JPL and the Space Age: The Pathfinders
193,714
Published 2022-06-30
From relying on a parachute that could not be tested in a way to match the Martian atmosphere to receiving the late addition of an unwanted rover that wouldn’t have looked out of place in a toy store, the Mars Pathfinder mission was a doubter’s dream, taken on by a mostly young group of engineers and scientists guided by a grizzled manager known for his maverick ways.
“The Pathfinders” retraces the journey of this daring mission to Mars that captured the imagination of people around the world with its dramatic landing and its tiny rover – the first wheels ever to roll on Mars.
Documentary length: 60 minutes
All Comments (21)
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Hearing Neil's voice gives me goosebumps. I remember listening to all of the codex entries in all 3 Mass Effect games and Neil's voice is perfect.
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Can't get enough of these JPL docus ❤
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Im in love with this JPL and the space age series
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These documentaries must be mandatory in Universities as a part of introduction to engineering class. They show the importance of leadership and team work, understanding policy and policy making, why budget matters, how much you can accomplish so much with so little and what is risk taking and what to do when you fail.
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Thank you! Finally story of Pathfinder+Sojourner is told by JPL itself on Youtube. The video is great! Thank you again!
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This mission was why I got interested in space and astronomy. It has literally changed my life!
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The narrator is the codex reader from Mass Effect!
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The part at 56:50 choked me up... Thinking about how poor little Sojourner basically did a "Land Before Time" with their mother(ship) Pathfinder passing away right in front of her, waiting patently by their side before they too finally succumb to the elements. 😢😢😢 Fantastic, ground-breaking mission though, I grew up on this and other explorations of the cosm
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I remember patiently waiting until the early hours of the morning in the UK to download the first image from Pathfinder's Sojourner rover after it had landed back in 1997. It took almost as long to download the file over a 14K modem! Exciting times.
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These docs are fascinating. I remember watching Curiosity's landing live stream years ago. It was maybe the most gripping and monumental stream I have ever witnessed. The dedication and skill of these folks is enormous.
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This series makes me so emotional! Thank you JPL.
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This is an amazing documentary with a very touching happy ending! I was at the edge of my seat watching the EDL! Almost felt like a live broadcast! Congratulazions to JPL for this ground-breaking mission, and also for making this film! THANK YOU!
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I love JPL and all it stands for..! Anyone even not interested, or informed about Space Science Engineering, hearing "JPL" immediately says "oh yeah , NASA's Rocket Guys " . When properly funded ( Viking ) heavy landers with lots of data return capacity are delivered. When not funded abundantly ( Pathfinder/Sojourner ) light , data scarce landers are sucessfully delivered. And so onto Spirit and Opportunity, heavier and more successful. And now the gigantic Curiosity and Perseverance Rovers...! In summary, place your bets on JPL, because those brainiacs CAN deliver...!!!!!! 😀 Great doco, thank you...!
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It's amazing how everyone in this team looks younger than at the time of mission. How can one grow younger...
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I freakin love these JPL documentaries. Please keep them coming.
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Thank you JPL. Tears of happiness uplifted our existence!
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Curiosity , opportunity , spirit , perseverance , ingenuity and then finally humans on Mars
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An incredibly moving historical capsule. Well done !!
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What a mission!.... I don't know what to say.... What a Mission!
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an exceptional programme, thank you all, from the UK
