Tsiolkovsky’s Ladder

Written by Jacob Sullivan Edited by Zach Batson

First created by Russian scientist Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky in 1895, the aether ladder has revolutionized travel and trade between the colonies and Earth. Tsiolkovsky was a prolific scientist, and philosopher who is well known for his work in aether exploration. As a young man, he had aided in the construction of the Nikolovsk gate in 1879. By 1885, he had proposed his idea for a transit system that would later develop into the Aether ladder, or as it is better known as Tsiolkovsky’s Ladder.

Using the power of Balfour Engines and stabilizing gyroscopes, Tsiolkovsky’s Ladder provided a way in which one could travel between an aetherport and a planet without the need for an external aethership. With proper construction, one could theoretically walk from Earth to one of the Jump Gates. Though this was possible, the main use for Tsiolkovsky’s Ladder across the globe has been for the quick transportation of resources from colonial provinces to Earth, as well as a means to facilitate tourism to colonial worlds.

By utilizing rail lines embedded in the structure's towers, Tsiolkovsky’s Ladder can quickly move people and goods to and from the aether ports, which has in many ways democratized access to the wonders of the aether. It was after all Tsiolkovsky’s dream that regardless of social class anyone could be an aethernaut. This noble dream has unfortunately been complicated by the actions of a few bad actors. There have been multiple attacks on aether ladders across the globe since their construction in 1895. As a result of this, many governments have put stricter sanctions on access to this marvel of technology in an effort to minimize the risks of a potential attack. For this reason, access to the ladders is less free than Tsiolkovsky initially hoped.

It is unknown what happened to Tsiolkovsky after the 1917 October Revolution. It is well known that he sided with the Bolsheviks in the revolution, and many people suspect that he played an instrumental role in the Communist's escape into the aether after they were soundly defeated by the Czarist government. There are whispers among Russian corporate circles that he has helped the Soviet partisans develop a powerful new kind of weapon, while others claimed he died in the revolution. Regardless of his political leanings, his contributions to aethernautics have been instrumental to the daily life of people today.