Watch Extreme Ice Machines

Extreme Ice Machines is a thrilling and visually captivating documentary series that aired on the Science Channel in 2020. The show explores the groundbreaking technologies and engineering feats behind some of the world's most impressive and innovative ice machines. From the deep freeze chambers of NASA's Johnson Space Center to the towering ice walls of Olympic-quality skating rinks, Extreme Ice Machines offers rare insights into the complex and fascinating world of freezing water.

Each episode of the series offers an in-depth look at a different type of extreme ice machine, highlighting its unique features, applications, and challenges. Viewers are taken behind the scenes of a wide variety of icy environments, including ice hotels, ice roads, and even the frozen wastelands of Antarctica. Along the way, experts in fields ranging from physics and engineering to architecture and artistry offer their insights into the science, design, and construction of each ice machine.

The first episode of Extreme Ice Machines focuses on the groundbreaking technology used at NASA's Johnson Space Center to test and develop space suits for astronauts. Viewers are taken inside the giant thermal vacuum chamber, which mimics the extreme temperatures and pressures of outer space, to see how scientists and engineers use a combination of liquid nitrogen and specially designed cooling systems to keep the astronauts safe in even the harshest of conditions.

In episode two, Extreme Ice Machines uncovers the secrets of the world's largest ice hotel, located in Quebec, Canada. The hotel, which is completely constructed from ice and snow each year, boasts 44 rooms and suites, a chapel, and even a bar made entirely of ice. Viewers get an inside look at the intricate design and construction process of the hotel, which involves trucks and cranes hauling massive blocks of ice from a nearby river and sculptors using chainsaws and other tools to create stunning frozen masterpieces.

Episode three takes viewers to a more practical use of extreme ice machines, as the series explores the construction of ice roads in remote parts of Canada. These temporary roads are essential for transporting goods and supplies to remote towns and villages during the winter months, when traditional roads are impassable. Extreme Ice Machines takes viewers through the entire process of building and maintaining these roads, from laying down the first layer of water to grading and smoothing the surface.

In episode four, Extreme Ice Machines delves into the world of Olympic-level skating rinks, where ice quality can mean the difference between gold and silver. Viewers get a chance to see how ice technicians use a variety of tools, including lasers and infrared sensors, to ensure that the ice stays at a consistent temperature and thickness throughout a competition. The series also explores the human element behind skating rinks, as figure skaters discuss the various factors that can affect their performance, from the feel of the ice to the sound of their blades.

The final episode of Extreme Ice Machines takes viewers to the remote and barren landscape of Antarctica, where scientists and engineers are developing specialized machines to extract ice cores for research purposes. These cores, which can be up to 3.5 kilometers in length, contain valuable information about Earth's climate history and can provide insight into future climate change. The show offers a rare glimpse into the harsh living and working conditions in Antarctica, as well as the advanced technology needed to extract and analyze the ice cores.

Overall, Extreme Ice Machines is a fascinating and engaging series that showcases some of the most cutting-edge and innovative ice machines in the world. The series is sure to appeal to a wide range of viewers, from science enthusiasts to fans of extreme sports and engineering. With its stunning visuals, engaging narration, and expert analysis, Extreme Ice Machines is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of science and technology.

Extreme Ice Machines is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between September 16, 2020 and on Science Channel