National Geographic Documentaries Season 2016 Episode 2 Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes

In the second episode of the 2016 season of National Geographic Documentaries, viewers are taken back to January 28, 1986, when NASA's Challenger space shuttle exploded just 73 seconds into its flight. Through the use of recently discovered lost tapes, the episode aims to provide a never-before-seen look into the events leading up to and following the tragedy.

Featuring interviews with key players such as former NASA officials, engineers, and family members of the Challenger crew, the episode delves deep into the mistakes and miscommunications that may have contributed to the disaster. It also showcases how the tragedy has impacted the world of space travel in the years since.

The episode starts with a detailed background on the Challenger mission, highlighting the hype around it since it included the first-ever teacher in space, Christa McAuliffe. The lost tapes, mainly consisting of audio recordings from mission control, provide a unique perspective on the events from the flight's beginning until the tragic end. The tapes reveal the primary-nature of the events, leading to the disasters such as lack of communication and standardized procedures.

Along with providing never-seen-before footage of the Challenger disaster, the episode also portrays what went on behind the scenes while the tragedy unfolded and how the surviving family members dealt with the aftermath. It's a poignant, yet informative, look into one of NASA's darkest moments.

One of the key takeaways from the episode is the importance of safety procedures and thorough communication when it comes to space travel. It examines the tragic circumstances that led the Challenger disaster to be a crucial lesson learned: every detail of rocket mechanics and astronaut safety has to be rigorously engineered and tested to ensure success and prevent the loss of life.

Additionally, the episode showcases the human side of the tragedy. It features interviews with family members of the Challenger crew, who share their thoughts, emotions, and reactions to the disaster. The episode portrays these emotions with a sensitive touch and provides viewers with an intimate understanding of what the Challenger disaster meant to those who lost their loved ones.

The episode's format is different from most documentaries. It features a minimal amount of narration and relies heavily on the lost tapes and interviews to tell the story. This approach provides viewers with an immersive and authentic experience that makes them feel like they are a part of the events.

Overall, National Geographic Documentaries season 2016 episode 2, Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes, is a compelling and emotional look at one of NASA's most significant tragedies. It sheds light on the factors that led to the disaster and the impact it had on the world of space travel. The combination of lost tapes and family interviews makes it an incredibly engaging piece of content that provides a unique perspective on this moment in history.