This is a preview of a bonus episode. To hear the rest of the episode and unlock more bonus content, consider supporting Failure To Launch on Patreon.
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16:53
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16:53
NASA Before Vostok 1
In early 1961, NASA was actually very well positioned to launch an American into space before the Soviets. Then they messed it up. This week, Quinn, Chris, and Other Chris take a look into what was happening at NASA in the months before Vostok 1 flew. We cover the infamous Four Inch Flight, the first chimp in space, and the debate over how safe a rocket should really be before strapping Alan Shepard into it. Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content and Discord access!Sources: Beyond, Stephen WalkerRedstone: The Missile That Launched America Into Space, Drew LePageGiving Mercury Its Wings, Drew LePageTheme song by DJ Danarchy
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1:07:16
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1:07:16
Nasser's Missile Program and Operation Damocles (w. Devon)
In 1962, President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt (or the UAR) showed the world his newest toys: a set of tiny, dinky missiles that could carry 60 kilos of explosives apiece. Needless to say, the head of the Israeli Mossad flipped out and ordered a campaign of assassinations on the German scientists who'd built them. This week, we're talking to Devon from the Kill James Bond podcast about Operation Damocles: a story of dumb rockets and dumber spies.Listen to Devon's work on: Kill James Bond, Well There's Your Problem, and 10K Posts!Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content!Sources:- Reflections on Egypt, the Middle East, and History, Khaled Fahmy- Nasser and the Missile Age in the Middle East, Owen SirrsTheme song by DJ Danarchy
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1:53:23
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1:53:23
Part 3: Jack Parsons and Babalon
Heartbreak can be a terrible thing and people work through it in all kinds of ways. Some people drink. Some people attempt to summon an incarnation of Babalon to be their new girlfriend. We're back and we're talking with rocket test engineer Guest Chris about Jack Parsons. In this episode we cover the downfall of Jack Parsons and his ostracization from both the scientific and magical communities. Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content!Sources:- Strange Angel, George PendelTheme song provided by DJ Danarchy
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1:40:01
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1:40:01
The DLR and the Art of Satellite Operations (w. Jake)
A communications satellite is a bundle of computers (all made by different people) the size of a minivan. Coordinating all these systems to work together, send info to Earth, and accept new commands is nightmarish. This week, we're joined by Jake, a software engineer at the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) to learn a little bit about spacecraft operations.
Follow along with Jake's slides
Support Failure To Launch on Patreon and unlock bonus content!
Theme song provided by DJ Danarchy
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