Ep 1. Calamity in Space

Disasters Engineered Season 2 Episode 1, "Calamity in Space", explores the dangers and challenges of space exploration. This episode examines the catastrophic events that can occur when space missions go wrong and the engineers who work to prevent them.

The episode opens with a dramatic retelling of the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, which claimed the lives of seven astronauts. The engineers who designed the shuttle and oversaw its mission discuss the technical failures that led to the disaster, as well as the human errors that contributed to the tragedy.

The episode then moves on to explore the design and safety features of modern space shuttles and rockets. Through interviews with engineers and astronauts, viewers learn about the rigorous testing and development process that takes place before any spacecraft is launched.

But even with advanced technology and meticulous planning, space missions can still encounter unexpected problems. The episode delves into several high-profile incidents, including the 2018 failure of the Soyuz MS-10 mission and the 2019 explosion of a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule during testing.

Despite these challenges, space exploration continues to push forward. The episode ends with a look at the future of space travel, including the ambitious plans of private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin to send paying customers on tourist trips to space.

Throughout the episode, expert interviews and detailed examples highlight the importance of engineering and safety in space travel. The episode encourages viewers to appreciate the incredible achievements of space exploration while also recognizing the risks and challenges it presents.