User:Dc.samizdat/Hyperspace program

"This article is speculation (science fiction) about the potential for a series of space expeditions to explore four dimensional hyperspace. For the software program, see hyperspace simulator."

Theory
According to the dimensional theory of relativity, it may be possible to accelerate to relativistic speeds in lunar-earth and earth-solar orbits and thereby render four dimensional spaces of sufficient size to be the vehicle for transporting a human passenger. The project is analogous to human space flight programs and space telescope projects in that it requires building a very large scale particle accelerator ring in outer space (hopefully not to be used as a collider!).

This article assumes speculatively that the limitations on speed of light travel predicted by special relativity are only apparent, and the twin paradox is no paradox under general relativity. Under these assumptions travel at relativistic speeds should be possible, both orbitally and linearly. In principle we could visit other solar systems, even explore the galaxy, in the lifetimes of humans living on earth.

Stages
The following somewhat fanciful depiction of a speculatively possible hyperspace program is named by analogy to the American space program's bootstrapped series of expeditions leading up to and following the first moon landing.

Mercury
Put a one person crew into lunar-earth orbit inside a 5-cell capsule. Circumnavigate the 24-cell in hyperspace. 8 flights in 24-cell lunar-earth orbit.

Gemini
Put a two person crew into lunar-earth orbit inside an 8-cell capsule. Perform hyperspace walks and docking maneuvers with an unmanned 16-cell. 16 flights in 24-cell lunar-earth orbit.

Apollo
Put a three person crew into earth-solar orbit inside a 24-cell capsule. Perform hyperspace walks and docking maneuvers between two manned 8-cells to assemble a 24-cell in lunar-earth orbit hyperspace. Transit to earth-solar orbit and circumnavigate the 600-cell in hyperspace. 24 flights, 8 in 24-cell lunar-earth orbit and 16 in 600-cell earth-solar orbit.

International hyperspace station (lunar-earth orbit)
Establish a small permanently manned station in lunar-earth orbit, to test the feasibility of longer-duration hyperspace voyages and facilitate the direct study of four dimensional space at human scale.

International hyperspace station (earth-solar orbit)
Establish a large permanently manned station in earth-solar orbit, as a precursor to settlements in hyperspace and hyperspace voyages beyond the solar system.