Velocity’s elevated rate in starless region (4,5)
I believe the answer is:
deep space
'starless region' is the definition.
'deep space' can be an answer for 'region' (deep space is a kind of region). I am unsure of the 'starless' bit.
'velocity's elevated rate' is the wordplay.
'velocity' becomes 'speed' (synonyms).
'elevated' says the letters should be written backwards (in a down clue, letters go up).
'rate' becomes 'pace' (synonyms).
'speed' written backwards gives 'deeps'.
'deeps'+'pace'='DEEP SPACE'
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for deep space that I've seen before include "Region beyond our atmosphere" , "void" , "even devoid of 12 [THIN AIR]" .)