<span class="SFPTagline"> From SCIFIPEDIA </span>

In the Stargate universe, the Intergalactic Gate Bridge is a series of thirty-four Stargates spanning the galactic void and linking the Pegasus Galaxy gate network to the Milky Way network. The system was developed by Dr. Rodney McKay and Col. Samantha Carter in order to save time and power of other methods of traveling between the galaxies. Ordinarily, with a Zero Point Module in possession, it is possible for Atlantis to dial Earth directly, but not without using significant power. Also, a return trip directly to Atlantis is impossible without a second Zero Point Module and, alternatively, requires a three week journey back to the Pegasus Galaxy on one of Earth's Daedalus-class vessels. The Intergalactic bridge shortened the journey significantly to 30 minutes.

The system is a closed one. After a traveler steps through the Atlantis stargate, a macro, written by Dr. Mckay, relays the energy patterns to the next gate in the chain until it reaches the Midway space station. The traveler exits the gate at Midway and can immediately dial the Milky Way gate system and a second macro repeats the relay through the various gates until they arrive on Earth.

There is no iris on the gates at the Midway station, however, and IDC is required to access Earth's Stargate from the Midway station.

Despite its apparent efficiency, the system was discovered and hijacked by the Wraith, who use equipment to discover the address of the midway station after the system was dialed by Atlantis and the patterns of the Atlantis team were relayed from the closest habitable planet in the bridge. This allowed them to access the Midway Station and ultimately led to its destruction.

Key episodes

• "The Return, Part 1 (Stargate Atlantis episode)"
• "The Return, Part 2 (Stargate Atlantis episode)"
• "Midway (Stargate Atlantis episode)"