S2 E2: The Manhattan Project, Part 1 (Direct Current - An Energy.gov Podcast)

The script begins with a vivid description of the dawn of the Atomic Age, marked by the first successful detonation of a nuclear weapon on July 16, 1945, near Alamogordo, New Mexico. It introduces the 'Direct Current' podcast, hosted by Matt Dozier, which delves into the story of the US government's unprecedented effort to develop a nuclear weapon during World War II, ahead of Nazi Germany. The narrative sets the stage for a two-part exploration of the Manhattan Project, a top-secret operation that spanned six states and employed over a hundred thousand people. The project's inception is traced back to a letter from Albert Einstein to President Roosevelt in 1939, highlighting the potential for nuclear chain reactions and the construction of powerful bombs. The podcast promises to reveal the secrets of the Atomic Age, the role of the National Laboratories, and the collaboration between the Department of Energy and the National Park Service to preserve this significant period in history.

This section of the script discusses the scientific challenges faced during the early stages of the Manhattan Project. Researchers were tasked with separating uranium-235, a rare isotope necessary for sustaining a nuclear chain reaction, from the more common uranium-238. The isotopes were chemically identical, making separation a daunting task that required physical processes based on their slight difference in atomic weight. The script then fast-forwards to May 1941, when Glenn T. Seaborg discovered that plutonium, another element capable of sustaining a chain reaction, could be chemically separated from uranium-238. This discovery laid the groundwork for the two types of atomic bombs that ended World War II. The script also explains the organizational structure of the Manhattan Project, led by the Army Corps of Engineers and named after its location in New York City. The project was divided into three phases: research and development, plutonium production and uranium enrichment, and the design and production of the first atomic weapons. The narrative also touches on the establishment of the Metallurgical Laboratory in Chicago, Illinois, where much of the foundational research took place.

The script describes the expansion of the Manhattan Project to include large-scale industrial sites at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Hanford, Washington. Oak Ridge was chosen for its suitability for uranium enrichment and experimental plutonium production, while Hanford, with its abundant hydroelectric power and isolated location, was ideal for plutonium production. The story includes anecdotes about the acquisition of land for these sites, including the forced eviction of homeowners and Native American tribes. The script details the construction and operation of the X-10 graphite reactor at Oak Ridge, which was a pilot plant for the larger B reactor at Hanford. The X-10 reactor was built in record time and achieved criticality in November 1943, marking a significant milestone in the project. The B reactor at Hanford, the world's first large-scale plutonium production reactor, is also highlighted, with its construction and operation being a testament to the urgency and scale of the Manhattan Project.

This paragraph delves into the specifics of the Hanford Site's role in the Manhattan Project, focusing on the B reactor, which was designed to produce plutonium on an industrial scale. The B reactor, a massive 1,200-ton graphite cylinder, used water from the Columbia River as a coolant to manage the heat generated during the production of plutonium. The reactor's operation was initially hampered by xenon poisoning, a phenomenon that absorbs neutrons and threatens the chain reaction. However, the foresight of the DuPont company, which insisted on including additional fuel tubes during construction, allowed the Hanford team to overcome this challenge. The paragraph also recounts the story of the local communities that were displaced to make way for the Hanford Site, highlighting the sacrifices made for the project's success.

The script discusses the extreme measures taken to maintain secrecy during the Manhattan Project. It describes how only a select few knew the full scope of the project, and even among the workers, knowledge was compartmentalized. At Oak Ridge, for example, only about a hundred out of 22,000 workers knew the true nature of their work. The script introduces the 'calutron girls,' young women who operated the calutrons, a type of isotope separation device, without knowing the broader implications of their work. It also recounts a humorous anecdote about a child's misunderstanding of their parent's work, thinking they were producing toilet paper due to the secrecy surrounding the project. The paragraph concludes with a description of how the uranium and plutonium were transported from Oak Ridge and Hanford to Los Alamos, New Mexico, under the utmost secrecy, often by strapping samples to soldiers disguised as salesmen and transporting them via passenger trains.

This section of the script focuses on the establishment and purpose of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, which was the final piece in the Manhattan Project's network. Los Alamos was chosen for its isolation, accessibility, and suitability for the weapons design laboratory. The laboratory's role was to design, build, and figure out ways to deliver the nuclear weapons for combat. The script also highlights the challenges of transporting the uranium and plutonium to Los Alamos, which was crucial for the assembly of the atomic bombs. The paragraph concludes with a teaser for an upcoming mini-episode about Ruth Huddleston, one of the calutron girls at Oak Ridge, and her secret life during the Manhattan Project.

The final paragraph of the script reflects on the importance of preserving the history of the Manhattan Project. It mentions the establishment of the Manhattan Project National Historic Park, which is unique in that it is managed by the Department of Energy rather than the National Park Service. The park serves as an educational resource, ensuring that future generations can learn about this pivotal moment in history. The script includes personal anecdotes from individuals who were involved in the project, emphasizing the pride they take in their contribution and the importance of remembering the sacrifices made. It also highlights the ongoing research at Oak Ridge National Lab, which builds upon the foundations laid during the war. The paragraph concludes with a note of gratitude to the various individuals and teams who contributed to the creation of the 'Direct Current' podcast and the preservation of the Manhattan Project's legacy.