Nuclear Pulse Drive

The new standard in propulsion. Thrust is achieved by controlled, nuclear detonations. What sounds like overkill is actually an incredibly efficient and powerful method of transportation. Virtually every starship in service uses this propulsion method. The current operational range of these ships is about five sectors (grid squares) so they don't have unlimited range. Of course they can travel farther if provided with appropriate supplies, fissionable material, food, water, etc.