Ep 2. Building Chernobyl's MegaTomb

On NOVA season 45 episode 2, viewers are taken inside the construction of the MegaTomb, an engineering marvel that aims to contain the radioactive remnants of the Chernobyl disaster. This episode explores the science and technology behind the building of the massive structure, and the challenges faced by the engineers tasked with taking on this immense project.

The episode begins with an overview of the Chernobyl disaster, detailing how the nuclear power plant went up in flames on April 26, 1986, releasing vast amounts of radioactive material into the air. The disaster was the worst nuclear power plant accident in history, and the area surrounding the plant remains contaminated to this day. The episode then delves into the story of how the MegaTomb was conceived and built.

The MegaTomb, also known as the New Safe Confinement, is a massive structure built to contain the radioactive materials inside the destroyed reactor. The structure is as large as two football fields and weighs over 36,000 tons, making it the largest land-based movable structure ever built.

The episode takes viewers inside the construction site, where they get an up-close look at the building process. They see how engineers had to design a structure that could withstand extreme temperatures and protect its workers from radiation exposure. They also learn about the cutting-edge technology used to build the structure, such as a robotic crane that was developed specifically for this project.

Throughout the episode, viewers meet the people behind the MegaTomb, including the engineers, scientists, and construction workers who have dedicated their careers to this project. They hear their personal stories and learn about the challenges they faced, from working in high radiation conditions to figuring out how to maneuver the enormous steel structure into place.

In addition to the human stories, the episode also explores the science behind the MegaTomb. Viewers learn about the various types of radiation present in the area surrounding the Chernobyl plant and how the MegaTomb will contain them. They also explore the potential consequences of failing to contain the radioactive materials, from human health risks to ecological damage.

Overall, Building Chernobyl's MegaTomb is a fascinating look at one of the largest engineering feats of our time. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the science behind nuclear disasters and the incredible efforts being made to contain their fallout. The episode is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of technology to address some of the greatest challenges facing our world today.