Subspace Theory and an Origin to the Universe (Star Trek)

Subspace is a term that gets thrown around a lot in Star Trek, but what exactly is it?
We hear it's another realm, but what are its properties? Why does warp drive rely on it and so much other faster than light technology?
Let's get some speculation going.

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Star Trek, Star Trek Enterprise/Voyager/Deep Space Nine/Discovery/Picard and The Next Generation are all owned and distributed by CBS.
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This Video is for critical purposes with commentary.

[Jilluminum]

When you describe the omega molecule that way it almost seems like instead of destroying subspace, an omega explosion actually just adds an extra layer of "reality" over what currently exists, pushing the subspace layer out of reach. Like pouring a layer of cement over your keyboard

[DycuswasHere]

I do like the idea that subspace is just the minute infinite differences between universes. It seems like the simple yet overwhelming answer Trek would have

[TruePacifist]

*Keyes:* "We were running dark, yes?"
*Cortana:* "Until we decelerated. No one could've missed the hole we tore in subspace. They were waiting for us on the far side of the planet."

[DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

Subspace is like onions. Onions have layers. Subspace has layers.

[spartanlord]

I wish there was a video about all of the ships and ship classes in star trek online, that don't talk about the stats of the ships, but more of the fictional lore of the ships and their classes and variants.

[andregordon]

I have always thought of Sub Space as a bit of a catchall for the extra dimensions that Strings and membranes moved around. You dont have to worry about those in non FTL travel, but you do when it comes to subspace.

[gbladewarrior]

The Chaos Gods laughing in the background.

[marna_li]

The "Alcubierre drive" is a theory drawing inspiration from Star Trek to create a real warp drive. It might not be subspace but it could wrap a ship in a bubble provided we get enough energy to warp spacetime. There are scientists working on it right now. In the models, they managed to decrease the amount of energy required by adjusting the geometry of the object producing the field. Right now they are trying to warp small objects.

[KristoffDoe]

"hyper-subspace"?...
"hyper-" = "above"
"sub-" = "under"
So, "above-under-space"? I.e. ... space?...

[rogerw]

I seem to remember that sometimes Picard had to get orders from Starfleet through a recorded subspace message, not a live communication. While it was probably actually a matter of the writer not realizing what they could do, I suspect that in-universe it was that they were too far out from settled federation space to have the live communications set up.

[asvarien]

The DS9 novel Original Sin describes subspace in greater detail and describes subspace as the foundation of the universe. Like the ground on which the universe is built upon.

[andromidius]

Subspace manipulation also fits with the Q and other higher powers.

[Vaylenisme]

I always thought of subspace in relation to normal space like air and water (air is normal space, water is subspace).

It is easier to build a boat and travel on water than to build a boat and travel through the air! Going into a subspace pockets is like submerging into the water. Everyone uses boats to travel around, but the Xindi and some others used submarines.

[TheADHDNerd]

Another great video, sir!

I have additional thoughts... First, you said 'normal' space' might be expanding into subspace and my immediate reaction was, "or it's is expanding outwards from subspace."

Second, Dilithium Crystals (and their configuration/matrix), may be the bump that the Vulcans were "holding back" in ENT. It's highly unlikely Zefram Cochrane started with any crystals, implying that basic warp-drive technology can exist without it, but at very slow speeds comparatively.

[samiamrg]

This description of subspace reminds me of descriptions of the “Webway” from 40k. In that franchise, the Webway is described as being like a thin sheet if fabric placed on the boundary between real-space and the Immaterium. There are even denizens of the Webway (though they are not native to it): the Dark Eldar, who take great pleasure in cruelly torturing and experimenting on others.

[Sitarya]

Subspace is like the 7 extra dimensions of String Theory, which are curled up so tiny only subatomic particles take any heed of them. If true, they are literally a "sub-space" that could use quantum entanglement for ftl comm, transporters, etc..

[theSlpr]

Message from the Admiralty: The Omega Directive has been suspended for this video.

[acedude]

A hidden realm of strange creatures and broken physics? Subspace = The Warp confirmed.

[JenABlue-edbw]

Oh, I know this one! Subspace is a state of euphoric lassitude which can occur during or after BDSM play that—
Why are you looking at me like that?

[johansson]

Gene Roddenberry always used science consultants in the Star-trek series.
Even though some things at the time seemed sci-fyish, they had some theoretical basis.
It could be subspace is just another dimension of regular space that bulky regular matter can't go through,
but communication can. Would you call it inter-dimensional communication or classier subspace communication.
note: It still took time for the subspace communication to be received or sent, just less time.
This delay concept in star trek allowed captains greater autonomy.