According to our current understanding of physics and the theory of special relativity, it is not possible to exceed the speed of light in a vacuum. The theory of special relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein, states that the speed of light in a vacuum, denoted as 'c,' is the ultimate speed limit in the universe. It is a fundamental constant and is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.
As an object with mass approaches the speed of light, its energy requirements to accelerate further increase significantly. As the object approaches the speed of light, its mass also appears to increase, which means it would require an infinite amount of energy to reach or exceed the speed of light. This is known as the mass-energy equivalence principle, represented by the famous equation E = mc^2, where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light.
Exceeding the speed of light would also lead to violations of causality, meaning that cause and effect could be observed in different orders depending on the reference frame, leading to logical inconsistencies.
While there have been various speculative ideas and concepts proposed in theoretical physics, such as wormholes and warp drives, that attempt to circumvent the speed of light barrier, they remain purely speculative and are not yet supported by experimental evidence or established scientific theories. As of now, our understanding is that the speed of light in a vacuum is the ultimate speed limit, and it cannot be exceeded without violating established principles of physics.