Subspace

REMAKE CONTINUITY

The depths of subspace

Subspace, sometimes referred to as Hyperspace (also spelled HyperSpace) or β-space, is an alternate universe that exists parallel to regular space. The ancient Archelians had an extensive understanding of subspace and incorporated it into many of their creations. Special vessels called dimensional submarines are capable of submerging and traveling through subspace. Additionally, the process of warping also requires passage through subspace.

Overview

Subspace is an alternate universe that general topology defines as an open topological space (β-space), that is separated from regular space (α-space) by a dimensional boundary, a layer of space visible only from subspace. Subspace is characterized by self-interference of quantum energy fields, leading to resonance at specific wavelengths.

Dimensional Submarines traverse shallow subspace

Subspace possesses a form of 'depth,' and moving deeper from the dimensional boundary, the energy density increases, leading to an increase in 'dimensional pressure', a type of virtual pressure. Furthermore, the relationship between distance traveled in subspace and the corresponding distance in normal space is nonlinear; the deeper the traversal into subspace, the greater the deviation or distortion in the projected distance within regular space.

Contained subspace pocket dimensions are called dimensional faults. They appear in points of space where the dimensional boundary dissipates and subspace intersects with regular space. This can happen naturally or be an artificially engineered phenomenon.

Reverse Energy Gradient Phenomenon

The EX-178 remained stuck in a naturally occurring dimensional fault after losing its energy to the Reverse Energy Gradient Phenomenon

If an object with the characteristics of regular space is placed in subspace, a mismatch arises between its energy and the quantum energy fields native to subspace. This discrepancy results in energy flowing out of the object into the surrounding subspace environment, a phenomenon referred to as the "Reverse Energy Gradient Phenomenon".

To counteract this, the Gesh Vual engine—which enables vessels to transition into subspace—induces a condition known as the "tropical insulation state". This state effectively traps internal energy and prevents its dissipation into subspace.

The subspace corridors and dimensional faults constructed by the Archelias civilization are not affected by the Reverse Energy Gradient Phenomenon.

Yamato during warp

Uses of Subspace

To warp, a ship passes through a wormhole opened between two points of reality, which passes through subspace. Additionally, vessels can send a dimensional ping from regular space to subspace through a subspace sonar or a subspace sonobuoy, allowing it to detected an object submerged in subspace.

Hyperspace communication devices, boosted by hyperspace relays, use hyperspace to allow instant communication at distances of thousands of light years, and is used by most human species as their primary means of communication.

The ancient Archelians had a vast knowledge of hyperspace and were the creators of the so-called hyperspace network or hyperspace transportation network, a webway of corridors through subspace linked to regular space by subspace gates that allowed the transit of spacecrafts over vast distances. While crafts capable of dimensional diving only ventured in the upper levels of subspace, the corridors pass through the depth, allowing to traverse larger distances in regular space. The Archelians also built a device inside of what would become the Balun Military Base that allowed them to manifest a telepath's spirit with a range of thousands of light years through the network.

History

Yamato approaches an Archelian ruin inside of an artificial dimensional fault

Millennia before the rise of the human species, the Archelias civilization reached a technological level so high that they had control over various mediums of reality including subspace. They used subspace corridors to link the various gates of their subspace gate network. These corridors, which are still in use to this day, allow one to travel the equivalent of thousands of light years in regular space through considerably smaller distances. No special equipment is necessary for a craft to travel through the subspace corridors. The Archelias also created at least one artificial dimensional fault.

The UX-01 dives into subspace

The Great Imperial Garmillas Astro Fleet secretly built four dimensional submarines, a type of craft that use a multi-dimensional phase ballast tank to perform dimensioinal diving, between 2199 and 2203, with the first, UX-01, being in service under military secret as far back as 2199. In 2205, through a technology exchange with the Greater Garmillan Empire, the Earth Federation built its first dimensional submarine, the Cosmo Hound. Around 2203, special equipment was developed to allow a non-dimensional diving-capable ship to cross the dimensional boundary with the assistance of four dimensional submarines.

Dezarium possesses a technology known as a capture field, capable of traversing subspace and capturing dimensional submarines, transferring them to other locations. They were used during the Iscandar Incident and in the Dezariam Invasion of Earth.

Behind the scenes

Subspace and Hyperspace are used in different contexts but seemingly interchangably throughout Space Battleship Yamato 2199 and its sequels. Space Battleship Yamato 2199 - Astronomical Research confirms the two terms are interchangable by using them both to refer to the concept of Subspace gates. The same is done on screen in Be Forever Yamato: REBEL 3199.

Japanese language information

• 亜空間 A kūkan (subspace)
• 超空間 Chō kūkan (hyperspace)