RELATIVISTIC CONSIDERATIONS

	While the Galaxy class starship is the most advanced space vehicle 
in StarfleetÕs inventory, it is perhaps ironic that one of its most sophisticated 
systems can actually cause a number of annoying problems with extended 
use.

	As fledgling journeys were made by fusion starships late in the 
twenty-first century, theoretical calculations concerning the tau factor, or 
time dilation effect encountered at appreciable fractions of lightspeed, 
rapidly crossed over into reality. Time aboard a spacecraft at relativistic 
velocities slowed according to the Òtwin paradox.Ó During the last of the long 
voyages, many more years had passed back on Earth, and the time 
differences proved little more than curiosities as mission news was relayed 
back to Earth and global developments were broadcast to the distant 
travelers. Numerous other spacefaring cultures have echoed these 
experiences, leading to the present navigation and communication 
standards within the Federation.

	Today, such time differences can interfere with the requirement for 
close synchronization with Starfleet Command as well as overall Federation 
timekeeping schemes. Any extended flight at high relativistic speeds can 
place mission objectives in jeopardy. At times when warp propulsion is not 
available, impulse flight may be unavoidable, but will require lengthy 
recalibration of onboard computer clock systems even if contact is 
maintained with Starfleet navigation beacons. It is for this reason that normal 
impulse operations are limited to a velocity of 0.25c.

	Efficiency ratings for impulse and warp engines determine which 
flight modes will best accomplish mission objectives. Current impulse engine 
configurations achieve efficiencies approaching 85% when velocities are 
limited to 0.5c. Current warp engine efficiency, on the other hand, falls off 
dramatically when the engine is asked to maintain an asymmetrical 
peristaltic subspace field below lightspeed or an integral warp factor. It is 
generally accepted that careful mission planning of warp and impulse flight 
segments, in conjunction with computer recommendations, will minimize 
normal clock adjustments. In emergency and combat operations, major 
readjustments are dealt with according to the specifics of the situation, 
usually after action levels are reduced.  Æ