Jump point

A Jump Point is a location within the gravity wells of stellar systems, where instant interstellar travel between linked systems is made possible. Ships equipped with Jump Engines, ships serviced by a Jump Tender, and ships using Jump Gates can jump via jump point to re-emerge at the connected system light years away from the starting position.

Overview

Each discovered system has at least one Jump Point, but many have multiple connections forming a weblike node network making up the known regions of the galaxy. Without them, interstellar travel would be impossible, since the speeds required for interstellar travel in a human lifetime far exceed what current methods of spacecraft propulsion can provide.

Civilian star-ships and most military ships are not equipped to transit though jump points on their own, and rely on either jump gates or jump tenders. Regardless the method used, transit time is instant, but ships suffer from jump shock, temporary disabling weapons and active sensors. Which can cause a lot of "fun" if there is anything likely to be lurking on the far side :)

The key to discovering Jump Points and the methods to utilize them was the discovery of Trans-Newtonian Elements making interstellar exploration, commerce, and warfare possible. All known space-faring species are restricted by this limitation, with no known technological alternatives.

See Also

• Lagrange Point for Inter-system jumps.