Horizon Project

The Horizon Project was an propulsion research and development project conducted by Starfleet during the 24th century. 

Overview
The project's objective was to develop a folded space drive, which the scientists working on the project affectionally called a "jump drive". Admiral Thadius Rutledge of the Starfleet Fourth Fleet was placed in charge of the project in 2381, shortly after the start of the Coalition War. In 2382, after the drive had been successful tested with inanimate objects and in simulations, he requisitioned the USS Horizon (NCC-91901) to begin field tests. ("Horizon")

2380

 * First theoretical work on such a propulsion device was conceived by Dr. Ken Burton and Dr. Dirbwork Haye.
 * Dr. Burton and Dr. Haye continue research and eventually sent in a proposal to Starfleet Advanced Technologies.
 * Starfleet Advanced Technologies approved the proposal for immediate testing, and Burton and Haye moved into laboratories at Starfleet Science.
 * Project is categorized a the Horizon Project.
 * Vice Admiral Ian Duncan of Starfleet Corps of Engineers gave the project an overview and decided that development of such a drive was appropriate.
 * Starfleet Command classified the project top secret, highest level clearance.

2381

 * Admiral Rutledge was placed in charge of the project.
 * The engine is nicknamed "Jump Drive" by the scientists working on it, the name is kept.
 * Primary tests were preformed with animate objects. The tests were successful.

2382

 * Further tests were preformed, increasing the distance of the jump. The tests were successful.
 * Starship simulations were preformed on the holodeck. The simulations proved to be successful.
 * Rutledge approached Starfleet Command for a ship to test the new drive on. His request is denied by Admiral McCloud.
 * Rutledge request the a ship a second time, this time doing it in person. McCloud continues to deny his request.
 * Admiral Anton comes to the meeting and Rutledge received his approval.
 * An starship already under construction was reallocated to the Horizon Project. Rutledge signed the starship into the official Starfleet ship registry as the USS Horizon (NCC-91901).

2383

 * First test flight was launched.