Zero Gravity: The Zambian Space Program [from Very Special Episodes]
Ridiculous Crime
iHeartPodcasts
4.5 • 1.4K Ratings
🗓️ 21 March 2026
⏱️ 37 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
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.
Listen to Zaron Burnett on Very Special Episodes wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday!
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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!
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Hey there, this is Josh from Stuff You Should Know with a message that could change your life. |
| 0:07.4 | The Stuff You Should Know Think Spring podcast playlist is available now. |
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| 0:22.0 | You can get the stuff you should know think spring playlist on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. |
| 0:30.1 | Let's go! |
| 0:30.7 | Our IHeart Radio Music Awards are coming back. Thursday, March 26th, live on Fox. |
| 0:37.6 | Watch as we honor the biggest stars from all genres of music |
| 0:40.7 | that you loved listening to all year long |
| 0:43.0 | on your favorite IHeart Radio station and the IHart Radio app. |
| 0:45.7 | Hosted by Ludacris. |
| 0:47.4 | Icon Award recipient John Mellencamp. |
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| 0:51.0 | Miley Cyrus. |
| 0:52.1 | With performances by Alex Warren, Kalani, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, |
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| 1:02.0 | movie. |
| 1:03.1 | Plus, Taylor Swift makes her first |
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