SporeWiki:Fiction Universe/Important Topics/Hyperspace

Hyperspace, also known as subspace is a physical region of the universe which has unusual properties that are accessible to technologically advanced societies.

Where is it
It is a common misconception to the public that hyperspace is a large dimension outside the universe. However, the concept of "outside" does not stand up to a universe that may have always existed, at least in another form as a boundless sea of energy. Other universes do exist, but are part of this structure, which is a 'landscape' of physical symmetries; some of them stable enough to spawn universes and some of them complex enough for observers.

This was one-such universe; a fluctuation in the boundless sea caused "inflation" which for some reason unfolded only three spacetime dimensions, with higher dimensions of the symmetry landscape becoming rolled up at the planck-length. These extra-dimensions are still part of the universe (inside it rather than outside it) and apply new metric coordinates to the usual three.

Properties
At high energies approaching the planck-length, it becomes possible to interact with hyperspace. The size of these dimensions is small, but contains more degrees of freedom so a spacecraft engaging in hyperspace would be able to step* into the new metric coordinate and skip around vast distances compared to the large three dimensional universe.

Extra degrees of freedom have an effect on particle physics: virtual radiation (''Kaluza Klein towers) can occupy much higher energy levels due to being less confined or under tension (which means that when they are brought into three dimensional space, they annihilate into decay products creating a vast source of energy), allowing for more generations of quarks and leptons. Regions of subspace have been identified, with physics correlating with the symmetry landscape. Certain phenomena such as hyperspace stars have been discovered. Gravity has the ability to extend into the extra dimensions, and it is thought that dark matter in either region might be caused by mass in both realspace and hyperspace.

Interestingly the existence of increased energy levels means that spacecraft or other objects in hyperspace are more durable to kinetic energy.

*Contrary to popular belief, the small dimensions are not inflated, because to do so would approach distances in the three dimensional universe. However it is possible to build wormholes using this technique.

Technological applications
The most common application for hyperspace is both the use of "subspace ambisels" (FTL communications) and hyperdrives. The hyperdrive's velocity in dependent on how it steps into the extra metric coordinate system. Some claim to have observed one of more precursor races travelling in excess 10^60c, however this is rare.

There has been a recent revolution in hyperspatial technology (sparked by the discovery of precursors and the singularity), including but not limited to the construction of hyperspatial wormholes when standard metric engineering and planckscale technology is combined. Inhabitants of the Cyrannus galaxy, the Draconis Imperium and several precursor races developed the ability to harness energetic virtual radiation from hyperspace using wormholes. Delpha Coalition of Planets devised a method to reverse chirality and turn matter into antimatter using 4 dimensional wormholes in hyperspace. It has been suggested the artifact known as Amemoriam uses hyperspatial wormholes to create basement universes from the same principles of the symmetry landscape.

Formidable weapons have also been made from the decay of hypermatter radiation, commonly used to make high powered "tetryon beams" or subspace torpedoes. Both the Delpha Coalition of Planets and Galactic Empire of Cyrannus use "interdiction fields" to disrupt hyperspace travel. The Grox Meta-Empire and Apalos have been known to use deadly "gridfire" weapons; gravitational sinewaves (or "pp waves") in hyperspace developed from precursor technology which can destroy any object.

Developing hyperspatial technology
The hyperspace revolution has had an important effect on developing the technological synchronicity of the entire Gigaquadrant.

Generally a civilisation can begin to experiment with the effects