April 13, 2000: NASA Space Missions & Soviet Disasters - James Oberg

James Oberg brings two decades of NASA Mission Control experience to examine space program history and Soviet disasters. The first hour features Peter Davenport analyzing the Windsor Incident, where television footage captured a fireball over Ontario with a projectile visibly rising from ground level to intercept it. Investigator Amy Hebert presents animation of the stunning footage showing what appears to be a missile fired at the descending object. Multiple witnesses across Pennsylvania reported the fireball illuminating the sky moments later. Oberg then discusses his research into NASA operations and previously concealed Soviet space failures. His insider perspective reveals institutional patterns of secrecy and information management within space agencies. The conversation covers dangerous incidents, close calls, and disasters hidden from public knowledge during the Cold War space race. Oberg examines how organizational culture within NASA has evolved and persisting issues with transparency. His unique position as both former NASA insider and current critic provides rare insight into how space agencies actually function versus their public image.