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The Rocket-Less Future of Space Travel

Season 52 | 5m 17s

Imagine taking an elevator to space. Or blasting off in a nuclear rocket. That might sound like science fiction, but scientists are racing to develop new, more efficient methods of space travel - and some pretty wild ideas are on the table. Discover the rocket-less future of space travel and the quest to make it happen.

National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
Extras
An intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s.
The dynamic story of funk music, from early roots to the explosion of '70s urban funk to influences.
The story of how public libraries came to be free and open for all Americans—and remain so.
After the drought, the rains finally come. But can Katavi survive the flooding?
Dr. M. Sanjayan investigates the largest river restoration ever attempted in the United States.
The sisters welcome a new postulant, Sister Catherine, to Nonnatus House.
Follow scientists in a quest to understand how complex forest ecosystems can help cool our planet.
Art Spiegelman later depicted the Twin Towers falling in his comic, “In the Shadow of No Towers.”
In this segment of “Maus,” Art Spiegelman illustrated four Jewish victims hung by Nazis in Poland.
Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” was featured in the comic book “Funny Aminals” in 1972.
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