Earth technology in Stargate

In the Stargate fictional universe, the humans of Earth have developed many advanced technologies based on what SG teams have brought back from trips to other planets through the Stargate. Earth has also benefitted from technical knowledge provided by friendly alien races, such as the Asgard and the Tok'ra.

Real or semi-real technology

The producers of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis collaborated closely with the United States Air Force. The USAF is portrayed in a positive light in the series; as a result the franchise received access to USAF weaponry and fighter jets. The Oregon Air National Guard 173rd FW from Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, OR provided F-15 fighter jets for the movie Stargate: Continuum. The FN P90 was the favoured weapon of SG-1, and replaced the Heckler & Koch MP5 that was used until season 4 of Stargate SG-1.^[1] The P90 is also used by teams on Stargate Atlantis. In seasons 9 and 10 of SG1, the teams can be seen using other firearms, including the G36 and MP7. All personnel appear to be issued the Beretta 92, which they used throughout the series.

Other weapons seen used by SGC personnel include M249 machine guns, SPAS-12 and USAS-12 combat shotguns and numerous M16 and M4 variants. These are mostly seen being used by minor characters, and indeed most non-SG1 teams appear to use M4 variants rather than the sub-machine guns that SG1 favours. However, on some occasions SG1 has used these and other weapons, primarily when fighting the Replicators,^[2] but also in attempts to kill Anubis's Kull Warriors.^[3]

The teams are also seen using numerous explosive devices, including but not limited to M67 grenades, M18A1 Claymore mines, flashbangs and C4 explosive.

Russian stargate teams are seen using Yugoslavian-made Zastava M85s, roughly equivalent to the USAF's M4.^[4]

Fictional technology

The following are technologies that do not exist in the real world; in some cases the new technology is an enhancement or modification of existing technology made possible by interstellar contact, whereas others are completely within the realm of fiction.

Anti-Prior Device

The anti-Prior device is a disk-shaped speaker invented by Samantha Carter and Bill Lee to disrupt the psychic powers of highly evolved beings, namely the Prior of the Ori. It works by emitting a high-frequency sound which disrupts the portion of the brain which controls the psychic abilities. Over time, however, those subjected to it will eventually be able to overcome it.^[5]

It's not made clear exactly how those affected by it are eventually able to regain the use of their powers. The duration varies among uses, suggesting that the subjects simply learn to use their powers in the presence of the device despite the interference. It's also not shown if those who overcome it remain unaffected permanently, as no subject has ever been exposed after overcoming it.

A Prior, captured in The Fourth Horsemen, managed to overcome the device after a matter of hours, as did Daniel Jackson. Adria, the Orici was exposed to the device over a time period of a day or more. A Goa'uld knockoff of the device achieved the same effect by using some kind of EM energy instead of the high-frequency sound employed by the Earth device.

Anti-Wraith Retrovirus

The Anti-Wraith retrovirus is a viral gene therapy developed by Dr. Carson Beckett that suppresses the Iratus bug genes in the Wraith genome, causing the remaining human genes to assert themselves.^[6] This causes any male Wraith exposed to it to change into a human. Memory loss accompanies the transformation. Female Wraith are immune to the retrovirus, though it will briefly incapacitate one.^[7] The suppressed Iratus genes eventually reassert themselves without regular doses of the gene therapy. When they do, the subject returns to Wraith form, but with a distinctly "human" look that other Wraith will notice. The retrovirus can be deployed in gaseous form, which allows an entire hive ship to be affected. It is first tested on the Wraith "Michael" in the episode "Michael".^[8]

The invention of this process served as the catalyst for the exploration of a new theme in Stargate Atlantis, which began to explore the idea that the Wraith are not any more "evil" than humans who breed and cull other animals to survive, as well as exploring the concept of identity. The Wraith Michael, though converted into a human genetically, was nevertheless still a Wraith (or so a select number of Atlantis personnel attested vigorously).

Anti-Replicator Gun (ARG)

The anti-Replicator gun is a rifle based on the replicator disruptor created by Jack O'Neill in "New Order". It is first seen in "The Return". They are built for use against the Asuran replicators. The weapon's design seems to be loosely based on the H&K MP7 Personal Defence Weapon or the XM8 compact carbine version. A much larger, planetary-scale, anti-Replicator weapon was being developed in an effort to eliminate the Asuran Replicators entirely, though with their eventual defeat by other methods this is no longer necessary.

ATA Gene Therapy

The ATA gene therapy is another retrovirus designed by Carson Beckett. The therapy uses a modified mouse retrovirus to insert the ATA gene into a person's genome, thereby allowing them to access any Ancient technology that requires it. It is successful in just under 50% of subjects. It takes at least four hours for the therapy to kick in, and might not be permanent in every working case.

Chimera

Chimera is the code name for Earth's attempt at replicating Asgard holographic projection technology. Thor uses the Asgard projection technology to help disprove the existence of an Asgard clone on Earth. Earth's own copy of the technology is featured in the episode "Bounty".^[9]

Dialing computer

In the absence of a functioning Dial Home Device, the United States Air Force was forced to construct their own system for dialing the Stargate. This system employs several motors to physically move the inner ring of the Stargate in order to dial the desired address, essentially an automated version of manual dialing. This system has some advantages and disadvantages over a normal DHD. While it allows use of the Stargate to be secured using a palm scanner and addresses to be stored in a permanent database, it lacks several of the safety protocols provided by a DHD. The dialing computer is capable of interpreting some of the signals sent back by the Stargate, but also ignores many of them.^[10] The dialing computer is also slower at dialing addresses than a regular DHD.

The dialing computer software was upgraded by Jack O'Neill while his mind contained a complete download of an Ancient repository to allow eight chevron addresses to be dialed.^[11]

By the time of season 10 the dialing program and SGC understanding of the Ancient technology inside a Stargate has evolved to the point that a modern laptop computer in the field is capable of being loaded with the dialing program and, in the absence of a DHD, dialing a Stargate so long as a power supply is on hand (such as a portable Naquadah reactor).^[12]

Field Remote Expeditionary Device (F.R.E.D.)

The Field Remote Expeditionary Device (F.R.E.D.) is an eight-wheeled carrier for tools and supplies, and is mostly sent after the planet has been surveyed by a M.A.L.P., immediately before sending a SG team. Among the supplies carried by the F.R.E.D. is a homing device, used by SG teams to locate the Stargate if they are lost. Occasionally, the F.R.E.D. will be used as a place for cover if the team is fired upon.^[13]

Garage Door Opener (GDO)

In order to request that the iris be opened to allow travellers through, the Garage Door Opener (GDO)^[14] transmits a coded radio signal containing an Iris Deactivation Code (IDC) to Stargate Command through the event horizon of the Stargate. If the correct IDC is transmitted, the Iris is opened to allow homecoming travellers. This system is unique to Earth and Atlantis, although the Atlantis expedition uses smaller GDOs, and used to identify individuals instead of teams. Each SG team has a unique multi-digit IDC.

In addition, certain allies of Earth, such as the Tok'ra^[15] and Master Bra'tac,^[16] have IDCs. Some early allies of the SGC (such as the people from Cimmeria in the first season episode "Thor's Hammer") were given boxes made out of an alloy with a unique mixture of isotopes, whose residue could be detected and identified after being sent through the Stargate and destroyed by the Iris. This would act as a non-computerized IDC, prompting SGC to open the iris just as if an IDC had been sent. While the purpose was never stated explicitly, this entry method to the SGC was generally given to off-world allies who were too technologically inexperienced to understand the computerized GDO.

Iris

The iris is a titanium and later trinium/titanium alloy barrier that can open and close over the Stargate, which blocks incoming traffic through the Stargate when closed. The original iris was installed in the pilot episode, "Children of the Gods", to prevent incoming hostile alien races, or weapons from reaching Earth. This is achieved by preventing molecular reintegration and reconstruction due to the close proximity of the Iris to the Event Horizon of the Stargate. The base computer originally operated the Iris, however experiences such as those with the Reetu showed this system to be insufficient as any invader could operate the computer. This led to a more efficient biometric system using a handprint detection device operated by one of the Gate Technicians or other personnel authorized to open the iris. A manual lever located in the Gateroom is used primarily in case of emergencies such as a power outage at the SGC with a simultaneous incoming wormhole.

SGC operating procedures dictate that the Iris is closed for all incoming traffic, unless first identified by means of a special IDC transmitted by a device nicknamed the 'GDO' (Garage Door Opener). This ensures that only known friendlies are allowed safe arrival to Earth. On rare occasions (and against SGC regulations), the commanding officer present has allowed entrance based on Radio communications alone. The Iris has never actually been physically breached by hostile forces while closed, although some friendly races have circumvented the iris on more than one occasion (Thor, the Tollan, the Nox).

The iris appears to have 20 overlapping blades that swing outwards to form a near-circular opening, and then close again afterwards. This is similar to the way a multi-bladed leaf shutter works in a camera. Other structures that are similar in appearance are iris diaphragms in cameras and the iris of the human eye. When closed, the iris forms a barrier less than 3 μm from the wormhole's event horizon, thereby preventing most forms of matter from properly reintegrating.^[17] Objects coming through the wormhole are destroyed instead, accompanied by a ringing thud against the iris. Radio signals are able to penetrate, however, allowing SG teams to request the opening of the iris using their GDOs. In reality, when a shot of Earth's iris opening and closing is needed, the actual animation of it is added in post-production, as the mechanics of it opening and closing would be very difficult to build. In scenes where movement of the iris is not required, a jar-lid shaped prop is just inserted into the Stargate prop. The Atlantis shield is not a physical barrier, but a force field and is created totally through the use of computer animation in post production.

Intergalactic Communication Device

First seen in Stargate Universe, this device is a human-made copy of an Ancient communication device. Though the base device is built by humans, it still uses the original communication stones. In "Air", Dr. Rush uses one to communicate with the SGC. It is later used throughout Stargate Universe so Expedition members can visit with their families and specialists can be brought in to help when needed. It also allows the user to switch with aliens as seen when Colonel Young and Vannessa James switch bodies with blueberry aliens.

Holographic projectors

Earth-made replicas of the holographic technology used by the aliens in foothold. However, these replicas only lasted minutes due to electromagnetic interference.

Kull disruptor

A weapon developed with the Tok'ra to fight Kull Warriors. Originally installed on a Transphase Eradication Rod, it has since been shrunk to fit as an attachment most SGC small arms such as the P90 and M249. As Kull Warriors seemed impervious to both projectile and energy weapons, the Kull Disruptor became the only thing capable of stopping them.

The disruptor technology is based on the same Ancient Healing Device that Anubis used to animate the super-soldiers. The prototype weapon was only partially effective, usually requiring at least two shots to bring down one of the super-soldiers, though it is evident that the technology had been refined later on. In more recent episodes, Kull Warriors have been brought down by just one disruptor shot.

Locator beacon

All SGC personnel are equipped with implanted locator beacons for use with beaming technology. Originally, the beacons were handheld devices or ankle bracelets, but after Dr. Daniel Jackson was taken hostage and separated from his beacon in the season 9 episode "Ethon," the devices were implanted under the skin and are therefore less detectable. Although on the episode "Memento Mori," the chip was removed from Vala in a van while she was being kidnapped by a Trust cell in full knowledge of the transponders' existence.

It also appears that anyone who travels off-world is fitted with the beacons. In the season 9 episode "The Scourge," SG-1 and members of an international diplomatic tour were stranded on the planet host to the Gamma Site after a carnivorous insect species overran it. Upon the arrival of the Odyssey, all of them were beamed to safety. On the other hand, it is possible that the international diplomats were picked up by their life signs.

The devices are referenced several times in Stargate Atlantis, where they are called sub-cutaneous transmitters, manufactured by Devlin Medical Technologies. The devices are rarely shown to actually work, but can be used to remotely beam subjects across great distances.

McKay-Carter Intergalactic Gate Bridge

During the third season of Stargate Atlantis, a project to place a chain of stargates in the void between the Milky Way and Pegasus galaxies is initiated to allow rapid transit between Atlantis and the SGC without the need of a ZPM to power the Stargate.^[18] At the time, only the Atlantis gate has a ZPM available, meaning that the return trip from Earth requires a three-week journey in a hyperspace-capable Daedalus-class battlecruiser. To this end, stargates are "harvested" from the surface or orbit of uninhabited planets and deposited accordingly on both ends. When Atlantis' ZPM is depleted^[19] the project takes on an added urgency and is made operational shortly afterward.

The McKay-Carter Intergalactic Gate Bridge (named as such by its co-creator Rodney McKay, recognizing Samantha Carter for the original idea) consists of seventeen stargates from the Pegasus network and another seventeen from the Milky Way network. A macro program written by McKay and uploaded to the gates' operating systems before dialing causes them to store incoming matter in their buffers and forward it from one gate to the next along the bridge rather than rematerialize it at the gate that is initially dialed.

Travelers then exit halfway between the two galaxies at the Midway Space Station, which serves as a transfer point. There they use the other gate network (and a second macro program designed for that network) to continue on to their ultimate destination; travelers from Atlantis use a Milky Way gate to travel on to Earth, and similarly travelers from Earth use a Pegasus gate to travel to Atlantis. Using the gate bridge, the travel time between the Pegasus and Milky Way galaxies is just slightly over thirty minutes, making it far more efficient than traveling by hyperdrive.

When the first test of the gate bridge is conducted, only the framework of the station has been completed, so a Puddle Jumper is used. The test is a complete success, and the bridge is declared operational. It is later revealed that since the last gate in the bridge must dial the exit gate, normally either Atlantis or Earth, the macro can be rewritten to dial a different exit gate in the destination galaxy.^[20] The station is later destroyed by the self-destruct after the infiltration of the Wraith.

As of Season 5, the Gate bridge has not been rebuilt, because the IOA deemed it an unnecessary risk.

An unused stargate from the defunct Intergalactic Gate Bridge was used to replace the stargate in Atlantis. The original Atlantis stargate was destroyed when the Attero device was briefly activated and overloaded the stargate when it dialed out.

Mobile All-Terrain Laboratory Platform (M.A.L.P.)

The Mobile All-Terrain Laboratory Platform^[21] (MALP) is a remote-controlled, wheeled, robotic probe, used to explore alien planets without endangering SGC personnel. MALPs contain equipment used to determine such information as the breathability of the atmosphere and the presence of a working DHD on a planet to be explored. Sensors include a high-resolution tiltable color video camera, laser range finder, spectrometer, a small directional microphone, a Geiger counter, sensors for detecting air pressure/temperature, atmospheric composition and even if the MALP is on its side.^[22] MALPs were first seen in the Stargate feature film. JPL loaned the production its "Hazbot III" for this purpose.^[23]

Infrared scanning was likely installed after "The Broca Divide" when the MALP's lights were broken in transit.^[24] They are used in low-light situations, such as inspecting the Goa'uld structure in "Within the Serpent's Grasp" ^[25] and the Lost City in Stargate Atlantis' pilot "Rising".^[26] The standard MALP is based on a sturdy six-wheeled chassis, similar to its eight-wheeled counterpart, FRED.^[13] However, because of its wheels, the MALP is not suited to all terrains,^[27] and is completely helpless in space.^[26]

In Urgo, it is revealed that there are in fact several kinds of MALPs, with several being visible in the Gate room at once in the introductory sequence of the episode. The Mark II MALP is shown as being considerably bulkier and more sturdy, with a huge manipulator claw and smaller radar dish. Thereafter all MALPs seen in the series are Mark IIs.

MALPs are operated from Stargate Command's (SGC) Control Room by remote control or on-site at a planet. From the SGC, communication is achieved via two-way digital transmissions sent through the Stargate's wormhole. Technicians can operate the MALP's robot arm by remote. The robot arm provides servo-precision motion and allows the operator to approach a target with millimeter accuracy.^[28] MALPs are also capable of performing some tasks on their own, such as automatically surveying the area immediately around the Stargate, and collecting samples. Due to the nature of a Stargate's one-way wormhole, an unattended MALP cannot return to Earth using the same wormhole it came through. Once a MALP has finished its duties, an SG team member or technician dials the gate on the other side and sends it back.^[25] As a result, MALPs that have been sent to planets which are too hostile are abandoned.^[28]

Naquahdah generator

A naqahdah-powered generator that provides colossal amounts of clean energy. In spite of their small size (they appear to be no more than three-quarters of a meter long and can be moved around by hand) they likely produce a power output roughly comparable to several large nuclear power plants. Nonetheless, this is still nowhere near the astronomical power generated by a ZPM, one or more of which are necessary to power the shields that protect Ancient cities and outposts, such as the Antarctica base in Stargate SG-1 or Atlantis itself in Stargate Atlantis, although several Naqahdah generators allow a fraction of Atlantis' systems to be operated.

The Earth version of the device was created by Samantha Carter, based on Orbanian designs.^[29] The Naqahdah generator has been used to power not only many Earth-based technologies but can be adapted to power other alien technology, including the Ancients'. A Naqahdah generator can also be converted into a devastating bomb,;^[30] several are set to be employed in this manner in Atlantis's self-destruct system.^[31] The device emits a powerful electromagnetic pulse when detonated, similar to those emitted by nuclear weapons.^[32]

The generators have been seen to power a handful of different Earth and Ancient Technology such as on Daedalus class ships. The generators were abandoned on the Odyssey for a ZPM and later, an Asgard computer core. At least one generator powered Prometheus before it was destroyed. A "Mini" Naqahdah generator was mounted to the X699 prototype plasma weapon that was presented to a technology conference by Dr Lee.^[33] The Mark II Naqahdah generator was later developed, and is able to operate somewhat reliably at a state of barely controlled overload. This type of generator achieves 600% of the power output of a Mark I, producing sufficient power for two generators to operate the Ancient control chair for a short period, something which previously required a Zero Point Module.^[7] Nevertheless, it does not produce enough power to operate the Atlantis main shield, nor can it provide a Stargate with enough power to establish a long-lasting intergalactic wormhole.^[31] Also, at least two Mark II generators are placed in the ZPM room in Atlantis as a backup power source on Atlantis.^[34] In "The Last Man", the hologram of McKay states that he is powered by a Mark XII Naqahdah generator which is theoretically able to power the city shield. However, it would not be able to power the shield and operate the Stargate or any other systems at the same time.

Nuclear weapons

Using the fictional elements of naqahdah and naqahdriah, Stargate Command has developed a number of enhanced nuclear weapons with explosive yields far beyond that of their real-life equivalents.

• "Goa'uld Buster" Naquadah-enhanced nuclear weapon with a yield exceeding 1,000 megatons, used in the episode "The Serpent's Lair" against the Ha'taks of Apophis and his son Klorel. It was developed at Area 51 by Col. Samuels and Col. Maybourne, and uses a Type-12A warhead made from the same radar-absorbing material as on stealth aircraft. The weapons prove completely ineffective against the Ha'tak vessels, which not only possess defensive force shields more than capable of absorbing the attack, but can also detect the missiles in spite of the stealth material.

• Horizon weapons platform The codename for a MIRV weapons platform containing six Mark IX tactical nuclear weapons and four decoys. The platform is deployed from orbit by a Daedalus-class battlecruiser and flies under its own power into the atmosphere of the target planet. Once its heat shield detaches, the real and decoy warheads follow separate trajectories to the surface. The first Horizon platform is deployed by the battlecruiser Apollo in a preemptive strike against the Asuran homeworld to destroy their fleet of ships before they can be used against Earth. The mission is a complete success, though the Asurans attack Atlantis in retaliation.^[35]
• Mark III The Daedalus is stated to be equipped with these ship-to-ship missiles in "The Siege, Part 3". In the original movie, a Mark III was carried along and would be detonated near the gate as a last resort. The device is stolen by Ra, enhanced with what is presumably naquadah. The device was to be sent through the gate back to earth but it was ringed to Ra's ship instead where it exploded.
• Mark V Stargate Command planned to destroy Abydos with one of these weapons in "Children of the Gods".
• Mark VIII A tactical missile designed for use against capital ships.
• Mark IX "Gate Buster" A naqahdriah-enhanced, multi-gigaton nuclear weapon designed by Samantha Carter at Area 51 for the purpose of vaporizing Stargates and anything else in a 100-mile radius,^[36] by detonating the naqahdah in the Gate.^[37] It has safeguards to protect against electromagnetic or other forms of interference. The prototype of the weapon is seen deployed in "Beachhead", although it failed to destroy the target Stargate as it was being protected by a Prior.

Portable scanners

Hand-held devices that can detect/analyze electromagnetic energy and other objects. The original expedition to Abydos used scanners to analyze the local food and minerals. Samantha Carter used a scanner to analyze electromagnetic energy emanating from the crystal skull in the episode "Crystal Skull". She also used a similar device to detect electromagnetic energy emanating from the android Reese when SG-1 discovered her in an alien tomb in the episode "Menace". In the episode "The Quest" Carter used a hand held scanner to detect the time displacement field as the team navigate their way through ancient trials towards the Sangraal.

Prior Plague Vaccine

A serum developed by the de-ascended Ancient Orlin. When the Prior plague was accidentally brought to Earth, SG-1 and 12 went back to Sodan and took samples of a Prior's blood to complete the formula. However it wasn't efficient. A Jaffa-turned-Prior, Gerak, used his powers to heal the infected in the base but burst into flames and died. Thanks to him, Dr. Lam isolated an antibody and with Orlin's work, they made a perfect cure. It saved Earth with total casualties of 3000. It was later given to other worlds infected with the plague eventually rendering the disease useless to the Priors.

In "Ripple Effect", Maj. Gen. Landry gave Alt-Fraiser the cure for her Earth.

Planetary Wide Anti-Replicator Weapon (PWARW)

Large-scale weapon based on the Replicator disruptor satellite developed by the Asgard, in turn based on the Ancient Replicator disruptor. Area 51 is developing the device, but it is not ready when the Asurans are building a fleet of ships to attack Earth. Thus, the Apollo is dispatched to use the Horizon weapons platform against Asuras to buy Earth more time.^[35]

Railgun

Railguns are first seen in the Stargate Atlantis episode "The Siege", where they are deployed on Atlantis as anti-aircraft weapons and are proven effective against Wraith darts. The railguns in Stargate are capable of accelerating a projectile to Mach 5 at an effective range of 250 miles, and have a magazine that holds ten thousand rounds.^[31] Railguns are also mounted on Earth's Daedalus-class battlecruisers.^[38]

Railguns mounted on the Prometheus were used to fire on an Ori Shield protecting a Stargate in Beachhead. However the railguns on the Atlantis base weren't utilized as surface-to-space weapons against orbiting hive ships during the Siege because the fire was constantly intercepted by support craft (i.e. Darts flew in the way and the hives were undamaged). And of course missiles are much more effective against capital ships in any case.

Spacecraft

The first Earth-built spaceship incorporating alien technologies, the X-301, appears in the season 4 episode "Tangent". Since then, a number of other Earth ships have been introduced in both Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis, including the F-302 fighter, the Prometheus battlecruiser, and the Daedalus-class battlecruiser. Earth ships incorporate technologies from various sources, most significantly the Goa'uld and the Asgard.

Staff blast armor

The SGC invented a flexible plastic-like substance, that could be fitted into the tactical vests worn by SG teams, that could prevent death after being hit by a staff blast. Bill Lee explains that the substance had to be strong enough to withstand not only the impact of the blast, but also the intense heat caused by the blast.

X-699

The X-699 is Earth's first directed energy weapon. It is a fully functioning hand held plasma rifle capable of at least stunning a human being. It is demonstrated in Stargate SG-1 episode "Bounty". In the episode, the device is demonstrated as unreliable, but this is done deliberately so as to disguise the rapid progress being made by the SGC thanks to alien technology. Had it worked as intended, it could have aroused suspicion about the speed at which it had been devised, potentially leading to the exposure of the Stargate program. Vala attempts to bring one (which presumably works) to Ba'al's extraction ceremony in the beginning Stargate: Continuum.

References