The Wellsprings of Space by Albert Teichner Episode #540
Albert Teichner | May 5, 2026-
play_circle_filled
The Wellsprings of Space by Albert Teichner Episode #540
Albert Teichner
THE WELLSPRINGS OF SPACE
Episode #540 · Written by Albert Teichner · Narrated by Scott Miller
For generations humanity believed the stars were permanently out of reach. Every attempt to cross the vast distances between solar systems ended the same way. Starships returned weakened, their structures slowly losing electrons to the thin magnetic field of the galaxy.
Then three scientists propose a radical solution. Throughout space they have located rare regions where new matter is constantly forming—cosmic wellsprings where hydrogen and free electrons stream into the universe. A ship that reaches one of these nodes can replenish its structure and continue outward, moving from wellspring to wellspring across the galaxy.
The discovery electrifies human civilization. At last the barrier that confined humanity to the solar system appears to be gone. The expedition vessel New Cosmos launches to prove the theory, carrying the very researchers who mapped the cosmic nodes. Their calculations promise a safe journey, a restored ship, and a triumphant return.
What they encounter at the first wellspring is exactly what the equations predicted—and something the equations never imagined.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Albert Teichner published science fiction during the 1950s in magazines such as Fantastic Universe. His work typically focused on scientific ideas pushed to unsettling conclusions, with discoveries that solve one problem while creating a deeper one.
“The Wellsprings of Space,” published in 1956, is his most widely remembered story. Its final twist delivers one of the most memorable cosmic price tags in classic science fiction.
LISTEN TO THE STORY
Listen to The Wellsprings of Space by Albert Teichner — a vintage science fiction story about cosmic matter wells that promise star travel—but hide a terrifying cost.
LOST SCI-FI PREMIUM
Unlock Ad-Free Listening + Exclusive Bonus Episodes
For less than 17 cents a day, unlock every episode ad-free.
Start Your Free 7-Day Trial →
LOST VOICES OF VINTAGE SCI-FI
Not every science fiction writer built a long career in the field or became a widely recognized name. Some published only a handful of stories before disappearing from the magazines, leaving behind little biographical record and few surviving details. Others may be remembered for work in different genres, while their contribution to science fiction was brief.
Yet these writers helped shape the texture of the pulp era and beyond. Their stories experimented with bold ideas, filled the pages between the famous names, and added depth to the ever-expanding landscape of vintage science fiction.
The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast exists in part to rediscover these voices. The stories below were written by authors who published briefly, sparingly, or whose science fiction output was small - but whose work still deserves to be heard.
- The Ultimate Paradox by Thorp McClusky
- The Ultimate Wish by E. M. Hull
- Welcome to Paradise by Allyn Donnelson
- Day of Reckoning by Morton Klass
- Zeritskys Law by Ann Griffith
- Up For Renewal by Lucius Daniel
- Patch by William Shedenhelm
- Rabbits Have Long Ears by Lawrence F. Willard
- Electronic Landslide by Clyde Hostetter
- They Reached for the Moon by William Oberfield
- Death Walks on Mars by Alan J. Ramm
- When the Moon Fell by Morrison Colladay
- Know They Neighbor by Elisabeth R. Lewis
- The Other One by A. H. Gibson
- No Evidence by Victoria Lincoln
- The Man Who Liked Lions by John Bernard Daley
- Willies Planet by Mike Ellis
- The Short Snorter by Charles Einstein
- Your Servant Sir by Sol Boren
- The Fugitives by Malcolm B. Morehart Jr
- Leave Earthmen or Die by John Massie Davis
- And All the Girls Were Nude by Richard Magruder
- Rabbits Have Long Ears by Lawrence F. Willard
- Dust Unto Dust by Lyman D. Hinckley
- Cosmic Tragedy by Thomas S. Gardiner
- Day of Wrath by Bjarne Kirchhoff
- You Are Forbidden by Jerry Shelton
- Thirty Degrees Cattywonkus by James Bell
- The Small Bears by Gene L. Henderson
- The First Spaceman by Gene L. Henderson
ABOUT THE LOST SCI-FI PODCAST
The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast is the most listened-to vintage science fiction podcast in the world. Ranked the #1 Science Fiction Podcast in 38 countries and heard in more than 190 countries, the show has surpassed 4.2 million listens.
Each episode features carefully selected stories from the Golden Age of science fiction, professionally narrated. Timeless storytelling the way it was meant to be heard.
What listeners are saying:
★★★★★
“Love The Lost SciFi podcast! Scott’s narrations and characterizations sound like the voices l imagine when reading. I found the podcast on Spotify when I did a search for SciFi, checked out the first story, and never looked back. Many thanks for an entertaining podcast that reminds me of the days when I had a subscription to the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.”
— RickBase456
★★★★★
“What a gem! This podcast has been a fantastic find. The golden age Sci-fi stories have always been a great mix of cautionary tale and hope for the future. Scott Miller is the perfect narrator to bring them to life. Thanks and keep up the great work.”
— SouthernSands
Vintage science fiction. Professionally narrated. Carefully curated.
📬 JOIN LOST SCI-FI WEEKLY
35,000+ Listeners Can’t Be Wrong
Get vintage sci-fi stories, podcast episodes, and surprises every Monday.
FREE SCI-FI EVERY WEEK
✅ Check your email and confirm — that unlocks your free sci-fi downloads.
No spam in this galaxy. You can eject anytime.
