Antigravity technology is one of the foundations of modern spaceflight. Developed by the Net'hret through research into their innate gravity-control abilities, it spread through early technological exchange and is now commonplace among interstellar civilizations. Its introduction transformed shuttle travel, making movement between planetary surfaces and orbit far easier.
An antigravity generator connects to a vessel’s conductive hull, suppressing gravity’s effect on the hull and conductive structures bolted to it. Careful construction allows much of a ship’s structural weight to be removed from the burden its engines must support.
The effect does not automatically encompass everything aboard. Passengers, cargo, and other unsuppressed contents retain their weight. Even a small vessel therefore requires thrust to remain aloft with a load and to control its altitude.
Antigravity supplies no upward force of its own. It suppresses gravity’s pull on eligible structure; engines provide the thrust needed to move, maneuver, and support the remaining load.
Smaller vessels gain the greatest benefit. Beyond approximately 150 metres, increasing size brings progressively poorer returns for the energy expended. Larger ships can still reduce gravity’s effect on their structure and operate in lower safe orbits, but their systems cannot achieve the same efficiency as those aboard smaller craft.
These limitations make antigravity particularly valuable for shuttles and smaller starships. The technology has not been reduced to personal devices.
Gravity suppression leaves inertia intact. A vessel still needs thrust to accelerate, brake, or change direction, and reaching an orbital destination requires matching its trajectory.
There is no inertial dampening technology. Passengers experience the full g forces of their ship’s maneuvers, making the tolerances of those aboard an essential consideration in flight planning. A craft may shed much of its weight without gaining the ability to turn sharply or accelerate violently without consequences for its crew.
Antigravity supports ordinary spaceflight. Jump drives, gates, and Void-Sailing remain necessary for faster-than-light travel.