One Big Fluke

Just learned about the idea of a Space Fountain for the first time:

A space fountain is a proposed form of structure extending into space that, unlike a space elevator, does not need to be as tall as geostationary orbit, and does not rely on tensile strength for support. In contrast to the space elevator design, a space fountain is a tremendously tall tower extending up from the ground. Since such a tall tower could not support its own weight using traditional materials, fast moving pellets are projected upward from the bottom of the tower and redirected back down once they reach the top, so that the force of redirection holds the top of the tower aloft.