Side 7
The disguised military colony where the RX-78 Gundam first saw combat.
Side 7 is a fictional spherical space colony located within the Universal Century timeline, serving as a central setting for the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. Officially designated as a civilian settlement, it was in fact an Earth Federation military research colony disguised to conceal the development of the RX-78 series Mobile Suits during the One Year War. The colony is historically significant as the location where the first prototype Mobile Suits were manufactured and tested in secret. Its destruction by Zeon forces—who specifically targeted the colony after discovering the Federation's mobile suit program—resulted in catastrophic casualties and forced the evacuation of surviving military personnel aboard the White Base, a Federation warship already engaged in combat operations.
- Timeline
- Universal Century 0079
- Type
- Spherical Space Colony
- Affiliation
- Earth Federation (Military Research Cover)
- Key Event
- Zeon Raid and Destruction
- Notable Resident
- Amuro Ray
- Status
- Destroyed
Lore & Background
During the Universal Century, space colonies were vital for humanity's expansion, but Side 7 held a unique and dangerous purpose. While publicly registered as a peaceful residential zone, it secretly housed the Earth Federation's Project V Mobile Suit development program. Scientists and engineers worked under military supervision to build the RX-78 series, hoping to counter Zeon superiority in space combat. The secrecy was short-lived when a Zeon warship under Lieutenant Commander Denim, specifically searching for the Federation's new mobile suit development, discovered the colony's true nature and launched a direct attack. The assault triggered a chaotic firefight that resulted in catastrophic civilian casualties and forced the evacuation of key personnel onto the battlecruiser White Base, which was already a Federation warship with a military crew. The fall of Side 7 highlighted the vulnerability of military facilities disguised as civilian zones and demonstrated the Zeon forces' willingness to strike non-combatant populations to achieve strategic objectives.
In Their Own Story
The alarm blared through the residential sector, shattering the morning calm. Amuro looked out his apartment window to see the familiar curve of the colony's interior illuminated by flashes of green laser fire. Smoke billowed from the docking ports where transport ships were being boarded by enemy forces. The ground shook as a massive explosion rocked the industrial district nearby. His father shouted for him to grab his backpack, but Amuro stood frozen, watching the sky outside turn red with burning debris. The colony that had been his entire world was burning down in minutes. As the evacuation sirens wailed louder, he realized there would be no going back to normal life after today.
Reader's Guide
Side 7 serves as a pivotal location within the Universal Century timeline, specifically during the One Year War. Originally constructed as a civilian residential and industrial hub, it maintained an official stance of neutrality to avoid direct conflict between Earth Federation forces and the Principality of Zeon. However, this status was merely a facade concealing its true purpose as a secret research facility for advanced Mobile Suit technology. The colony gained historical significance when Zeon forces launched a surprise invasion to capture the prototype Gundams being developed there. This event marked the turning point where ordinary civilians were thrust into direct combat, forcing them to board the White Base and flee Earth orbit. The destruction of Side 7 illustrates the brutal reality that neutrality offers no protection during total war. Its legacy endures as the birthplace of the Gundam pilot archetype. Without this specific tragedy, Amuro Ray would not have been forced into the cockpit, altering the course of the entire conflict. The ruins remain a somber reminder of the collateral damage suffered by non-combatants in the struggle for space independence.
Did You Know?
- It was publicly listed as a civilian settlement to hide Earth Federation military research.
- The Zeon attack was a deliberate strike on a military target, not a reconnaissance mission.
- The White Base crew were already military personnel; the attack did not force civilians into combat.
- The One Year War began with the Zeon attack on Side 2 (the 'One Week Battle'), not at Side 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Side 7?
Side 7 is a spherical space colony located in the Universal Century timeline during the year 0079. It functioned as a civilian settlement that secretly supported Earth Federation military operations.
Was Side 7 truly neutral?
Although officially designated as a neutral zone, it served as a cover for secret weapons research and development. This deception allowed the Federation to construct prototype Mobile Suits without Zeon interference.
What technology was hidden there?
The colony housed the manufacturing facilities for the first generation of Earth Federation Mobile Suits. Notable examples include the RX-78-2 Gundam, which were tested in secrecy before deployment.
How did Side 7 meet its end?
Zeon forces invaded and destroyed the settlement during a surprise attack early in the One Year War. This catastrophic event forced ordinary residents, including Amuro Ray, into direct combat roles against the enemy.
Why is this location historically significant?
The destruction of Side 7 serves as the primary catalyst that launches the main story of the original series. It is remembered as the neutral colony where the One Year War truly began for many civilians.