Ep 7. NORAD: Cheyenne Mountain

In the seventh episode of Super Structures of the World, viewers are taken inside one of the most secretive and secure structures in the world: NORAD's Cheyenne Mountain Complex. Nestled deep inside a granite mountain near Colorado Springs, this site is designed to withstand almost any catastrophic event, including nuclear war.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to NORAD, or the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which is a joint military organization between the United States and Canada. NORAD's mission is to defend North American airspace from potential threats, including missiles and aircraft. To accomplish this mission, NORAD relies on a network of sensors and intelligence-gathering tools, as well as a team of highly trained military personnel.

The Cheyenne Mountain Complex, which serves as NORAD's headquarters, was built during the height of the Cold War in the 1960s. At the time, the United States and Soviet Union were engaged in a tense nuclear arms race, and the Cheyenne Mountain Complex was designed to protect NORAD's operations from a direct nuclear strike. The site's location inside a granite mountain provides protection from shockwaves and radiation, while a series of blast doors and air filters help keep the site habitable in the event of a nuclear attack.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a guided tour of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, including its various command centers, communication hubs, and support offices. The tour is led by several members of NORAD's military personnel, who share insights about the site's history, mission, and daily operations.

One of the most striking aspects of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex is its size. Spanning over 700,000 square feet, the site is a maze of tunnels, rooms, and corridors, all designed to support NORAD's operations. The heart of the site is its command center, which includes a series of high-tech consoles and screens used to monitor North American airspace. From this command center, NORAD personnel can track incoming missiles and aircraft, as well as coordinate responses to potential threats.

Another important aspect of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex is its communication capabilities. Throughout the site, there are banks of computer servers, communication towers, and other devices used to share information with other military branches and partner nations. This communication infrastructure is critical to NORAD's mission, as fast and accurate communication is essential for effective defense.

Throughout the episode, viewers also learn about the daily routines of the military personnel who work at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex. Due to the site's sensitive nature, most personnel must undergo extensive security screenings and background checks before being granted access. Once inside, personnel must adhere to strict protocols and procedures, including designated no-phone zones and limited access to the outside world.

At the end of the episode, viewers are left with a deeper appreciation for the purpose and capabilities of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex. By showcasing the site's advanced technology, fortified infrastructure, and dedicated personnel, Super Structures of the World season 1 episode 7 leaves viewers with a sense of awe and respect for one of the most remarkable structures in the world.