Interstellar travel would be impossible in the Star Wars franchise without hyperspace, though what exactly hyperspace is and how it works is something of a mystery. In both the canon and Legends continuities, the concept of hyperspace is explored, with its history, mechanics, and even its connection to the Force itself delved into. Hyperspace jumps can be blocked or interrupted with certain technology, and there are potentially catastrophic results of hyperspace use, especially if proper calculations and safety precautions are eschewed. While risky, the many species and cultures of the Star Wars galaxy could not interact with each other if not for lightspeed.
Hyperspace debuted with the Star Wars galaxy itself in A New Hope, with Han Solo and Chewbacca simultaneously escaping Imperial pursuit and traveling from Tatooine to Alderaan using hyperspace, the former offering a brief bit of exposition for hyperspace travel to Luke Skywalker. Hyperspace travel is iconic for its striking visuals, in which the stars appear as streaks of light as space becomes a luminous blue and white tunnel. While hyperspace is no more than a means of interstellar transportation in the original and prequel trilogies, the sequel and spinoff films and non-movie material from canon and Legends both explore the intricacies of hyperspace.
