Leibowitz-Kayode Drive
The Leibowitz-Kayode Drive is the first faster than light drive invented and used by Humanity. It was invented by the physicist Patricio Leibowitz and engineer Wyoming Kayode. Most Union of Earth and her Colonies ships use model of engine derived from this design.
Utility
The original LK Drive traversed a light year in 8.56 days.
By the 2350s the LK Drive is capable of two speed sets. The highest possible speed is Hyperluminal speeds, which require a Gravity Gate at the other end to capture the ship so that it doesn't tear itself apart trying to stop. The secondary speed is Superluminal which is capable of stopping itself, but is much slower that HL speeds.
Hyperlanes are established between Earth Controlled systems. Due to the cost and complexity of Gravity Gates, colonies have to be well established for it to be worth installing. The biggest gates are Eris Station in the Solar System, and Toliman Station(settlement) in Alpha Centauri.
Discovery
It took around a decade for the Drive to be finalized and another five years to finish the first working prototype. Its first successful test was in 2145.