Engineering Evolved

Episode 5

Human kind has always looked to the heavens to dream of the universe beyond our world, today that dream is within reach. Scientists may have conquered our atmosphere decades ago, but modern desires to make space travel accessible for the masses means rethinking the way we design our rockets. The modern-day space race is all about resources and reusability, but how exactly do companies like SpaceX, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin hope to perfect this process? With longer manned missions on the docket for the world's space exploration programs, it's important that we get thinking about fuels of the future. Could the rockets of tomorrow carry mini nuclear rectors on board as well as people? Or will we need to farm precious elements from space to ensure that intergalactic tourists rely on a return flight home?