Warp space is a realm capable of navigation but, at least in the scope of human knowledge, a mysterious phenomena. There is some evidence that transdimensional rifts occur between warp space and the material universe spontaneously, though data is limited.[1] While such rifts can be created artificially, warp travel should not be undertaken lightly. If co-ordinates aren't plotted correctly, a ship's crew can end up dead and/or so far from their intended location that they can never get back.[2]
In addition to travel, warp space also provides a means for transmissions to be sent in real time, able to even be received in warp space[3] or in the case of the zerg and protoss, via long distance telepathy.[4] It should be noted however, that each species' usage of warp space is not on an equal level;
Terran jumps through warp space can be short ranged or long range, the latter being reserved for large ships such as battlecruisers. For these jumps, a few hours are required to charge up the engines, along with plotting the co-ordinates. A long jump can be made instantly in desperate circumstances, but this is regarded as extremely hazardous.[6] Still, when properly planned, these jumps can be highly accurate, terran technology being sophisticated enough for one ship to warp right in front of another.[3] Terran vessels leap through warp space, making it very difficult to track a vessel's course from the direction it is facing.[7]
Terran warp space travel also has to bear with a number of other considerations. A ship should not re-enter real space too close to a planet[8] and must have a clear line of movement to make the jump (a ship positioning itself in front of a target vessel will prevent the target from jumping; a useful tactic in space combat).[3] Finally, warp travel can be exhausting, as the mind is unable to keep up with the extreme speeds that the body is moving at.[6] On exceptionally long journeys, cryogenic hibernation is used.[5]
