Overview
Gradient One (G1) is a 350-meter rotating orbital platform designed to validate sustained artificial gravity and mission-relevant partial-gravity environments in space. Operating at ~1.6 RPM, G1 simultaneously provides Earth gravity (1g), Mars gravity (0.38g), Lunar gravity (0.16g), and a central microgravity control hub within a single continuous rotating structure.
G1 closes the gap between microgravity research and full-scale rotating habitat deployment by generating operational gravity environments in orbit—at scale, for long-duration campaigns.
Why It Matters
We have extensive microgravity data. We have ground centrifuge data. What we do not yet have is sustained, comparative multi-gravity operational data in orbit—across lunar and Mars gravity levels, alongside a 1g baseline, within a single system.
Gradient One is designed to generate that dataset while validating the mechanical, fluid, and operational realities of living and working in a rotating environment.
Gravity Configuration
G1 uses a single fixed rotation rate (~1.6 RPM). Gravity scales with radius along the rotating truss, enabling discrete gravity “bands” without changing spin state.
Simultaneous Gravity Bands
- 0g: Central non-rotating hub (microgravity control + docking)
- 0.16g (Moon): ~56 m radius band
- 0.38g (Mars): ~133 m radius band
- 1g (Earth baseline): ~350 m outer band
This configuration supports comparative testing under identical lighting, atmosphere, instrumentation, and campaign timelines.
Architecture
Primary Structure
- Outer Radius: ~350 meters
- Spin Rate: ~1.6 RPM
- Configuration: Single rotation regime with discrete gravity bands
- Hub: Central non-rotating docking/control environment (0g)
Stability & Balance
- Counterbalance: Water-based adjustable mass system
- Balancing: Active mass redistribution for long-duration stability
- Rationale: Compensates for consumables, transfers, and biomass growth
What G1 Validates
Biological Systems
- Plant growth and yield at Lunar and Mars gravity
- Hydroponic performance under partial gravity and rotation
- Microbial behavior, biofilm risk, and sanitation dynamics
- Atmospheric trace management (humidity, VOCs/ethylene) in closed growth racks
Human & Operations
- Long-duration human work at 1g in a rotating frame
- Task performance and transitions across gravity bands
- Rotating utilities: power/data routing, maintenance, inspection
- Operational procedures for rotating habitat segments
G1 is structured for 30–90 day campaigns with repeatable modules and instrumentation, enabling progressive refinement over multiple missions.
Strategic Role
Gradient One is a precursor platform to large-scale rotating habitats such as Aegis Station. It enables a disciplined progression from validated rotating segments to scalable infrastructure—while producing high-value partial-gravity biological and operational datasets relevant to lunar and Mars missions.
Dossier
The full Gradient One mission dossier is available below:
Download Full Dossier (PDF)Contact
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