Hello, SFIA audio listeners. In this month's Nebula exclusive, big alien theory,

we're asked at the reason alien civilizations might be rare is because most aliens are huge.

To hear it and every episode early and add free, plus hours of bonus content,

check out go.nebola.tv slash Isaac Arthur and use my code, Isaac Arthur.

Today we think of gravity as a force, one of the four primary forces in our universe.

In the future, however, we may see it not just as a force of nature, but a tool for humanity

to forge an awesome destiny.

A couple of months back back we explored how gravity could be used for a spaceship proportion, from modern methods like slingshots to the Earth-Earth effect.

As incredible as spaceships are, they're just one category of technology that could benefit

from advanced control over gravity.

Today I thought we'd dive into some of the other possibilities.

Everything from its role in terraforming planets to its impact on constructing megastructures,

both in terms of the building process and the structures themselves.

We'll also examine how gravity might enable us to settle giant planets

or small moons, create or mine stars, manipulate time, fold space, and even wage wars.

After all, gravity plays a crucial role in weapon performance, from deflecting impacts

to shattering entire planets. But let's begin with a few spaceship applications, as gravity isn't just useful for moving your ship.

Probably the best known use of gravity technology in science fiction is essentially to create

artificial gravity on board ships where people live and work.

Ironically, this is perhaps the least essential usage, as

we can already simulate gravity through spin or rotation. While large rotating sections

are necessary for artificial ecosystems, a habitation drum or ring doesn't need to take up much

...