Gravitational Modulation via Rotating Superconducting Spheres: A Proposed Experimental Apparatus for Testing the Podkletnov Effect with Intrinsic Aerodynamic Isolation and Investigating Gravitational Vector Manipulation

Theoretical and experimental proposal for a novel apparatus to test the disputed Podkletnov effect — the claimed reduction in gravitational weight of objects above a rotating superconducting disc — addressing the two fundamental flaws that have prevented a conclusive result for over thirty years. Flaw 1 (aerodynamic artifact): Podkletnov's rotating disc at 5,000 rpm generates aerodynamic lift on suspended samples of the same order of magnitude as the claimed effect (0.3–2%). This was never adequately separated from the gravitational signal. The proposed apparatus eliminates this confound by enclosing the test mass inside a rotating superconducting sphere — the external aerodynamic field cannot reach the internal test mass by construction, without requiring a vacuum chamber. Flaw 2 (disc geometry): a rotating disc has edge discontinuities and non-axial force components that reduce and complicate any claimed vertical gravitational effect. A complete superconducting sphere eliminates edge effects entirely and provides isotropic coupling between the rotating superconductor and the enclosed test mass. The apparatus uses two YBCO/REBCO superconducting spheres (Ø135–150mm), each enclosing a 1 kg aluminum test mass suspended by a nylon thread connected to a two-arm analytical balance (sensitivity 0.1 mg). The balance operates as a Wheatstone bridge analogue — measuring weight difference between the two arms rather than absolute weight, providing sensitivity four orders of magnitude better than the claimed effect magnitude. LN2 cooling is supplied through hollow drive shafts. All structural components are non-magnetic. Estimated cost: €7,000–12,200 — accessible to a university laboratory. A five-test experimental protocol is described. If confirmed, the effect would have direct application to gravitational modulation in the Refuge Sphere Lunar Village (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19920193).