The nature of gravitation and G is not well understood. A new gravitation mechanism is proposed that explains the origin and essence of the gravitational constant, G. Based on general relativity, the vacuum is considered to be a superfluid with measurable density. Rotating bodies drag vacuum and create a vortex with gradient pressure. The drag force of vacuum fluid flow in the arm of the vortex is calculated relative to the static vacuum and a value that is numerically equal to that of G is obtained. Using Archimedes’ principle, it is determined that G is the volume of vacuum displaced by a force equivalent to its weight which is equal to the drag force of the vacuum. It is concluded that the gravitational constant G expresses the force needed to displace a cubic metre of vacuum that weighs one kg in one second. Therefore, G is not a fundamental physical constant but rather is an expression of the resistance encountered by the gravitational force in the vacuum.
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