According to our current understanding of physics, it is not possible to exceed the speed of light in a vacuum without being affected by gravity. The theory of relativity, specifically special relativity, establishes the speed of light in a vacuum (approximately 299,792,458 meters per second) as the ultimate speed limit in the universe.
Special relativity states that as an object with mass accelerates towards the speed of light, its relativistic mass increases, requiring an infinite amount of energy to reach or surpass the speed of light. This phenomenon is known as mass dilation or relativistic mass increase. As a result, it becomes physically impossible for an object with mass to achieve or exceed the speed of light.
Gravity, on the other hand, is a fundamental force in nature that affects all objects with mass or energy. According to general relativity, gravity is the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. Any object, including light, that moves through a region of curved spacetime will be influenced by gravity.
Since both the speed of light and gravity are deeply intertwined in our understanding of the universe, it is not currently known how one could exceed the speed of light without being affected by gravity. The current consensus among physicists is that the laws of physics, as we understand them, prohibit such travel. However, it's important to note that our understanding of physics is constantly evolving, and future discoveries or breakthroughs may present new insights or possibilities.