Clogged sink doomed a space mission

About this episode

The episode discusses how a failed experiment in 1926 led to the creation of a substance that would later impact space missions.

It’s 1926 and two men are working in a lab trying to create antifreeze. Instead, they make a thick, black goo that stinks out the lab and blocks the sink. ABC Science reporter Fiona Pepper tells Marc Fennell (Stuff The British Stole) about how this black gunk would go on to be used in cars, rockets and spaceships. And ultimately, would be responsible for one of the deadliest space missions in history. Binge all the episodes of No One Saw It Coming now on ABC listen (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch: Got a story for us? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at noonesawitcoming@abc.net.au

People in this episode

Host: Marc Fennell

Guest: Fiona Pepper

Topics covered

• space missions
• history
• science
• antifreeze
• innovation

Keywords

• space mission
• antifreeze
• black goo
• 1926
• Fiona Pepper
• Marc Fennell
• ABC Australia

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC Australia

Products: antifreeze, black gunk, cars, rockets, spaceships

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