Proto-Phase Drive
Proto-Phase Drive
The Proto-Phase Drive was the first practical propulsion system to intentionally manipulate a vessel's interaction with phased space.
Developed by Alron Seneg of the Sakran District in Markasisa during Annuli 2690, the technology represented the first successful attempt to move a spacecraft partially out of normal spacetime.
Although later overshadowed by true Phase Drives, Proto-Phase technology laid the scientific foundation for every phase-capable vessel that followed.
The drive achieved velocities of approximately 100.2% of lightspeed, making it the first propulsion system in recorded Prosian history to exceed the conventional light barrier.
Name
The term Proto-Phase has two accepted meanings.
The most common interpretation is that the drive was a prototype form of Phase propulsion.
However, historical engineering records indicate that the name also referred to the drive's use of a controlled proton flow to energize and sustain its weak phase field.
Both interpretations are considered correct.
Origins
Prior to the Proto-Phase Drive, spacecraft relied on advanced reaction propulsion systems.
The earliest experimental interstellar craft used a dangerous form of nuclear pulse propulsion. Small nuclear devices were detonated behind the vessel while a temporary phase field was raised around the craft.
Timing was critical.
If the field activated too slowly, the vessel could be severely damaged or destroyed by its own propulsion pulse.
Despite the dangers, these experiments demonstrated that partial phase displacement could reduce the effective inertia of a spacecraft and permit velocities approaching the speed of light.
These findings inspired Alron Seneg's work.
Principle of Operation
Unlike modern Phase Drives, the Proto-Phase Drive could not fully separate a vessel from normal spacetime.
Instead, it shifted the ship only slightly out of phase.
The resulting field reduced relativistic effects enough to permit limited superluminal travel.
Characteristics included:
- Weak phase displacement
- Partial inertial reduction
- Minimal interaction with Nilita’fen
- Limited field stability
- Speeds averaging 100.2% of lightspeed
Ships operating under Proto-Phase propulsion remained largely within normal spacetime and therefore experienced many limitations that modern Phase vessels do not.
Materials
The original Proto-Phase Drive predated the discovery and manufacture of both Relekorium and Relenium.
Engineers instead relied upon refined heavy nuclear materials slightly above plutonium in atomic complexity.
These materials were difficult to produce, highly radioactive, and inefficient compared to later technologies.
Their instability limited the strength of the phase field and restricted achievable speeds.
Discovery of Relekorium
A major breakthrough occurred when unusual materials were discovered on the world of Cycronox.
Archaeological investigations later determined that these deposits were not naturally occurring.
They were remnants of ancient industrial activity left behind by the Garapr'seen civilization.
Researchers eventually learned to manufacture Relekorium Oxide from these discoveries.
This led to the construction of the first Reaction Sphere Drives, which replaced the hazardous nuclear pulse systems previously used for propulsion.
The spherical reaction chamber became the direct ancestor of the modern Relekorium Repulsion Sphere.
Relationship to Relenium
Further research into Relekorium chemistry produced a related material later named Relenium.
Unlike Relekorium, which excelled at generating repulsive phase pressure, Relenium interacted strongly with exotic particles and interstellar gases.
This made it possible to generate a true phase envelope around a vessel.
The combination of Relenium and Relekorium ultimately enabled the development of the modern Phase Drive.
Standing Waves
Proto-Phase Drives did not include the wave suppression cone found on later propulsion systems.
At Proto-Phase energy levels, standing-wave formation was minimal and generally not considered a significant engineering concern.
Only after the introduction of higher-energy Relekorium reaction spheres did harmonic reflections become severe enough to require dedicated suppression structures.
Legacy
Although primitive by modern standards, the Proto-Phase Drive is regarded as one of the most important inventions in Prosian history.
Every modern Phase propulsion system can trace its lineage back to Alron Seneg's original work in Sakran District.
Many historians consider the Proto-Phase Drive to be the technology that transformed the Prosian people from a planetary civilization into an interstellar one.