Welding Wonders: Spaceship Earth, Epcot

As leading suppliers of welding gas in the UK, it’s no wonder that we love researching into some of the extraordinary feats of engineering which rely on the welding process in order to be a complete success.

One of the most impressive feats that we’ve come across is the Spaceship Earth structure which is situated in the Future World area of Epcot, one of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in Florida.

Without engineers and welders working together to create such a unique structure, it’s quite possible that the most iconic attraction in the park would have not been created. Join us as we take a closer look at this impressive structure, and how welding played its part in its creation.

Structural Design

The Spaceship Earth structure boasts a massive 518.1 foot circumference and measures 165 feet in diameter to create its sphere-like shape.

This complete sphere is actually engineered using two dome structures to provide strength and stability to the entire structure. The first dome is located at the bottom of the sphere and provides the stability for the 6 leg supports that protrude from the base of the sphere.

The second dome is much larger and is situated on top of this lower dome to continue the monolithic sphere shape. The structure rests on top of a flat section of the lower dome which the leg structures are attached to, creating an almost table-like support for the top of the dome.

The legs of the structure needed to be inserted 160 feet into the ground to provide enough support to keep the sphere “suspended” off the ground.

The Creation of the Domes

The skeleton of Spaceship Earth is created using a variety of steel beams, rods and pipes The outer “skin” is kept away from the skeleton using smaller pipes to allow room for essential maintenance and utilities to take place.

Welders were required throughout the whole process, securing the skeleton and the outer skin using various different welding and fabrication techniques. The whole project took around 26 months to complete.

In 1982, the structure was recognised as one of the top engineering projects of that year by the National Society of Professional Engineers, an appropriate recognition for an impressive feat of engineering.Although we weren’t involved with the creating of such an incredible structure, it’s hard not to appreciate all the hard work that went into the planning, design and construction of such a huge project.

If you have a welding project that you’re looking to get started on but need to get your hands on some welding gas, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Adams Gas. Call our team today on 0800 195 444 and we will be more than happy to help you with your enquiries.