The early days of American space travel are riddled with epic catastrophes and horrific deaths. Witness NASA’s most devastating moments and see how they lead to technological leaps that eventually propelled the space program to greater heights.
EPISODE 1
Pushing the Limits/First Generation
The race to get the first American in space started long before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Meet the daring pilots and astronauts who laid the groundwork for that giant leap for mankind, and see the catastrophic losses they endured in the process.
EPISODE 2
Failure at Re-entry
From searing heat to incredible speed and risky landings, returning to earth is one of the most dangerous phases of spaceflight. Explore the early challenges the United States and the Soviet Union experienced during this critical stage.
EPISODE 3
Fixing On The Fly
When you’re in space, a quick fix can mean the difference between life and death. From deadly chemical leaks to deep-space collisions, hear about some of the most daring emergency patch jobs ever attempted from astronauts who lived to tell the tale.
EPISODE 4
The Human Factor
No matter how advanced space exploration becomes, there’s one factor that’s always unpredictable: humans. From learning to think quickly in an emergency to dealing with a broken space toilet, see how human ingenuity affects the success of a mission.
EPISODE 5
When Weather Strikes
Space exploration involves braving extreme weather conditions, from volatile temperatures to space-shuttle lightning strikes. Learn how NASA overcomes some of nature’s deadliest challenges.
EPISODE 6
Failure To Launch
Controlling the explosion that gets a rocket off the ground is complicated, and it’s where space missions sometimes end in spectacular failures. Learn about some of the most dramatic launch disasters and see how technology evolves to prevent them.
