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Memory Alpha
This article deals with the event. For the beverage, see Warp core breach (beverage).
File:Warp core breach.jpg

A warp core breach in progress.

A warp core breach is a catastrophic failure of a starship's warp core. A breach can occur in a variety of ways, but is frequently characterised by a coolant leak from the main reaction chamber, resulting a runaway reaction within the warp core. Antimatter containment is lost, and the resultant contact between antimatter and the normal matter of the ship destroys the vessel.

The breach is almost always irreversible, as most safety protocols and systems will have failed prior to the event. Warp core ejection is a common method of dealing with a breach, although this is considered a last ditch effort and often fails. The evacuation of the crew to the primary hull and initiating separation is also used whenever the ship can separate such as on Galaxy class vessels. In situations where a saucer separation cannot be initiated, then evacuation of the ship via escape pods or shuttles will occur. In any case, the aim is to get as much distance between the core and the vessel as possible before detonation.

In 2371, the engineering hull of the USS Enterprise-D was destroyed in a warp core breach following rupture of the magnetic interlocks. The shockwave created by the explosion caused the vessel's saucer section to crash-land on Veridian III. (Star Trek: Generations)

Warp core breach flashpoint

The flashpoint of a core breach.

The reaction of veridium isotopes with warp plasma will cause a warp core breach. (VOY: "Drive")

If a large number of tachyons leak in to a warp core, a warp core breach is almost certain to occur, as a result of the tachyons creating a resonance frequency causing the core pressure to increase out of control. (VOY: "Day of Honor")

Warp core breaches have been deliberately performed; Geordi La Forge intentionally caused a warp core breach of the Enterprise-E's warp core (after ejecting it) to seal a subspace tear caused by an isolytic burst. (Star Trek: Insurrection)

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