Zero Gravity: The Zambian Space Program

About this episode

The episode explores Zambia's ambitious yet perplexing space program in the 1960s under Edward Nkoloso.

In the 1960s, a newly independent Zambia entered the space race with a bold — and baffling — plan. Led by self-declared “Minister of Space” Edward Nkoloso, a team of would-be astronauts trained in oil drums, dreamed of Mars, and captured the world’s attention. To Western observers, it looked like a joke. But Zambia's space ambitions may have been a front for something far more earthly — and far more dangerous. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason English Written by Lucas Reilly Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Jesse Nighswonger Mixing and Mastering by Josh Fisher Research and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Lucas Reilly Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. Thanks to Anthony West for his excellent voiceover work! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, Jason English

Topics covered

• Zambia
• space program
• 1960s
• independence
• space race
• Edward Nkoloso
• Mars

Keywords

• Zambia
• space race
• Edward Nkoloso
• 1960s
• Mars
• astronauts
• oil drums

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: School of Humans

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