Dr. Gnomm is the chief rocket engineer for the Royal Space Force. He appears inside a rocket engine early on, making the colorful remark "Old farts." His technical expertise leads him to mentor astronaut trainee Shirotsugh Lhadatt before Lhadatt's mission selection.

The character's name plays on "gnome," evoking the earth-dwelling mythological creatures associated with hidden knowledge, reflecting his foundational role in the story's technological development.

Dr. Gnomm oversees critical engine testing for the high-stakes rocket program, aiming for the first manned spaceflight amidst technical hurdles and political pressure. During one such test, he perishes in an explosion.

His death deals a major blow to the space program, intensifying existing challenges like funding shortages, public doubt, and geopolitical friction, starkly highlighting the project's inherent physical dangers.