Coil array

A coil array is an orbiting swarm of magnetic coils that can link together to fire ships, probes, magnetic coils and other objects in various directions at excessive velocities. In the Solar System, they were constructed during the 22nd century, and harnessed solar power to assist in probing and eventually colonizing nearby star systems. It is essentially a colossal gauss cannon or 'coilgun', a form of electromagnetic launching system.

They carried the vessel to the desired 'launch' velocity, and from there all it had to do was slow down. Once it arrived in the target system, its purpose was to set up another coil array, enabling transit times of mere decades.

They are still used, when access to Regalia is impossible, as is normally the case, and one wishes to explore a nearby system, there is really no other option if it is not linked by a stargate already.