it could be scaled up to allow FTL travel.
FTL in “FTL”
The 2017 movie “FTL” tells the story of a test pilot Ethan Kane on a mission to test the first faster-then-light spaceship called “The Longshot.” While on that mission, the spaceship malfunctions and maroons him across galaxies, far away from anything and anyone he knows. The movie explores the ethical and practical implications of FTL travel and the risks involved in pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.
While the FTL engine depicted in the movie is purely science fiction, it raises important questions about the ethics and consequences of FTL travel. As we continue to explore the universe, it’s important to consider the impact that our actions could have on other worlds and civilizations.
Conclusion
FTL travel remains a concept that captures our imagination, but it’s important to distinguish between science fiction and scientific fact. While FTL travel violates the laws of physics as we currently understand them, scientists continue to explore theoretical ways to bypass this limitation. The 2017 movie “FTL” raises important questions about the ethics and consequences of FTL travel, reminding us that the pursuit of scientific discovery must be tempered by responsibility and caution.
Don’t miss our latest episode, “Short Film: FTL (2017),” for more content on this subject. And join our Discord Channel for comments and discussion on this article. [Science Fiction Remnant Discord]