The BBC’s hit podcast series 13 Minutes is returning with a new season: 13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle.
Presented by space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, the new episodes explore how the science fiction dream of a reusable spacecraft became a reality, and the human stories behind one of NASA’s most ambitious and transformative programmes.
The season follows the journey from the Shuttle’s secret origins to its return to flight after the Challenger disaster, told by astronauts, engineers and support staff who were there.
Dame Maggie said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team of 13 Minutes and telling the extraordinary story of the Space Shuttle.
“The first two seasons of the podcast made for essential listening, so it’s a privilege to be a part of season three.
“I hope listeners will join me as we explore the Space Shuttle and that they come away with a deeper appreciation for the people, risks, and moments that shaped this incredible chapter in space exploration history.”
The Shuttle programme set out to create a spacecraft that could launch like a rocket and land like a plane and be reused repeatedly. Beyond the technology, the season focuses on the people involved: new astronauts, political pressures, and the personal sacrifices made.
Executive Editor Martin Smith said: “We are excited to launch Season 3 of 13 Minutes, where we delve into the remarkable journey of the Space Shuttle.
“This season offers an in-depth exploration of the Shuttle’s ambitious objectives, its groundbreaking achievements, and the challenges it faced.
“But perhaps above all it allows those who were there at the key moments to add their very personal perspectives and memories which make these significant moments of our history into powerfully human stories too.
“Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of its profound impact on space exploration. We are also thrilled to have Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock as our host, whose passion and experience as a space scientist will bring this story to life.”
13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle will be available as a full boxset on BBC Sounds from 14 July. It will also release weekly on most podcast apps outside the UK, and as a boxset on BBC Podcasts Premium via Apple Podcasts.
The series is produced by the BBC Audio Science Unit for the BBC World Service.
