'For All Mankind' sneak peek: Space physics fixes a vending machine in 'Don't Be Cruel'

News
By Elizabeth Howell
last updated

Don't get between an engineer and snacks.

Studying space physics sure comes in handy when wrestling with vending machines.

NASA Johnson Space Center's fictional director, Margo Madison (Wrenn Schmidt), uses this knowledge to help a younger employee in this week's episode of "For All Mankind," which airs Friday (April 2) on Apple TV+.

This sneak peek clip form Apple TV+ shows Madison watching Aleida Rosales (Coral Peña) shaking a vending machine to no avail, after buying a snack during a late-night work session. 

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"Try a little negative pressure," Madison suggests.

Rosales flaps the tray cover a few times and watches the bag fall successfully towards her hand. "Nice trick," she says, holding up the snack in a thank-you gesture.

The clip then includes a spoiler for a diplomatic situation NASA has been facing in this alternate history of the 1980s space program. 

We won't disclose what's been going on, except to say that Madison invites Rosales into her office to share a drink and discuss some progress. Rosales, who is very junior and new to the agency, hesitates until Madison urges her. "Come on! Before I change my mind."

Wrenn Schmidt as Margo Madison in the "For All Mankind" season 2 episode 7 "Don't Be Cruel." (Image credit: Courtesy of Apple)

To learn more about their discussion and NASA's diplomatic dilemma, watch the full episode on the streaming platform Apple TV+, which requires a subscription of $4.99/month. Season 1 and the first half of Season 2 are now available.

If you've got time for a deeper dive, we have a spoiler-free discussion of what to expect in Season 2 on collectSPACE. More likely spoiler-filled information is available on "For All Mankind: The Official Podcast," on Apple Podcasts. You can also check out an augmented reality experience called "For All Mankind: Time Capsule" in the App Store.

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Elizabeth Howell
Elizabeth Howell
Staff Writer, Spaceflight

Elizabeth Howell (she/her), Ph.D., is a staff writer in the spaceflight channel since 2022 covering diversity, education and gaming as well. She was contributing writer for Space.com for 10 years before joining full-time. Elizabeth's reporting includes multiple exclusives with the White House and Office of the Vice-President of the United States, an exclusive conversation with aspiring space tourist (and NSYNC bassist) Lance Bass, speaking several times with the International Space Station, witnessing five human spaceflight launches on two continents, flying parabolic, working inside a spacesuit, and participating in a simulated Mars mission. Her latest book, "Why Am I Taller?", is co-written with astronaut Dave Williams. Elizabeth holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota, a Bachelor of Journalism from Canada's Carleton University and a Bachelor of History from Canada's Athabasca University. Elizabeth is also a post-secondary instructor in communications and science at several institutions since 2015; her experience includes developing and teaching an astronomy course at Canada's Algonquin College (with Indigenous content as well) to more than 1,000 students since 2020. Elizabeth first got interested in space after watching the movie Apollo 13 in 1996, and still wants to be an astronaut someday. Mastodon: https://qoto.org/@howellspace