35,264
edits
Slipstream space: Difference between revisions
no edit summary
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
It is likely that the theory of slipstream space existed prior to [[2291]], however in that year, [[Tobias Shaw]] and [[Wallace Fujikawa]] were the first humans to successfully implement a device that could transition normal matter into slipstream space, the [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]]. | It is likely that the theory of slipstream space existed prior to [[2291]], however in that year, [[Tobias Shaw]] and [[Wallace Fujikawa]] were the first humans to successfully implement a device that could transition normal matter into slipstream space, the [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]]. | ||
The [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] utilizes the same eleven dimensions of slipstream space for travel, though the means they use to make the transition are | The [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] utilizes the same eleven dimensions of slipstream space for travel, though the means they use to make the transition are more sophisticated than those used by humans, as evidenced by their markedly faster journeys from point to point. | ||
The [[Forerunner]]s had a far greater understanding of slipstream space, with the abilities to travel nearly instantaneously over galactic distances, transport massive objects through the use of [[slipspace portal|portals]], to disrupt slipstream travel from normal space and [[Core authority|track slipspace jumps across the galaxy]]. In addition, they had developed a great variety of other applications, often involving the manipulation of time and space within a slipspace field. | The [[Forerunner]]s had a far greater understanding of slipstream space, with the abilities to travel nearly instantaneously over galactic distances, transport massive objects through the use of [[slipspace portal|portals]], to disrupt slipstream travel from normal space and [[Core authority|track slipspace jumps across the galaxy]]. In addition, they had developed a great variety of other applications, often involving the manipulation of time and space within a slipspace field. | ||
| Line 38: | Line 38: | ||
Starships and their occupants are not directly exposed to the eleven-dimensional space-time while moving through slipspace; instead, the ship is enveloped in a quantum field generated by the drive. The field acts as a medium between the ship and the higher dimensions, translating its presence as a normal-space object to the arcane physics of slipspace and enabling it to "squeeze through" the higher dimensions.<ref name="quantumfield">'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''', ''December 25, 2534''</ref> This field requires an enormous amount of constant calculations to maintain, with the number of needed calculations increasing with the size of the ship. For example, the slipspace translations for a {{class|Phoenix|colony ship}} require 4.3 quadrillion calculations of the quantum field per second.<ref>'''Halo Wars: Genesis'''</ref> | Starships and their occupants are not directly exposed to the eleven-dimensional space-time while moving through slipspace; instead, the ship is enveloped in a quantum field generated by the drive. The field acts as a medium between the ship and the higher dimensions, translating its presence as a normal-space object to the arcane physics of slipspace and enabling it to "squeeze through" the higher dimensions.<ref name="quantumfield">'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''', ''December 25, 2534''</ref> This field requires an enormous amount of constant calculations to maintain, with the number of needed calculations increasing with the size of the ship. For example, the slipspace translations for a {{class|Phoenix|colony ship}} require 4.3 quadrillion calculations of the quantum field per second.<ref>'''Halo Wars: Genesis'''</ref> | ||
Before jumping into slipspace, human ships must first reach a [[Safe Slipspace Entry Point]], or SSEP, where it can be ensured they will not drag anything from normal space into the slipstream as the ship initiates the transition.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 34''</ref> In addition, star systems have specific slipstream space transfer points known as "[[interstellar jump point]]s", or IJPs, locations designated ideal for initiating a slipspace transition.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=intel '''Bungie.net''' - ''Halo: Reach Project Page'']</ref> | |||
The Covenant have a very finely tuned version of slipspace technology, far superior to the human Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine. Instead of simply tearing a hole into slipspace, Covenant slipspace drives cut a very fine hole in the fabric of space-time and slips into slipspace with precision, much like a scalpel compared to a butcher knife. It exits with the same pinpoint accuracy, takes less time during travel, and is able to plot a course with error not exceeding an atom. This is why in battle Covenant ships are able to slip by human defenses by using slipspace.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 86''</ref> It has also been theorized by the UNSC that Covenant drives generate several 'microjumps' within a single slipspace transition to measure dilation, allowing them to reach their destinations faster.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''' (2010), ''[[Tug o' War]]''</ref> Standard Covenant tactics include using short slipstream jumps to gain positional advantage and surprise other ships, in addition to avoiding incoming ordnance. The Covenant's superiority in drive technology, combined with differing weapon and shield technology, allows a small number of Covenant ships to effectively engage a much larger UNSC force. Missiles, especially, can be defeated by a brief slipstream jump, as they cannot track through slipstream space. | |||
===Navigation and precision=== | ===Navigation and precision=== | ||