Image Detail | Space-Art.Co.Uk

About "Space Fountains"

This illustration shows a concept for a so-called 'space fountain'. A space fountain is a tall tower extending from the ground up to an arbitrary height, typically reaching into space. Such vast structures cannot be made using traditional methods, as they would collapse under their own weight. But consider a vertical stream of high-pressure water — for example, from a hosepipe. Under perfectly controlled conditions, one could balance an object on top of this column of water, such as a frisbee. Adjusting the pressure in the water stream lowers or increases the height of the frisbee. A similar mechanism is proposed to hold aloft exceedingly tall towers. This is perfectly feasible although technically difficult.