Ep 1. NASA's Rocket to Mars

Impossible Engineering is a riveting documentary series that showcases some of the most mind-boggling engineering feats ever accomplished by mankind. In season 2, episode 1, titled "NASA's Rocket to Mars", the show takes a closer look at the incredible engineering behind NASA's groundbreaking mission to Mars.

The episode starts by giving viewers a brief history of the US space program and its many achievements over the years, including the historic Apollo missions that put a man on the moon. But as impressive as those earlier missions were, the quest to send humans to Mars is an even greater challenge.

One of the biggest engineering hurdles to overcome is building a rocket powerful enough to escape Earth's gravity and travel the vast distance to Mars. The episode delves into the history of rocket design and how engineers have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible. From the early days of the V-2 rocket, developed by Nazi Germany in WW2, to the massive Saturn V rockets used during the Apollo missions, rocket scientists have been making steady progress in their understanding of how to build bigger, faster and more powerful rockets.

But NASA's mission to Mars requires something truly unprecedented - a rocket that is larger and more powerful than anything that has ever been built before. To achieve this feat, NASA is employing a brand new rocket - the Space Launch System (SLS).

The episode dives into the incredible engineering behind the SLS, showing how NASA engineers have had to create entirely new technologies to make it possible. Viewers are taken on a fascinating tour of NASA's manufacturing facilities, where the rocket's various components are being produced, from the enormous fuel tanks to the powerful engines.

The show also explores some of the challenges involved in testing such a large and complex machine. NASA engineers have had to create specialized test facilities that are capable of withstanding the incredible forces generated by the rocket's engines.

But the truly awe-inspiring aspect of the SLS is its sheer size and power. The rocket will stand 384 feet tall and generate more than 8 million pounds of thrust - making it the most powerful rocket ever created. The episode provides stunning visualization of what this kind of power looks like, showing footage of actual rocket tests and simulations of what the actual launch will look like.

But building the rocket is only half the battle. The episode also delves into the engineering challenge of actually getting humans to Mars - a journey that will take more than 6 months each way. The show discusses the unique challenges of space travel, including the need to provide food, water, and oxygen for the crew while they are en route. The episode also examines some of the risks involved in such a mission, including the dangers of radiation exposure during the journey.

Overall, "NASA's Rocket to Mars" is a fascinating look at the incredible engineering that is making humanity's dream of reaching another planet a reality. The episode takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the history of rocket science and showcases the cutting-edge technologies that are being employed to make this mission a success. With stunning visuals, expert commentary from engineers and scientists, and a healthy dose of excitement and drama, this episode of Impossible Engineering is a must-see for anyone interested in the future of space exploration.