In 1955, Lockheed’s Skunk Works built a secret runway in Nevada’s Groom Lake to test the U-2 spy plane. It would become Area 51, birthplace of the Blackbird and decades of classified innovation. Host Nick Johnson uncovers the true origins of America’s most mysterious base—linking his grandfather’s work at Lockheed to nuclear tests, surveillance breakthroughs, and the myths that still surround the desert today.

In 1955, Lockheed’s Skunk Works built a secret runway in Nevada’s Groom Lake to test the U-2 spy plane. It would become Area 51, birthplace of the Blackbird and decades of classified innovation.Host Nick Johnson uncovers the true origins of America’s most mysterious base—linking his grandfather’s work at Lockheed to nuclear tests, surveillance breakthroughs, and the myths that still surround the desert today.

In 1955, Lockheed’s Skunk Works built a secret runway in Nevada’s Groom Lake to test the U-2 spy plane. It would become Area 51, birthplace of the Blackbird and decades of classified innovation. Host Nick Johnson uncovers the true origins of America’s most mysterious base—linking his grandfather’s work at Lockheed to nuclear tests, surveillance breakthroughs, and the myths that still surround the desert today.

Part 3: The Birth of Area 51

For 30 years during the Cold War, Ken Johnson worked at Lockheed with top-level security clearance on projects like Polaris missiles, stealth aircraft, and more. Decades later, his grandson discovers a box of his personal files and belongings. Each episode investigates one item to uncover hidden stories of innovation, secrecy, and the Cold War’s mysterious legacy.

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Part 3: The Birth of Area 51

Part 3: The Birth of Area 51