An inertial dampener (or inertial damper) was a technology which altered the inertia of matter. Inertial dampeners were vital components of warp vessels, allowing them to quickly change relativistic speeds without endangering crew or internal components. (ST reference: The Star Trek Encyclopedia)
A starship could not accelerate to warp speed without an active inertial dampener, as it would kill the entire crew instantly. (VOY episode: "Tattoo")
In 2274, the USS Enterprise's inertial system was recalibrated at Starbase 22. (TOS comic: "It's a Living")
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External link[]
- Inertial dampener article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.