California has long been at the cutting edge of technological know-how and innovation. This programme shows how California maintains that tradition today. It examines NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, which is at the global forefront of unmanned space exploration, including the most recent Mars landing craft; the new Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco which will eventually replace the existing heavily-used bridge with the world’s most advanced earthquake-proofing technology; and George Lucas’s Industrial Light & Magic, the world’s leading company for special effects in the movies.

FROM THIS EPISODE

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
The leading U.S. center for robotic exploration of the solar system. Current projects include the Phoenix Mars Lander and Mars Science Laboratory, the Cassini Orbiter and new developments in robotic technology.
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/

Oakland Bay Bridge
The Bridge in San Francisco is currently undergoing some radical cutting edge redevelopment, which represents the largest and most challenging public works effort in California history. This item explores its innovative design, including state-of-the-art seismic safety features.
http://baybridgeinfo.org/

Industrial Light & Magic
George Lucas’ trio of companies in San Francisco and Marin County, Industrial Light & Magic, Lucas Arts & Skywalker Sound, are world leaders in special effects for movies, gaming and sound recording. This program explores some of the latest techniques.
http://www.ilm.com/

SHOWING TIMES

Showing 1430 GMT on Saturday 13th June.
Repeated: 0230, 0930 and 1730 GMT on Sunday 14th June.

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