- Define the two-sided unlock contract: research nodes declare `unlocks.builds`/`unlocks.research`, builds declare `requires` as "category/node id" (authoritative gate); ResearchModel exposes `unlocksOf`, `buildDefs`, `unlockIssues`, `buildIssues`
- Add `tether-l2` build entry (planet/station targets, credits+minerals cost, level-2 tether effect) and link it from `exploration/tether_l2`
- Show an UNLOCKS line in the research dossier so the console surfaces what a tech opens
- Extend dev/research-builds.test.mjs to validate both sides of the gate and the new model helpers
- Update data/builds.json, research.json, exploration.json `_comment`s and PROJECT_NOTES to document the contract
- Full-screen RESEARCH window: looping archive feed, category tabs, branching
DAG tech tree (top-down layout), per-tech dossier + RESEARCH button, deck
progress bar
- Pure rules layer (ResearchModel / ResearchState) is Node-testable; the
window is a passive view and GameScene owns effects, toasts, and saves
- First category **Exploration** (Tether Level 1–4, Tether Anchoring, Signal
Amplification) lives in data/research/exploration.json; adding a category
= one JSON file + one registry line + one manifest line
- Effects seam: `tether.level` grows the home tether via TetherField.setLevel;
`capability` flags land on scene.researchCapabilities for future systems
- Save/restore round-trips an in-flight project (remainingMs captured at save,
startedAt rebuilt on load); old saves without research still load
- Dev tooling: dev/cdp-shot.mjs (CDP screenshot with readiness wait),
dev/research-shot.html/.mjs (boots the console + starts a run for a shot)
- Assets: gasgiant planet frame 03, takeoff/landing clips, research-computer
feed; planets.png/.psd updated
Brian Fertig