Watch Secret Space Escapes

Secret Space Escapes is a gripping documentary show that aired on the Science Channel in 2015. It features the harrowing stories of astronauts who have faced near-death experiences during their space missions and the challenges they had to overcome to make it back home safely. The show is hosted by James E. Oberg, a former NASA engineer, space journalist and expert in human spaceflight, Asif Siddiqi, a historian who specializes in the history of space exploration, and actor Jack Dimich who provides the voice-over narration for the show.

Each episode of Secret Space Escapes focuses on a different astronaut and their specific incident. From malfunctioning life support systems to catastrophic equipment failure, the astronauts featured in the show overcome adversity and often use their ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive. The show offers a unique perspective on the challenges of space travel and highlights the dangers that astronauts can face during their missions.

One episode, for instance, follows the story of NASA astronaut Ron McNair, who was killed in the Challenger shuttle disaster in 1986. The episode explores the events leading up to the accident and how McNair's upbringing and dedication to his work as a scientist shaped his approach to space travel. Another episode recounts the story of the Soyuz 11 crew, who were the first people to inhabit a space station in orbit around Earth. Sadly, all three astronauts died due to a depressurization accident, making this incident one of the deadliest in the history of space flight.

Secret Space Escapes is both informative and suspenseful, detailing the astronauts' accounts of their survival stories while also explaining the science behind the technology used in space travel. Many of the stories featured in the show highlight the importance of teamwork and communication in space, demonstrating how the astronauts had to rely on each other during times of crisis.

The show also explores the psychological toll that being an astronaut can often take. The mental and emotional strain that can come with spending extended periods in isolation in space is not to be underestimated, as highlighted by the astronauts featured in Secret Space Escapes. Many of them experienced panic attacks, hallucinations, and sleep deprivation while in space, and some even suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after returning to Earth. The emotional depth of this aspect of space travel adds a human element to the series, which makes it all the more relatable for viewers.

Throughout the show, the visuals used are impressive and add to the overall viewing experience. Dramatic reenactments of the incidents provide viewers with a sense of the peril and the magnitude of the events while archive footage of NASA mission control centers and spacewalks gives a sense of authenticity to the show.

The show's producers have also done an excellent job of presenting the technical aspects of space flight in a manner that is accessible to a general audience. They explain complicated concepts and terminology in a way that is easy to understand, yet doesn't talk down to viewers. The use of diagrams and simulations also helps to illustrate complicated scientific concepts.

Overall, Secret Space Escapes is a gripping and informative show that is worth watching. It provides viewers with a fascinating insight into the experiences of astronauts and highlights the dangers and challenges of space exploration. With powerful storytelling, scientific explanations, and excellent visuals, the show is an enjoyable and informative way to learn more about the wonders and perils of space travel.

Secret Space Escapes is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between November 10, 2015 and on Science Channel