Exploring Tomorrow 195x-xx-xx (xx) Space Baby

Summary

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Exploring Tomorrow: "Space Baby"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: January 21, 2026
Original Radio Show: Exploring Tomorrow (1950s)
Episode Title: Space Baby

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Exploring Tomorrow" takes listeners into a speculative future where humanity is operating manned space stations. The main theme focuses on the unexpected challenges that arise when Lieutenant Alice Britton discovers she is pregnant while stationed on a space station, raising questions about how space technology must adapt not just for individuals, but for the continuation of the human race itself. The story is both lighthearted and dramatic, blending classic Golden Age radio character interplay with thought-provoking science fiction.

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Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal vs. Professional Lives in Space

• The episode opens with a tender and playful exchange between Lieutenant Alice Britton and her husband, Captain Jeffrey Britton, who is about to depart, leaving Alice to her assignment on Space Station 1.
• Their conversation highlights the emotional toll of space duty and the sacrifices made by military families.
  • Key Segment: [01:41–04:22]

2. Surprise Pregnancy on Space Station

• Dr. Major James informs Alice about her positive test results, revealing her pregnancy. Neither she nor her husband had planned for this situation, creating logistical and ethical dilemmas for the station's medical team.
• Major James is initially flustered, emphasizing the space station's lack of facilities for childbirth and neonatal care.
  • Key Segment: [04:47–06:05]
  • Notable Quote:

    "Has it escaped your flittery female mind that you were in Space Station 1 in an orbit more than a thousand miles from the surface of Earth? ... What are we going to do? This is a space satellite, not an obstetrics ward." — Major James [05:08]

3. Adapting to Unanticipated Human Needs in Space

• The narrative highlights how the space station was designed for men and women, but not for the continuation of the human race.
• The medical team begins plans to support the pregnancy, ordering equipment, consulting Earth, and improvising with what they have on hand.
  • Key Segment: [08:28–09:36]
  • Notable Quote:

    "If we are to really enter the space stage, we have to take care of the human race." — Narrator [08:28]

4. Crisis: The Meteor Strike and Premature Labor

• A sudden small meteorite hits the station, causing decompression in one section. Alice is caught in the accident but survives thanks to safety features; however, the shock induces premature labor.
  • Key Segment: [10:02–12:10]
  • Notable Quote:

    "A little meteor punctured the outer wall. Just a little bit of rock the size of a marble. But it was moving fast enough to put a hole in the wall." — Lieutenant Alice Britton [10:48]

5. Resourcefulness in a High-Stakes Situation

• The team realizes that a premature baby requires an incubator, but none are available within hours. As time runs out, construction teams cannibalize station materials to try and improvise an incubator.
• The tension is palpable as they race against the clock to save both mother and child.
  • Key Segment: [12:23–15:41]
  • Notable Quotes:

    "We need an incubator within half an hour and there won't be one here for two hours. We haven't got it, and that's that. What can I do? I've tried everything." — Major James [15:03]
    "They're ripping out one of the partitions. They'll use a heater from a wall and the oxygen operators from a spacesuit. They're trying to get it finished in time, but they won't finish in time." — Major James [15:26]

6. The Eureka Moment: The Space Station as an Incubator

• Under pressure, Alice encourages Major James to think:
  • "Why is a space station like an incubator?" [17:11]
• The epiphany: the very environment-controlled rooms of the space station can be isolated, heated, and oxygenated to create conditions suitable for a premature infant.
• The day is saved not with new technology, but with lateral thinking and adaptation of existing systems.
  • Key Segment: [17:11–18:55]
  • Notable Quote:

    "A space station is a sort of an incubator. It protects us poor weak humans from the airlessness and extremities of temperature in space. And each room... can be self sustaining if they have to." — Lieutenant Alice Britton [18:39]

7. Resolution & Reflection

• The episode closes as Alice, having given birth successfully, reunites with her husband, Captain Britton, who has arrived with a (now unnecessary) incubator. The episode's closing discussion reflects on the adaptability of the human spirit and the need for machines to serve humanity, not the other way around.
• Key Segment: [18:55–19:55]
• Narrative Reflection:

  "Science fiction... has to do with human beings and the problems that human beings will have with the machines we do and must live with... If the machines aren't properly designed to recognize that their purpose is to serve humanity... they're no good either." — Narrator [19:55–20:26]

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "There's nothing else you can do. I'll have to contact the hospital at White Sands Rocket Base and have them send up the equipment I need on the regular supply rockets. Whether we like it or not, you'll be staying with us for a while." — Major James [06:05]
• "If all the women in the space Service get that idea, we'll be running a nursery up here, not a fueling station." — Major James [09:40]
• "They're ripping out one of the partitions... They're trying to get it finished in time, but they won't finish in time." — Major James [15:26]
• "Sobbing— I'm not hysterical, Doctor. You are. Look at you. You're so nervous you can't even think straight. ... Why is a space station like an incubator?" — Lieutenant Alice Britton [17:02–17:11]
• "He had you bring one up, and I understand he had the construction crew tearing down the walls to make one. ... A space station is a sort of an incubator." — Lieutenant Alice Britton [18:25–18:39]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction and Setting the Theme — [00:52–01:41]
• Alice & Jeff's Last Night Together — [01:41–04:22]
• Revelation of Pregnancy — [04:47–06:05]
• Station Procedures and Adaptation — [08:28–09:36]
• Meteor Accident & Premature Labor — [10:02–12:10]
• Race Against Time (No Incubator) — [12:23–15:41]
• "Incubator" Epiphany and Resolution — [17:11–18:55]
• Philosophical Reflection on Machines & Humanity — [19:55–20:26]

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Tone & Style

The episode weaves dramatic tension, science fiction problem-solving, domestic affection, and a touch of humor. Dialogues are snappy and often witty, with moments of emotional candor between Alice, Jeff, and Major James.

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Final Thoughts

"Space Baby" exemplifies the best of mid-century science fiction radio, using a personal and unexpected crisis to explore larger themes of technological progress—and its limits—when confronted with the needs of real, complicated, and vulnerable human beings. It’s a hopeful tale about ingenuity, care, and the evolving definition of "preparedness" as humanity reaches for the stars.

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Transcript

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[Major James]

Exploring tomorrow. And now, here is your guide to these adventures of the mind. John Campbell.

[Narrator]

When men start a new project, it starts with a plan. The plan has to be carried out, worked through, the details arranged for. You don't have any trouble until the thing you did not expect turns up. So far, human research has achieved an unmanned satellite in space. The sole purpose of any of these devices, any machine, is to serve human beings. The machine goes first to try things out. But the sole purpose of doing it is so that men can follow. And women too. But there are problems of purely human nature that sometimes complicate the most scientific of plants.

[Major James]

Champagne. Oh, there you are. My dearest, my darling, my love. Champagne.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Oh, good heavens, Jeff. You think we were getting married all over again?

[Major James]

Why not? Let's make this a our second wedding day. A celebration to end all celebrations. Besides, it is almost our first anniversary. Happy almost first anniversary. Lieutenant Alice Britain.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Oh, no, no. If this is going to be a late wedding feast, you must call me Mrs. Captain Jeffrey Britton. I demand my rights as a legally wedded wife. Even if you do outrank me.

[Major James]

Don't giggle. It's not proper for an officer in the United States Space service to giggle. And for goodness sake, don't tell me the champagne bubbles tickle your nose.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Oh, they don't. I love the stuff. Pour me another.

[Major James]

Another. My dear Mrs. Britton, that was the finest half pint of domestic champagne available. Which is all a mere captain can afford. There is no more.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

For shame. The finest rocket pilot in the United States and you can't even afford another bottle?

[Major James]

No. Not even for a going away party?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Oh, Jeff, it is a going away party, isn't it? I won't see you for six months.

[Major James]

Now come on, sweetheart, don't cloud up in rain. It's good duty. And you'll be back soon. Six months isn't forever, you know.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Oh, I know. But being stuck up on an artificial satellite for six months without you isn't my idea of fun.

[Major James]

Ah, look sweetheart, you like it up there? It's the oldest and biggest of our manned space stations. It has plenty of room inside and a crew of 400 officers and men. It even rotates on its axis two to give you artificial gravity. At least you don't have to worry about space sickness.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Oh, Jeff, don't be so serious. It's not the fact that I have to be up there that bothers me. It's just that I'm going to miss you.

[Major James]

Ah, I thank you so much for that. I'll miss you too. But there's nothing we can do about it.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

How right you are. The Space Service has no use whatsoever for personal feelings. Except of course that they hope you don't get killed.

[Major James]

Do you know what I give up?

[Bill Goodwin]

What?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

I was shown an instruction film, told all about Space Station 1. You know how safe it is. Did you know that every compartment has individual heating and oxygen supply in case of emergency? And did you know that all the walls are filled with a plastic self sealing compound like a car tire, so that if a small meteor hits it, it won't lose too much air?

[Major James]

Sure, it's safe. A thousand miles straight up over Earth and you're as safe your bed at home.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Hooray for safety. And now, my dear cheapskate husband, will you do me the favor of buying me another bit of champagne? I will have to buy it myself, darling.

[Major James]

Darling, this is our last night together for six months. So I suppose I'll have to buy more champagne. Hey, wait a.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Minute.

[Major James]

Let us. Jenkins, send in Lieutenant Britton.

[Nurse Jenkins]

She'll be right in, Doctor.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

You wanted to see me, Major James?

[Major James]

I certainly do. Being medical officer of Space Station 1 isn't an easy job under any circumstances. But you have made it 10 times as difficult.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

I didn't mean to cause you any trouble, sir.

[Major James]

Well, you certainly have. I just got the laboratory report. The test was positive.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

It was? Oh, that's wonderful.

[Major James]

Wonderful? What do you mean, wonderful?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Well, I.

[Major James]

My dear Lieutenant Britain, has it escaped your flittery female mind that you were in Space Station 1 in an orbit more than a thousand miles from the surface of Earth? Have you forgotten that?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

No, sir.

[Major James]

Well, if I had Captain Britain up here, I'd personally break his neck. But he's not. He's safe down on Earth while you're the one who's going to have the baby.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Major James, neither my husband nor I intended this to happen.

[Major James]

Of course not, but he did, nevertheless. No, I suppose it's not your fault, Lieutenant, but it leaves me in an awkward position. What are we going to do? This is a space satellite not an obstetrics ward. I have neither the drugs nor the equipment to take care of you.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Of course not. You'll have to send me back down to Earth when the next rocket leaves.

[Major James]

You've been up here two months now, and your baby is due in another seven months. Do you think I would risk sending you down to Earth in a rocket at 9 gravities of acceleration? Not at this stage of the game, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

How can I stay here?

[Major James]

There's nothing else you can do. I'll have to contact the hospital at White Sands Rocket Base and have them send up the equipment I need on the regular supply rockets. Whether we like it or not, you'll be staying with us for a while. And we're going to have to take very good care of you. Exploring tomorrow continues in just a moment.

[Bill Goodwin]

This is Bill Goodwin. You know, someone once said, humor is the true democracy. And that's why we Americans can smile when we tell the stories of the legendary heroes who helped to build our country's great institutions and industries. Like Bowleg Bill, hero of the tuna fishing industry back in Provincetown, Massachusetts. They claim that when it came to hauling in the horse mackerel, as the Easterners call tuna, Bill could handle two gaffes at once and catch more than any six men put together. And they're still talking about the time Bill caught old Slick Britches, the biggest hoss mackerel of them all. No one could ever get his hooks into Slick Britches, who weighed 2,000 pounds and had a tail 6ft long. But Bowleg Bill promised to land him single handed. He set out in his boat toss up. And when he spotted Slick Britches, he made a grab for him. But the tuna slipped through his hands. So Bill dove over the side. And before folks knew what had happened, Bill was sitting astride old Slick Britches, who was bucking like a bronco. He leaped almost a mile out of the water, but Bill hung on. All over the harbor they went jumping and leaping, but still Bill hung on fast leap over the toss up and then calmed down. All the fight gone out of him. Bill steered him toward shore, but all of a sudden he headed him back out to sea, slapped the tuna's tail and jumped off. Folks were mighty disappointed when Slick Britches disappeared. But it was like Bill told them, there's nothing that'll break a cowhand's heart. So quick as to find a critter with the ruff, all rode off at the first mount. Yes, sir, it is a democracy which lets us tell the stories of such a Legendary character as Bowleg Bill. With a twinkle in our eyes and a chuckle in our throats. And so long as we continue to laugh together as a people, ladies and gentlemen, we will live together as a nation.

[Narrator]

Alice had called attention to the fact that the space station had not been adequately designed. It had been designed, all right, to take care of men and of women, but taking care of human individuals is not enough. If we are to really enter the space stage, we have to take care of the human race. That's something Alice was bringing to attention.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Here's some more of the laboratory reports on Lieutenant Alice Britton, Doctor.

[Major James]

Oh, yes, from her last checkup. How is she doing, Nurse?

[Nurse Jenkins]

She seems to be doing quite well, Doctor. The light gravity is helping, I think.

[Major James]

Only 59 days to go. Less than two months of our figuring is correct. I have nearly all the equipment I need now, and by the time she's ready, it'll all be here.

[Nurse Jenkins]

I've been checking it off the list as the supply rockets unload each piece. You don't have far to go, you.

[Major James]

Know, Nurse, five months ago, when I found out that Lieutenant Brittain was going to have a baby, I was really worried. But now it looks as though there's going to be nothing to it. One of the doctors from White Sands Rocket Base is coming up next month to help, and everything ought to go pretty smoothly. But I was sure worried for a while.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Why were you worried, Doctor?

[Major James]

After all, women aren't supposed to go around having babies in space stations.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Well, it looks as though Lieutenant Britain's gonna set a precedent.

[Major James]

Good heavens, I hope not. If all the women in the space Service get that idea, we'll be running a nursery up here, not a fueling station. You'll just have to Emergency signal.

[Narrator]

It's been an accident.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Phone, Doctor.

[Bill Goodwin]

Yeah, I'll get it.

[Major James]

Sick ward, Major James speaking. What have you got her out of there? Well, then put her on a stretcher and get her to Ward 3. I'll be right down.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

What happened, Doctor?

[Major James]

A small Meteorite hit Section 6, and Lieutenant Britton was in there when it happened. They're bringing her up now, but there's no way of knowing how badly she's hurt. Be careful. Easy now. Put the stretcher down on the bed. Easy. That's it. Yes. Now just take it easy, Lieutenant. All right, men. She'll be all right now. Thanks. Close the door, please. Oh.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

I hurt all over.

[Major James]

You'll be okay. Nurse Jenkins will bring down a hypo in a few minutes. You'll be all right.

[Nurse Jenkins]

I Think I'll live, Major, but my.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Ears are still ringing.

[Major James]

You must have lost air. Can you tell me what happened?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

I was in section six, checking some meters. All of a sudden, bam. A little meteor punctured the outer wall. Just. Just a little bit of rock the size of a marble. But it was moving fast enough to put a hole in the wall?

[Bill Goodwin]

It sure was.

[Major James]

Then what?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

When I wasn't hit, the air started going out into the vacuum of space. The wall is self sealing, but a lot of air left the room before the hole closed. The automatic door closed. My ears were ringing. Everything got fuzzy. I guess I fainted.

[Major James]

You're lucky. The meteor was small and moving fairly slowly. Ceiling compound in the wall closed the hole before you lost too much air. Really? Your nose isn't bleeding. You haven't got the bends at least.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

No, but I'm afraid the baby's gonna be here sooner than we expected.

[Major James]

Yes, it looks like it. And don't worry. Seven month babies are just as good as nine month ones. And you're a pretty healthy girl. You'll be all right. And so will the baby.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

I know we will. Take care of us, will you, Major?

[Major James]

Sure.

[Bill Goodwin]

Don't worry.

[Major James]

That's what I'm here for, remember? How is she?

[Nurse Jenkins]

Nurse gave her a hypo. She'll be able to relax a little. She's lucky to be alive.

[Major James]

It's not all luck. Everything worked automatically. That's what saved her.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Well, she's all right now. Do you want me to prepare the room next to hers as a delivery room? We'll need it soon.

[Major James]

Well, that's what I was afraid of. But how soon do you think?

[Nurse Jenkins]

Not more than an hour or two, I'd say. What's the matter, Doctor? You look worried.

[Major James]

Your premature baby has to have a specialized environment. An incubator. If it doesn't, its chances of survival are small, right?

[Nurse Jenkins]

Well, yes.

[Major James]

Well, we haven't got an incubator. The nearest one is more than 1,000 miles away. Straight down.

[Narrator]

The plans that had been made again were not sufficient. You know, many times a man who is working with machines and knows the machine in full, understands what it does and its functions, has never recognized what its basic nature. Is he too close to it? It's the forest and the trees again. And sometimes somebody who really doesn't know as much about the machine understands it better.

[Major James]

Major James speaking. Yes, Colonel. From where? Europe. Yes, sir. Yes, I understand, sir. Very well, Colonel. Thank you. Oh, brother. That does it.

[Nurse Jenkins]

What's the matter now, sir?

[Major James]

Our message to White Sands was intercepted. The newscasters have gotten hold of the story. The communications officer just picked up a broadcast from Europe. Big stuff. First baby born in space. Emergency measures being taken. The whole world knows about it now and everybody on Earth is praying for Lieutenant Britain and her baby. Big sob story.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Well, doctor, you may not like all.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

The publicity and maybe it isn't a.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Good thing in some ways, but personally, I'm kind of glad it happened.

[Major James]

Oh, but why, Doctor?

[Nurse Jenkins]

That girl may need all that praying.

[Major James]

Well, we better get things ready.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Ness, how long do we have?

[Major James]

Half an hour at the outside. I had Nurse Bryson picks up the preliminaries. Any news?

[Nurse Jenkins]

Station commander called. He said that White Sands has assigned Captain Britain to pilot the rocket that's bringing up the incubator. She'll be glad to see him. She was supposed to have gone back to Earth a month ago.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Yeah.

[Major James]

It'll probably do her good to see him.

[Nurse Jenkins]

How's she feeling now?

[Major James]

Pretty fair. I think she'll be all right. She's got a lot of nerve, that one.

[Nurse Jenkins]

She'll need every bit of nerve if she loses that baby.

[Major James]

I know, I know. You don't need to remind me. We need an incubator within half an hour and there won't be one here for two hours. We haven't got it, and that's that. What can I do? I've tried everything.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Can't the construction crew build?

[Major James]

Well, I thought of that first thing. I called the construction officer. He told me that there isn't any spare material up here to build one out of. It costs plenty to ship stuff up here by rocket, so they only order what they absolutely need.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Isn't there anything at all?

[Major James]

Well, not unless they cut holes in the space station, and that's what they're doing. They're ripping out one of the partitions. They'll use a heater from a wall and the oxygen operators from a spacesuit. They're trying to get it finished in.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Time, but they won't finish in time.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Is that it?

[Major James]

That's it. They'll get done about 15 minutes before the rocket gets here. There's just no time, that's all. Now, try to take it easy, Lieutenant. Don't rush things.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

I'm not rushing anything.

[Major James]

Now, don't worry about anything. You'll be all right.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

I know, but I wish Jess was here.

[Major James]

Your husband is on his way, lieutenant. He's taking a special rocket up from Whitesass.

[Nurse Jenkins]

How long will it be? You'll have to hurry.

[Major James]

It'll be a little late. I'm afraid we have the delivery room already. It won't be long now.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

I know it won't. Did you get all the stuff you needed? How about the incubator?

[Nurse Jenkins]

Well, there.

[Major James]

There isn't any incubator. I didn't take the possibility of a premature delivery into account. It's all my fault. But I've done what I could. Your husband is bringing an incubator up in the rocket. It won't be too long. I think we'll be able to keep the child in good health until he gets here. Lieutenant. Lieutenant Britain. Alice, this is no time to get hysterical.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Sobbing I'm not hysterical, Doctor. You are. Look at you. You're so nervous you can't even think straight.

[Major James]

What do you mean?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Figure it out for yourself. Take a look around you and ask yourself, why is a space station like an incubator?

[Major James]

Good heavens. Of course. That's it. Can I come in?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Jeff, you finally made it. Come over here.

[Major James]

Hey, you look fine. How does it feel to be the.

[Narrator]

Most famous mother on Earth?

[Nurse Jenkins]

Huh?

[Narrator]

Or off it.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Oh, I don't care about being famous. It's wonderful just to be a mother. And how do you feel, Daddy Britton?

[Major James]

I'm wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Say, I brought you an incubator. But. But Major James said you won't need it. I asked him why and he said he felt too. Too foolish about it to explain. He said I should ask you. What's the story?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Well, it was very funny. Poor man was running around in circles.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Worrying about an incubator.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

He had you bring one up, and I understand he had the construction crew tearing down the walls to make one.

[Major James]

Really?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Really. And I finally asked him, why is a space station like an incubator? And he got it right away.

[Major James]

Got it? Got what?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Oh, don't you see, silly? A space station is a sort of an incubator. It protects us poor weak humans from the airlessness and extremities of temperature in space. And each room of this station is a separate compartment. They can be self sustaining if they have to.

[Major James]

So what did the Major do?

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

We just had one whole room isolated. You raised the temperature, pumped in extra oxygen and bingo, he had an incubator.

[Major James]

Well, where is my son? I want to see him.

[Lieutenant Alice Britton]

Your daughter, dear, and she's in the next room. Oh, but you can't go right in. You just wait. You've got a good many years ahead.

[Nurse Jenkins]

Of you to get acquainted with her.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Major James]

I guess I just have to practice getting acquainted with you. Come here.

[Narrator]

There's the impression that science fiction has to do with machines. And it's all about gadgets and ray guns. It isn't. That's why it's science fiction. It has to do with human beings and the problems that human beings will have with the machines we do and must live with. And if the machines aren't properly designed to recognize that their purpose is to serve humanity. Humanity. They're no good either.

[Major James]

Heard in our cast tonight were Lawson Zerby, Carol Tital, and script was by Randell Garrett. Produced and directed by Sanford Marshall. In New York, Guy Wallace speaking. This is the world's largest. We pause now for station identification.