Starship Engine Systems

Engine systems fall into one of two categories: Normal Space and Faster than Light

N-Space

• Ion vacuum drive
• Gravitational Mass Displacement Drive

FTL Drives

Python Reactor

The Python Reactor is the most widely used FTL design, employed by every major power.

Python Inverter

The Python Inverter is an ancestor to the Python Reactor. It was never actually called a python inverter during it's operation, the name has been applied retroactively.

Slipstream Drive

The Slipstream Drive is another type of FTL drive. Its principles are not much different from Python reactor technology, but the implementation is radically different. Slipstream drives are favored by the M'KHaren's.

Shoten Jump

Shoten Jump drive allows for instantaneous transport, but has energy requirements that cannot be met by most ships. Should not be confused with an FTL jump-drive.

Hyper Drive

An unrelated type of FTL technology, the Hyper Drive shares nothing in common with python reactors. Though used by the Foundation at one time, hyper drive technology is not widely employed. It is considered both more complicated and more dangerous than python reactor technology; and while the drive systems themselves are much smaller, Python reactors are considered the more desirable technology. Hyper drives should not be confused with hyperspace or hyperspace window generators.

Hyperspace

The Hyperspace window generator invented by the Satyarans allows access to hyperspace.