| Faster than light | |
|---|---|
| |
| Creator: | Douglas Fargo, Henry Deacon |
| Function: | Engine |
| First Appearance: | Liftoff |
"Faster than light" travel (or "FTL") refers to energy or matter traveling faster than the speed of light. Under the special theory of relativity, a particle (which has mass) with sub-lightspeed velocity needs infinite energy to accelerate to the speed of light. This is because as the speed of a particle increases, its mass also increases in proportional magnitudes. However, special relativity does not forbid the existence of particles that always travel faster than light, such as tachyons.
Fargo and Henry developed a working FTL engine, based on the technology from the Einstein-Rosen Bridge device. The first test of the FTL drive was performed successfully (though inadvertently) by Fargo and Zane, with the FTL device installed in an old rocket. Their trip was from Earth orbit to Eureka ("Liftoff").
Dr. Holly Marten also traveled using the FTL engine: Fargo activated the device and sent Holly to the site of the catcher's mitt.