It&#x27;s frustrating that many of these alternative approaches to accessing space (e.g. the space elevator) are &quot;all or nothing&quot;, i.e. they require a massive investment just for performing preliminary experiments. Rockets (and to some extent space guns) can be built up incrementally, in range and capacity, which is probably a major reason they&#x27;re so far ahead.<p>I&#x27;m not sure if miniature launch loops would be viable (i.e. self-supporting), but it should certainly be possible to build a space fountain up from the ground, at a very small scale. I&#x27;m still waiting to see it done though :(