Failure To Launch

Nicholas Slayton, a recurring guest known for his insightful takes on film, joins the discussion about Tarkovsky's 1979 classic, *Stalker*. They explore profound themes like existentialism and desire through the film's haunting narrative. Their banter humorously intertwines with philosophical reflections, as they analyze the Zone's enigmatic allure and the characters' intense journeys. The conversation delves into sacrifices, psychological turmoil, and the film’s rich symbolism, highlighting Tarkovsky's unique cinematic vision while comparing it to modern filmmaking.

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

𝔾𝕠𝕕'𝕤 𝕀𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕪This week, Quinn, Chris, and Other Chris subject themselves to Moon landing hoaxer Bart Sibrel's second "documentary", Astronauts Gone Wild. Spoiler: there's precious little astronauts going wild and it's bad even as conspiracy propaganda. Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus episodes!Theme song provided by DJ Danarchy

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.

Sometimes it's better not to go to space. This week, we're talking to guest and space industry engineer Robin about the story of Soyuz T-10A or "that time the LES flung a Soviet crew to safety 3 seconds before their rocket detonated". Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content!Sources:- Soyuz T-10A: The First Crewed On-Pad Abort, Drew LePage- Russianspaceweb, Anatoly ZakTheme song provided by DJ Danarchy

CONTENT WARNINGThis week, Quinn, Chris, and Other Chris are covering the 1980 Plesetsk Cosmodrome explosion, probably the 2nd most lethal accident in space history. Sources:- RussianSpaceWeb, Anatoly ZakTheme song provided by DJ Danarchy

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.

Ever since satellites have existed, people have wanted to find ways to kill them. This week, Quinn, Chris, and Other Chris are taking a look at the 2007 Chinese Anti-Satellite Test - the largest debris-creating event in space history - and the larger trend of nations trying to turn Low Earth Orbit into the zero-g Somme. Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content!Sources:- Characteristics and Consequences of the Break-up of the Fengyun-1C Spacecraft, NASA- Analysis of the 2007 Chinese ASAT Test and the Impact of its Debris on the Space Environment, T.S. KelsoTheme song provided by DJ Danarchy

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.

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