Subspace, occasionally spelled sub-space, is an integral part of the universe, distinct from yet coexistent with normal space and its respective space-time continuum. Subspace has an infinite number of domains. Geordi La Forge likened it to "…a huge honeycomb with an infinite number of cells." (TNG: "Schisms") One of these domains could also be called a subspace spectrum. In 2367, the USS Enterprise-D picked up frequencies across the entire electromagnetic and lower subspace spectrum. (TNG: "The Loss")
Subspace and normal space sometimes connected together in the form of space anomalies or subspace anomalies like
- Astral eddy (VOY: "Real Life"),
- Subspace compression anomaly (DS9: "One Little Ship"),
- Subspace fissure (SNW: "Subspace Rhapsody"),
- Subspace rift (TNG: "Force of Nature"),
- Subspace rupture (DS9: "If Wishes Were Horses"),
- Subspace sinkhole (VOY: "Gravity"),
- Subspace tear (Star Trek: Insurrection), or
- The Void (VOY: "The Void")
However, in some regions an interfold layer forms between the two realms. (VOY: "Real Life")
Tetryon particles are a form of subatomic particle which can only exist naturally in subspace. If they are released into normal space, they exhibit erratic properties. This can only occur when the fabric of subspace comes into contact with normal space in some manner.
Subspace was the medium by which faster-than-light transit was possible. Warp travel utilized subspace to create a warp bubble for ships to safely traverse. Without subspace, warp travel would become impossible. (VOY: "The Omega Directive")
Some species, such as the solanogen-based lifeforms, were indigenous to subspace. (TNG: "Schisms")
Exactly what subspace is has never been revealed on screen, though many theories, both fan-based and scientific, have been put forward. Explaining subspace would be hard, since it is used as a solution and cause of various problems throughout the series. It is implied to be the medium through which faster-than-light travel and communication is possible, similar to hyperspace.
Subspace physics[]
- Omega Directive
- Subspace bandwidth
- Subspace bubble
- Subspace emissions
- Subspace energy
- Subspace filament
- Subspace flow field
- Subspace force field
- Subspace fracture
- Subspace harmonic
- Subspace interference
- Subspace inversion
- Subspace layer
- Subspace morphology
- Subspace oscillation
- Subspace radiation
- Subspace reading
- Subspace residue
- Subspace signature
- Subspace stress
- Subspace surge
- Tetryons
Subspace anomalies[]
- See: Subspace anomaly
Subspace technology[]
Faster-than-light technology[]
- See: Speed of light
Subspace communication[]
Propulsion[]
- See: Propulsion
Subspace fields[]
- See: Subspace field
Subspace sensors[]
- See: Flow sensor
- See: Subspace harmonic monitor
- See: Subspace telescope
Subspace weapons[]
- See: Subspace weapon
Subspace transportation[]
- See: Transporter
- See: Warp drive
- See: Subspace vortex
External link[]
- Subspace at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works