Watch The Age of Aerospace

The Age of Aerospace is a compelling historical series that showcases the progressive advances in aviation and aerospace technology throughout the years. The show is produced by documentary filmmaker Erik Nelson and produced by Boeing, which is known globally for their innovations in aerospace technology. The Age of Aerospace was first released in 2016 and has since been available for streaming on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and the Smithsonian Channel.

The show is divided into four epochs, each of which represents a distinct period from the very beginning of the airplane till the modern-day space race. The first epoch is titled "What Can't We Do?" and documents the lives and exploits of the Wright Brothers, their inspiration, and the uphill battle they faced in creating the first piloted flying machine. The storyline then moves on to the golden age of aviation, represented by the booming 1920s and 1930s era. The period saw the emergence of commercial airlines, around-the-world flight pioneers like Wiley Post, and the seemingly impossible flight of Charles Lindbergh over the Atlantic. The second epoch, "Miracle Planes," focuses on the rapid advancements in aircraft technology during the World War II era, with an emphasis on the struggle between the Allied Forces and the Axis powers.

The third epoch, "In the Shadow of the Moon," explores the single greatest achievement in aerospace history - the first moon landing. The space race between the United States and the Soviet Union had caused a significant impetus for development in space technology. To demonstrate American supremacy, President Kennedy urged NASA to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade, and the resulting story is both fascinating and awe-inspiring. The final epoch, "New Horizons," explores current and future possibilities for space technology, including the creation and exploration of the International Space Station, the massive commercial possibilities of space tourism, and the daunting prospect of venturing out into deep space.

Throughout The Age of Aerospace's four epochs, interviews with experts, archival footage, and reenactments tell a truly remarkable story - a story of human willpower and perseverance that has propelled mankind beyond our wildest dreams. The show also features interviews with some of the most prolific aerospace innovators in history, such as Boeing CEO Jim McNerney, British Airways CEO Willie Walsh, and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who poured immense amounts of both effort and resources into the industry. The show brings to light some of the challenges faced in the industry, such as the ever-present possibility of catastrophic failure and the role of the government in the financing and regulation of aerospace research and development.

What makes the show so enthralling is that it sheds light on the lengthy process of building and testing an aircraft or spacecraft. There are strict protocols that must be followed, and minor oversights may lead to catastrophic outcomes such as explosions and crashes. The show highlights the reality that even the smallest components are critical, a fact of life that sometimes make even the slightest mistake costly (human lives included). However, as we follow the adventures of the greatest pioneers in aerospace, the soaring moments of triumph are worth every challenge overcome. The age of aerospace provides a compelling historical lesson that illustrates how aerospace technology has evolved through the years, from its humble beginnings right up to the cutting edge of space exploration today.

In conclusion, The Age of Aerospace is a fascinating documentary series that combines amazing visuals with an intriguing, fact-filled narrative. The show can be a great source of motivation for young scientists and engineers, and an educational opportunity for students. The series provides extraordinary insight into the aerospace industry, and how it has impacted humanity throughout history. This show is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in the field of aviation or space technology - a genre-defining history lesson with a great human story.