The image above is Dutch designer Mark Rademaker's CGI design concept; created to illustrate how NASA engineer Harold White's IXS Enterprise "Warp ship" might look. White has been researching into possible methods of propelling space craft beyond the speed of light. The strongest theory involves the disruption of space-time in front and behind the craft. White claims he has calculated a plausible method that improves upon an earlier theory by physicist Miguel Alcubierre, and is working towards a proof of concept for the idea. Rademaker's design shows large rings that would be used to create a "warp bubble" and was originally submitted for the Star Trek "Ships of the Line" 2014 calendar.

[Image credit: Mark Rademaker]