Space
Space is the expanse, the physical things and observable occurrences within which we can uniquely define in three dimensions, according to their relative directions, distances, and positions, compared to each other. Space-time, or the space-time continuum, is the same physical space but defined in three dimensions plus a fourth dimension, time. Though space and the space-time continuum conceptually appear to be all-encompassing and endless, we can mathematically measure the direction, distance, and position of objects and occurrences discovered within it. (Compare subspace. See also “Deep Space,” below.
Exploring space, however, has led to the discovery of seemingly anomalous spaces and space-time continua, such as chaotic, fluidic, null, and transwarp space; not to mention folds, holes, warps, and wrinkles in space; and places like the Q Continuum. For example, note the following examples of both normal and anomalous space, below:
Circa Stardate -17400, Annorax, a temporal scientist with the Krenim Imperium, deployed a weapon that destroyed its targets by removing them from the space-time continuum, so that, in essence, the targets never existed.
Disruption to the space-time continuum can have devastating effects. Circa Stardate 16800, for example, the U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701-D entered a rupture in the space-time continuum. A temporal loop then trapped the ship and its crew so that they repeatedly experienced the same occurrence.
Circa Stardate 17200, Junior Lieutenant Thomas Paris, of the U.S.S. Voyager, NCC-74656, flew a test bed with an experimental engine, and accelerated to the Warp Factor 10 threshold, or infinite velocity, by means of it. Theoretically, the test bed then occupied all points in the universe simultaneously.
Many explorers have encountered phenomena similar to spatial ruptures and subspace rifts throughout the Milky Way Galaxy.
Deep Space
The term “deep space” describes areas of space that are far away from what one considers to be space close to home, such as a homeworld. As such, the standard nomenclature of widespread organizations, such as Star Fleet, uses the term to describe the relative locations of distant installations, such as starbases, outposts, and other installations. For example, Star Fleet has long described deep space station K-7 by its deep space location, and even includes “deep space” in the name of some of its installations, such as Deep Space 9.
According to records, the U.S.S. Farragut was the first deep space assignment of Lieutenant James Kirk.
In 2266, on the stand in a court martial proceeding, Dr. McCoy was cited on record as an expert in psychology, especially space psychology, which was defined as "patterns which develop in the close quarters of a ship during long voyages in deep space."
In 2268, Spock described the damage of space probes Nomad and Tan-Ru as occurring in deep space. Later, Captain Kirk ordered the errant amalgam of the two probes beamed to a set of coordinates that were specified as being in deep space.
Kirk also specified deep space as a target when Redjac, inhabiting the body of Hengist, was transported off the Enterprise.
When Lieutenant Mira Romaine came aboard U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701, Dr. McCoy and Montgomery Scott had a discussion about how their experience told them that someone's first trip into deep space can affect them.
The U.S.S. Voyager was the first Federation ship which tested a Class nine warp drive in deep space.
After the first contact with the Voyager in 2374, Star Fleet redirected two deep space vessels toward Voyager's position.
It is never mentioned what the exact definition of "deep space" is, but it is clear that some Federation ships are ordered to "deep space missions" or that some starbases are called "deep space stations". The insinuation, however, is that deep space refers to regions of space that are "far from home".
