In the tense hours leading up to the Challenger launch, engineers and managers at NASA and its contractor Morton Thiokol heatedly argue over whether to move forward, despite freezing temperatures that threaten to compromise the rocket boosters’ O-Rings. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at ht ... Show More
Jan 2025
Challenger Disaster | What Really Happened | 4
Following the Challenger disaster, engineers grapple with guilt and the consequences of raising concerns about the space shuttle’s flaws. Amidst public outcry, the Rogers Commission’s inquiry, including Richard Feynman’s stark demonstration of the O-Rings' vulnerability, uncovers ... Show More
40m 34s
Jan 2025
Challenger Disaster | Revisiting the Tragedy | 5
Like most people who were alive in 1986, filmmaker Steven Leckart remembers the Challenger disaster. He was a kid in elementary school at the time. But as an adult, Leckart set out to explore the aftermath of what happened through interviews with astronauts’ family members, engin ... Show More
36m 41s
Jan 2025
Station Nightclub Fire | Pyrotechnics | 1
In February 2003, a small nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island called the Station gets set to host a performance by ‘80s rock band Great White. But unbeknownst to the club’s patrons, owners Michael and Jeffrey Derderian and their staff have cut corners on safety. And when Grea ... Show More
32m 47s
Jan 2025
Could the Challenger Disaster Have Been Prevented?
January 28, 1986. It's freezing in Central Florida, a historically cold day. That's bad news for citrus growers, and for NASA, which is scheduled to launch the Space Shuttle Challenger from Cape Canaveral this morning.Engineers have ben cautioning NASA that cold temperatures can ... Show More
34m 57s
Jan 2021
SpaceX vs Blue Origin | Space War | 5
It's 2013 and the long cold war between Blue Origin and SpaceX is about to go nuclear.The clash begins when NASA puts its most famous launchpad up for lease, and escalates fast.Soon SpaceX, Blue Origin, and the United Launch Alliance will be reaching for any weapon they can use t ... Show More
26m 50s
Jul 2023
Apollo 13 | "Houston, We’ve Had a Problem." | 1
On April 11th, 1970, NASA launched Apollo 13, its third manned mission to the Moon. But two days into its journey, an explosion wiped out a major source of oxygen, limiting the ship’s water and power supplies. The three astronauts onboard found themselves stranded in a crippled s ... Show More
48m 38s