13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle
BBC World Service
Epic space stories. From the first Moon landing, to Apollo 13, to the Space Shuttle. Told by the people who made them happen.NEW: Season 3: The Space Shuttle. A sci-fi dream that changed spaceflight forever. From the boldest test flight in history to one of Nasa’s darkest days – the Challenger disaster. Space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock tells the awe-inspiring story of the programme that brought triumph and tragedy. Some scenes in this series use recreated sound effects. Season 2: Apollo 13. Apollo 13 should have been the third Moon landing, but after an explosion, it almost ended in tragedy. Told by the people who flew it and saved it. Presented and co-written by Kevin Fong.Season 1: 13 Minutes to the Moon. The first Moon landing. In the final dramatic 13-minute descent to the Moon, the Apollo 11 mission came close to going badly wrong. Communication was breaking down, technology was failing and fuel was running out. This is the story of how the first Moon landing was saved. Presented by Kevin Fong.13 Minutes is produced by the BBC Audio Science Unit for the BBC World Service. Season 3 theme music by Hans Zimmer and Christian Lundberg and produced by Russell Emanuel, for Bleeding Fingers Music.
Episodes
Mentioned books
43 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 38min
The Space Shuttle: 9. What is it all for?
Mike Mullane, a former Space Shuttle astronaut, shares heartfelt insights about the Challenger disaster and the ensuing soul-searching within NASA. He reflects on the emotional farewells astronauts experience with their families, emphasizing the risks of their missions. Mullane discusses the legacy of tragedy, the technical and safety reforms that followed, and the resilience of the shuttle team. He also highlights the significance of the STS-26 mission, symbolizing a renewed commitment to human spaceflight and the quest for safety in the wake of loss.
55 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 51min
The Space Shuttle: 8. A major malfunction
The podcast dives into the shocking Challenger tragedy, capturing the intense moments of confusion and chaos during the launch. It highlights the critical safety concerns raised by engineers about the O-rings in freezing temperatures. Tensions between safety and corporate pressures take center stage as the launch date approaches. The discussion culminates in an emotional recounting of the explosion and the subsequent Rogers Commission findings, emphasizing the crucial lessons learned for future space missions.
55 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 43min
The Space Shuttle: 7. Teacher in space
Christa McAuliffe, a dedicated social studies teacher from New Hampshire, shares her extraordinary journey as the first teacher selected for NASA's Teacher in Space program. She discusses the importance of engaging the public through education and the excitement of training for a historic mission. Christa also highlights the camaraderie built with fellow educators and addresses concerns around sending private citizens into space. The emotional lead-up to the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger becomes a moving testament to the risks and dreams associated with space exploration.
44 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 45min
The Space Shuttle: 6. Satellite for sale
Join Joe Allen, a former nuclear physicist and astronaut, and Rick Houck, mission commander and veteran astronaut, as they dive into the thrilling challenges of a 1984 NASA mission. They discuss the nerve-wracking task of retrieving two stranded $75 million satellites in orbit. With unexpected setbacks and an innovative female astronaut leading the charge, the crew navigates the complexities of spacewalks, improvises under pressure, and reflects on the human elements of balancing motherhood and career in the cosmos.
33 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 44min
The Space Shuttle: 5. Space truck
In this engaging discussion, Hoot Gibson, a veteran astronaut and pilot of the Challenger during the STS-41B mission, shares thrilling stories from space. He recaps the moment when President Reagan opened the space shuttle for business and recounts challenges faced, like the loss of the $75-million Westar 6 satellite. Gibson discusses the emotions aboard Challenger during tense moments, from balloon mishaps to the exhilarating experience of a spacewalk. He highlights the teamwork required in mission control and the personal resilience required to navigate media scrutiny.
63 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 43min
The Space Shuttle: 4. The 35 new guys
Kathy Sullivan, a former NASA astronaut and the first American woman to perform a spacewalk, and Mike Mullane, a retired astronaut who flew on three Shuttle missions, discuss a transformative era in NASA's history. They highlight how social changes prompted the recruitment of women and minorities into the astronaut corps. The guests share personal experiences from their groundbreaking journeys, exploring the challenges and excitement of navigating a diverse and revolutionary new atmosphere in space exploration, which emphasized collaboration over traditional pilot roles.
50 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 46min
The Space Shuttle: 3. Glass rocket
In this riveting discussion, astronaut Bob Crippen, who flew on the inaugural space shuttle mission, and Neil Hutchinson, a flight director during STS-1, share their heart-pounding experiences aboard Columbia. They recount the tense moments of communication loss and concerns about damage to the shuttle's heat shield. The complexities of re-entry and the emotional strain of not knowing if crucial tiles were missing add to the suspense. Their firsthand accounts reveal the challenges of innovation and teamwork that defined a pivotal moment in space exploration.
46 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 43min
The Space Shuttle: 2. The greatest test flight
Neil Hutchinson, a former NASA Flight Director who led the ascent team during the first space shuttle launch, shares thrilling insights from STS-1. He recounts the high-stakes preparations leading to launch day, filled with anticipation and emotional investment from the entire team. Hutchinson discusses the critical moments of the launch simulation and the overwhelming excitement as the crew faced the unprecedented challenge of flying a brand-new spacecraft. His reflections highlight both the triumphs and the risks of space exploration.
24 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 44min
The Space Shuttle: 1. The spaceplane
Bob Crippen, a pioneering NASA astronaut and test pilot, shares his thrilling experiences as the pilot of the first Space Shuttle mission. He discusses the innovative design and engineering challenges behind the shuttle, revealing insights into the complex teamwork at NASA that made history possible. Crippen reflects on the emotional high of launch day and the significance of the shuttle for future space exploration. His engaging stories capture the excitement of the era, showcasing both the struggles and triumphs of human ingenuity in the quest for space.
4 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 3min
Introducing: The Space Shuttle
Discover the thrilling launch of a revolutionary spacecraft that marked a new era in space exploration. Feel the emotions of astronauts as they embark on groundbreaking missions from Cape Canaveral in 1981. Experience the awe of Space Shuttle launches and the critical role of Mission Control. Delve into the complex legacy of the shuttle, highlighting both its remarkable triumphs and tragic moments. It's a captivating exploration of human achievement and the spirit of adventure in the cosmos.
