
Failure To Launch
This is a podcast about all the mistakes, failures, and explosions that made space exploration possible.
Latest episodes

Feb 20, 2025 β’ 1h 43min
Part 2: Jack Parsons. Devil Summoner, Rocket Scientist, YA Author
Jack. 210. πΏππππππ πΊπππππππ π»ππππππππ π¬πππππ πΉππππππ. John Whiteside Parsons went by many appellations. In part 2 of our series, we talk to rocket test engineer Chris about how Jack got into Thelema and how he pioneered a frightening amount of modern rocket fuels while chainsmoking. Sources:- Strange Angel, George PendelTheme song provided by DJ Danarchy

Feb 14, 2025 β’ 1h 33min
Part 1: Jack Parsons, The Satanist Rocket Visionary
In a field of weirdos and freaks, Jack Parsons is broadly considered the weirdest freak of all. This week, we're joined by guest and space engineer Chris for our series on the life, accomplishments, and sex life of John Whiteside Parsons. Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content!Sign up to the FTL Patreon at any tier and get access to our new Discord community. Sources: - Strange Angel, George Pendel- Jack Parsons, Famous Bi PeopleTheme song provided by DJ Danarchy

Feb 3, 2025 β’ 1h 42min
Toyohiro Akiyama & Glavkosmos (w. Josh Boerman)
In the late 80s, the Soviet Union attempted to dominate the commercial launch market. Their principal success was launching the most miserable salaryman into orbit. Today, we're joined by Josh from The Worst of All Possible Worlds podcast to talk about Glavkosmos, the Soviet private space program.
Find Josh and Worst Of All Possible Worlds here
Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content!
Source:
- Soyuz TM-11, Spacefacts.de
- Soviet Efforts To Enter the Launch-Services Market, CIA
- Akiyama Toyohiro: The Japanese Astronaut Who Hated Space, Unseen Japan
Theme song provided by DJ Danarchy.

Jan 16, 2025 β’ 1h 16min
Part 2: Nikolai Kibalchich, the Rocket Pioneer Who Blew up the Tsar
πΈ'ππ πππππππ π ππππππ πππ π πππ’πππ πππππππ. This week, we're back talking to Kelly from Canuck Is A Slur to finish up our series on Nikolai Kibalchich, the rocket visionary who blew up Tsar Alexander II.
Follow Canuck Is A Slur here!
Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content!
Source:
- Nikolai Ivanovich Kibalchich: Terrorist Rocket Pioneer, Lee B Croft
Theme song provided by DJ Danarchy.

Jan 3, 2025 β’ 1h 36min
Part 1: Nikolai Kibalchich, the Rocket Pioneer Who Blew up the Tsar
A travelling clown, a socialist revolutionary, an assassin, an edgelord. Today, we talked to Kelly from Canuck is a Slur about the strange life of one of the first men to theorize manned rockets and also blew up Tsar Alexander II, Emperor of Russia. Come back for Part 2, where we cover the assassination and how he factors into space history.
Follow Canuck is a Slur here!
Support Failure To Launch on Patreon and unlock bonus content!
Source:
- Nikolai Ivanovich Kibalchich: Terrorist Rocket Pioneer, Lee B Croft
Theme song provided by DJ Danarchy.

Dec 19, 2024 β’ 15min
*PREVIEW* Santa Claus Conquers The Martians (1964)
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.

16 snips
Dec 13, 2024 β’ 1h 39min
The DLR and the Art of Satellite Operations (w. Jake)
Dive into the world of satellite operations as a software engineer from Germany shares insights on the complexities of coordinating diverse systems in space. Discover the challenges of atmospheric drag and space debris while learning about innovative solutions like hyperspectral imaging. The discussion highlights the critical Launch and Early Orbit Phase, emphasizing machine learning's role in satellite management. Mixed with humor, the talk also covers the dual-use nature of technology, collaborations in European space exploration, and even a quirky small hopping robot!

Dec 8, 2024 β’ 1h 26min
Andree's Arctic Balloon Expedition (w. Joe Kassabian)
Expedition Packing List. Food: 200 lb / Sledge: 150 lb / Science Equipment: 50 lb / Bear Meat: 12,000 lb. Today, Quinn and Chris are joined by Joe Kassabian, host of the Lions Led By Donkeys podcast to talk about a Victorian aerospace disaster: S A AndrΓ©e's attempt to reach the North Pole by balloon.
Follow Joe here!
Support Failure To Launch on Patreon and unlock bonus content!
Sources:
- The Ice Balloon: S. A. AndrΓ©e and the Heroic Age of Arctic Exploration, Alec Wilkinson
Theme song provided by DJ Danarchy

Nov 20, 2024 β’ 13min
*PREVIEW* Stalker (1979) w. Nicholas Slayton
This is a preview of a bonus episode. To hear the rest, join our Patreon at any tier!

10 snips
Nov 14, 2024 β’ 1h 57min
*UNLOCKED* Solaris (1972)
Nicholas Slayton, a Tarkovsky expert, returns to dissect the 1972 sci-fi classic Solaris. Together, they dive into its profound psychological themes and artistic techniques, showcasing how Tarkovsky's vision sets the film apart from its lesser adaptations. The conversation humorously explores identity through the character Chris and critiques the ethical dilemmas involving doppelgangers. They also reflect on the haunting beauty of the film's visuals and the complex interplay of love and grief, making a compelling case for Solaris as a cornerstone of cinematic art.