Faster-Than-Light spacetravel - the theory
Dilithium subspace engine technology allows very fast travel over relatively short,
interplanetary distances. Essentially these engines only maintain a a subspace field around the
vessel, bending structure of space-time continuum until theories of relativity concerning mass and
energy become nonexistent. Speeds of 5-20 excess the speed of light are achievable via this
technology. Manual steering of a starship running on dilithium subspace engines has been
proven nearly impossible, and thus interplanetary travelers always let ship's autopilot
perform the delicate navigation.
Interstellar hyperspace jumping is completely different approach. Late 2119 scientists
discovered a remarkable property in zero gravity points of space: in each point lies
a subspace singularity. Due to near-infinite intensity of subspace when approaching a
singularity, space near a singularity was named hyperspace. If a starship surrounded
with an subspace field - powerful enough to combat the intensity of hyperspace - passes trough
this kind of singularity, immediate displacement into another point in space occurs.
These jump points tie distant star systems into each other allowing distances of hundreds of light years to be traveled within a blink of an eye. Best of all, fuel consumption of hyperspace travel in constant, since engines are active only for the brief moment of passing the jump point.
Unfortunately all currently know techniques for forming a subspace field call for usage
of a very precious basic element, dilithium.