Science Fiction from Space: Floating Skyscraper Planned
The concept of a skyscraper-length building hanging from an asteroid fascinates with its futuristic dimension – but for now, it remains science fiction.
The idea of a skyscraper that is not standing on the ground but is anchored in space and hovering over the Earth sounds like a scenario from a science fiction movie. This is exactly what the "Analemma Tower" concept describes: A building several tens of thousands of kilometers long, intended to be attached to an asteroid in geosynchronous orbit. The lower end of the tower is supposed to hover a few meters above the Earth's surface.
Skyscraper moves over the Earth
Unlike previous construction projects like Saudi Arabia's "The Line," the "Analemma Tower" is designed to move over the Earth's surface in the shape of a lying eight – a so-called analemma – due to Earth's rotation. This means the building would move daily on a fixed path and fly over different regions: It could hover over New York at noon, over the Caribbean in the afternoon, and reach North America again the next morning.
Energy and usage concept
Solar panels are planned for the upper area for energy supply. The usage concept includes apartments, offices, shopping opportunities, as well as areas for science and spirituality. With this, the responsible Clouds Architecture Office aims not only to create a new type of building but also to provide space for a wide range of activities.
Technical challenges
The realization of such a project is hardly conceivable with the current state of technology. Even the idea of a space elevator – on which the "Analemma Tower" is based – currently fails due to fundamental problems: There is still no material that could withstand the enormous forces and stresses of a cable several tens of thousands of kilometers long between orbit and Earth. Additionally, there are numerous other risks, such as temperature differences, corrosion, space debris, or micrometeorites.
Future music or model for innovations?
Although the "Analemma Tower" is likely to exist only as a concept for the foreseeable future, it stimulates discussions about future construction methods and the use of space. Many technical and scientific breakthroughs will probably be necessary before such a vision can be realized.
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.