# When NASA Tried to Build a Real Flying Saucer

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed-7256567/when-nasa-tried-to-build-a-real-flying-saucer
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed-7256567/when-nasa-tried-to-build-a-real-flying-saucer.md
Podcast: [Kurzgesagt Podcast: Science Revealed](https://stenobird.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed-7256567)
Published: 2026-06-23T00:30:02+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-nasa-tried-to-build-a-real-flying-saucer--72620166
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72620166/radio_show_how_flying_saucers_became_mars_landers.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed-7256567/episodes/when-nasa-tried-to-build-a-real-flying-saucer
Duration seconds: 2272

## Resource

It sounds like science fiction but for a brief moment in history, engineers actually tried to build a real flying saucer. In this episode, we explore one of the strangest aerospace experiments ever attempted: the Avrocar, a disc-shaped aircraft developed during the Cold War with support from the U.S. military. Inspired by the futuristic vision of a flying saucer, the project aimed to create a revolutionary aircraft capable of vertical takeoff, hovering, and high-speed flight. Why did scientists believe it could work? What engineering challenges stood in the way? And why did the project ultimately fail? From Cold War ambitions and cutting-edge technology to the dream of reshaping aviation, we uncover the fascinating story behind an aircraft that looked like it came straight from another world. Because sometimes… the future people imagine is even stranger than science fiction. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support .

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## Transcript

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