G-Drive

The Graviton/Antigraviton Spatial Matrix Translator (commonly known as “G-Drive,” or “Gravity Drive”) is the component of a spacefaring vessel that enables the vessel to travel at effective speeds that are higher than that of light, through manipulation of what is known as the “spatial gravity effect.” Physical space is organized into various matrices, sometimes called “dimensions.” While most other particles are limited to operating in a limited subset of the matrices, the graviton (and its antiparticle, the antigraviton) are capable of operating in all of them. Matrices intersect in different spatial orientations, and it becomes possible while operating in the expanded set of matrices to navigate to a point in space faster than the time it would take light to reach the point using the conventional spatial matrix. The process of entering and exiting the expanded matrices is called “translation,” because information is encoded differently in the expanded matrices (most often called “G-Space,” or rarely “the Slipstream”) than in the conventional matrices (or “normal space.”)

In order to be engaged, the G-Drive must be at a suitably large source of mass, because areas with higher gravitic effect have access to a larger subset of spatial matrix orientations. It is also helpful, although not required, to be moving at high speeds while translating into G-Space. A large source of mass must also be present in order to safely de-translate from G-Space.

While in G-Space, the vessel still requires propulsion, which is achieved using streams of anti-gravitons to continuously repel the very “fabric” of G-Space. If a ship ceases moving in G-Space, it risks being trapped there. It is possible to do an emergency de-translation, or “drop,” from G-Space, but it is risky because if the vessel drops somewhere without a large source of mass, it may not be able to translate back in again and become stranded.

Contrary to popular belief, the possession of graviton technology is not a requirement for a barbarian world to be admitted into the Imperium, though it is an advantage. (The Charter Imperial mandates only that a potential member “be capable of operating at the same scale of the membership,” without specifying what that means.)

Currently known graviton technology is only capable of operating within a single galaxy, as intergalactic space has almost no mass and stretches out at far vaster distances. In 35620, the Imperium declassified information on several former and currently-ongoing tests of more powerful gravity drives with the aim of being able to traverse intergalactic space. While the Manolakaar are typically credited for the first development of graviton technology on the Metropol in 2A91, it is technically the case that the now-extinct species or group of species known as the Quum were the first known users of the technology, having developed it as early as one million years before the present.