Ep 2. NASA's Challenger Disaster

Disasters Engineered examines some of the deadliest man-made disasters in history and investigates what caused them. In this episode, the show delves into the tragic explosion of NASA's Challenger shuttle in 1986, which killed all seven crew members on board.

The episode begins by examining the background of the space program and the Challenger mission, which was intended to carry the first private sector citizen, Christa McAuliffe, into space. Viewers are given a glimpse into the rigorous standards required of astronauts and the intense training involved in preparing for a space mission.

Disasters Engineered then shifts its focus to the events leading up to the Challenger's launch. Engineers and scientists involved in the mission believed that the shuttle was extremely safe, but the episode shows how a combination of technical flaws and human errors led to disaster. The program explores the flawed design of the shuttle's booster rocket, watching footage of past instances where it had malfunctioned.

The show then focuses on the events of the day itself, with the mounting tension in the control room as engineers begin to notice smoke pouring from the booster. The distressing footage of the actual explosion is also shown, including the stunned reactions of the people watching, and the immediate aftermath of the tragedy are also portrayed.

Disasters Engineered examines the investigation that followed, including a detailed breakdown of the inside of a rocket engine in an attempt to find out what went wrong. Further, it also interviews key individuals who played critical roles in investigating the tragedy, including a malfunctioning o-ring which went undetected for years.

Disasters Engineered attempts to provide an unbiased analysis of the events within technical, factual, and expert commentary from scientists and engineers. The show draws on interviews with key individuals involved in the mission, as well as footage from the very first trial of the Space Shuttle Challenger, uncovering fascinating insights into what really caused this devastating man-made disaster.

Overall, this is an insightful episode that gives viewers a glimpse into the science and technology behind space travel and the dangers that scientists must be prepared to face. By exploring the controversial choices made by NASA during the Challenger mission, Disasters Engineered provides insight into the grand tragedies that occur when pride and ambition supplant safety concerns.