Gradika

Gradika is a fictional planet located in the Cygnus X-1 system, as depicted in the science fiction novel "The Last Starfighter." It is characterized by its arid climate and rugged terrain, with vast deserts and towering rock formations. The planet's atmosphere is thin, and its gravity is slightly lower than Earth's.

The primary inhabitants of Gradika are the Ko-dan, a sentient alien species. The Ko-dan are a warlike race, known for their advanced military technology and their aggressive expansionist policies. They have a hierarchical society, with a ruling council that governs their empire. Their cities are heavily fortified, and their technology is focused on warfare and conquest.

Gradika is a significant location in "The Last Starfighter" because it serves as the homeworld of the Ko-dan. The Ko-dan use a network of "Navitation" devices, disguised as arcade games, to recruit pilots from other worlds for their intergalactic war. The protagonist, Alex Rogan, is recruited from Earth through such a device. The fate of Gradika and the Ko-dan is a central theme explored throughout the story, as their conflict with other species drives the narrative. The planet's harsh environment is often contrasted with the more temperate worlds they seek to conquer.