
Testing Mankind's Limits
Clip: Season 28 Episode 6 | 2m 59sVideo has Closed Captions
John Paul Stapp tested the limits of human physiology. Premieres March 1 at 9/8c on PBS.
U.S. Air Force aviation doctor, John Paul Stapp, tested the limits of human physiology both on the ground and in near-space. Not satisfied with the accepted belief that 18 G's -- or 18 times the pull of gravity -- could kill a person, he set out to prove humans could survive acceleration and deceleration at rapid speeds and from dizzying heights. "Space Men" premieres March 1 at 9/8c on PBS.
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Testing Mankind's Limits
Clip: Season 28 Episode 6 | 2m 59sVideo has Closed Captions
U.S. Air Force aviation doctor, John Paul Stapp, tested the limits of human physiology both on the ground and in near-space. Not satisfied with the accepted belief that 18 G's -- or 18 times the pull of gravity -- could kill a person, he set out to prove humans could survive acceleration and deceleration at rapid speeds and from dizzying heights. "Space Men" premieres March 1 at 9/8c on PBS.
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When is a photo an act of resistance?
For families that just decades earlier were torn apart by chattel slavery, being photographed together was proof of their resilience.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipBefore man could step on the moon, we had to take a giant leap. Premieres 3/1 on PBS. (30s)
Video has Closed Captions
Since 1783 balloonists risked their lives attempting ever-higher altitudes. Premieres 3/1. (2m 31s)
Video has Closed Captions
Dr. Stapp's team hoped to fly a man to over 100,000 ft. above Earth. Premieres 3/1 on PBS. (2m 5s)
A Ring-Side View of the Heavens
Video has Closed Captions
In 1957, David Simons rose a record-breaking 101,500 ft. above Earth. Premieres 3/1 on PBS (2m 20s)
Video has Closed Captions
Before NASA's rockets, a team of explorers took to the skies in balloons. Premieres 3/1 (8m 47s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipCorporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.