Potentials of the ODSY drive
ODSY Drive System
With the Arks unable to refuel by traditional means in dark space, the journey to Andromeda is only made possible by the ODSY Drive System. The ODSY is a massive experimental drive core specifically designed for this trans-galactic voyage. It is capable of recycling static energy that would typically cause a starship to explode, instead storing it to power the Ark’s primary systems. Meanwhile, an electromagnetic ram-scoop will gather hydrogen from the Ark’s surroundings, converting it into fuel as needed.
-Andromeda Initiative briefing video
As positive or negative electric current is passed through an FTL drive core, it acquires a static electrical charge. Drives can be operated an average of 50 hours before they reach charge saturation. This changes proportionally to the magnitude of mass reduction; a heavier or faster ship reaches saturation more quickly.
If the charge is allowed to build, the core will discharge into the hull of a ship. All ungrounded crew members are fried to a crisp, all electronic system are burned out, and metal bulkheads may be melted and fused together.
The safest way to discharge a core is to land on a planet and establish a connection to the ground, like a lightning rod. Larger vessels like dreadnoughts cannot land and must discharge into a planetary magnetic field1.
As the hull discharges, sheets of lightning jump away into the field, creating beautiful auroral displays on the planet. The ship must retract its sensors and weapons while dumping charge to prevent damage, leaving it blind and helpless. Discharging at a moon with a weak magnetic field can take days. Discharging into the powerful field of a gas giant may require less than an hour. Deep space facilities such as the Citadel often have special discharge facilities for visiting ships.
- Mass Effect Codex, FTL Drive: Drive Charge
The ODSY drive, which seems so far been utilized solely for Andromeda Initiative’s purposes is a revolution in drive technology. Recycling of static energy eliminates discharge needs and ram-scooping more fuel makes the ships self-sufficient.
If (or when) utilizied in the Milky Way, the ODSY drive could become a serious contender to replacing the Reaper-built mass relay network. A ship drive that renders empty space and barren discharge and refueling sites irrelevant to spread of inhabitation and economic exploitation.
Given the careful wording of massive drive, I am interpreting it that ODSY drive is only economic in its very early experimental stages for vessels as big as the Arks and Nexus, that severely dwarf Systems Alliance cruisers. So not an instant opening of flood gates for Citadel in old Milky Way yet.
