The exact speed of full impulse in miles per hour (mph) is 167,000,000 mph.
Understanding Impulse Speed in Star Trek
In the Star Trek universe, impulse propulsion is a sub-light speed form of travel, utilized for maneuvers within star systems, planetary orbit, and during combat. Unlike warp drive, which creates a subspace distortion to exceed the speed of light, impulse engines operate on principles of fusion, propelling starships through conventional space at relativistic velocities.
Specifically, full impulse is equivalent to a significant fraction of the speed of light.
Impulse Engine Capabilities
Starfleet vessels, such as the USS Voyager, are capable of reaching impressive speeds using their impulse engines. According to technical specifications, full impulse is listed as one-quarter (¼) of the speed of light. This translates to an exact speed in both miles per hour and kilometers per second.
Here's a breakdown of the speed at full impulse:
| Speed Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed of Light (c) | Approximately 670,616,629 mph (299,792,458 m/s) |
| Full Impulse Speed | ¼ of the speed of light |
| Full Impulse in MPH | 167,000,000 mph |
| Full Impulse in km/s | 74,770 km/s |
This immense speed allows starships to cover vast distances within a star system relatively quickly, though it is still dwarfed by the speeds achievable with warp drive for interstellar travel. Impulse power is crucial for tactical maneuvers, atmospheric flight, and situations where warp drive is either unnecessary or unsafe.
For more details on the workings of impulse engines and their role in Star Trek lore, you can explore resources like the Memory Alpha Star Trek Wiki.
