How the Alcubierre Warp Drive Works

The Alcubierre metric proposes a method of faster-than-light travel within the framework of general relativity. It involves:

• Contracting spacetime in front of the vessel (shown in red)
• Expanding spacetime behind it (shown in blue)
• Creating a "bubble" of flat spacetime containing the vessel

The ship itself never moves faster than light locally. Instead, spacetime moves around it, carrying the vessel along like a surfer on a wave.

Note: Lower energy requirements in this simulator represent theoretical breakthroughs that reduce the exotic matter needed, showing stronger distortion effects with less energy.