Mark Fennell

One of those men was named Brian Russell, and this is what he told Fiona when she interviewed him.

In some ways, this is a story that probably should be retitled.

Someone did say it coming, isn't it?

What do you think this chapter of the history of synthetic rubber, what do you think it tells you about science and the progress of science?

And, of course, the way you can hear those interviews, you have actually put together this incredible five-part series on the Science Friction podcast about the Challenger legacy, of course, to mark the 40th anniversary.

And those bits and pieces of interviews you heard before, they are just the tip of the iceberg, Fiona, that people can hear in that five-part series right now, can't they?

Fiona, this has been incredible.

Thank you both for talking to me but also for all those incredible interviews you've put together as well.

Fiona Pepper there, and she is the co-host of The Challenger Legacy, which is in the Science Friction feed on ABC Listen or wherever you listen to podcasts.

This episode was produced by Zoe Ferguson and Rebecca Metcalf.

No One Saw It Coming is made on Gadigal land in Sydney, Australia, for ABC Radio National.

I'm Mark Fennell.

And if you have a story we'd love to hear from you, all you need to do is email us, noonesawitcoming at abc.net.au, and I'll be back next week with a brand new episode.

Bye.