Gundam Archives

The Wonders of Space Colonies

Imagine living in a massive, orbiting artificial city, surrounded by the vastness of space. This is the reality of space colonies, gigantic hollow space stations that simulate the Earth’s terrain and provide a comfortable living environment for their inhabitants. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of space colonies, exploring their design, functionality, and significance in various Gundam timelines.

Design and Functionality

Space colonies are typically O’Neill “Island 3” type cylinders, measuring 6.4 km in diameter and 36 km in length. The interior surface is divided into six lengthwise strips, with three window sections that let in sunlight and three land sections where people live. The cylinder’s rotation creates a simulated gravity of 1G, making life comfortable for its residents. The mirrors outside each window section reflect sunlight, controlling the level of illumination and creating a sense of passing time and seasons.

Universal Century

In the Universal Century timeline, space colonies are placed at the five Earth-Moon Lagrangian points. Each colony is known as a “Side,” and multiple Sides can occupy a single Lagrangian point. The average size of an open-type cylindrical colony is 6.4 km in diameter and 36 km in length. The closed-type colony, adopted by Side 3, has a simpler design and is more affordable, but lacks the comforts of the open type.

Other Timelines

In the Future Century, space colonies are artistic representations of the culture of their sponsor nation. In the After Colony timeline, colonies are based on the Stanford “Island 2” type layout and are located in gravitationally stable areas around the Earth. The Cosmic Era features O’Neill Island 3 type colonies, as well as massive, hourglass-shaped PLANTs (Productive Location Ally on Nexus Technology) that house over 2 million Coordinators.

Colony Drops

The devastating consequences of a colony drop are a recurring theme in the Gundam franchise. A colony drop can cause massive destruction, drastic changes in climate and weather, and loss of land due to the impact. This has led to the use of colony drops as a weapon of mass destruction, with severe consequences for the Earth and its inhabitants.

Conclusion

Space colonies are a fascinating aspect of the Gundam universe, offering a glimpse into a potential future where humanity has expanded into space. From their design and functionality to their significance in various timelines, space colonies play a crucial role in shaping the Gundam narrative. As we continue to explore the possibilities of space colonization, the Gundam franchise reminds us of the importance of responsible innovation and the potential consequences of our actions.