MegaWorld

A couple of amateur astronauts attempt to launch a rocket into orbit from the high seas, in an ambitious project as the rocket launch pad bobs up and down in the sea in anticipation of blast off. If the rocket isn't perfectly vertical on lift-off it could be a disaster. See the technology behind a completely automated parking lot in Copenhagen plus Lego's massive factory.

If everything is bigger in Texas, then the huge American State is a perfect fit for MegaWorld. We begin our journey in the world's largest indoor pool at the Johnson Space Center and spin our tires at Goodyear's huge tire test facility and see the Air Force's huge Boeing C-17 transport planes.

Czech Republic has a long history of innovative engineering. See how they are meeting the challenges of building Europe’s longest automobile tunnel right underneath the historic city of Prague. Go behind the scenes for exclusive access to the world’s largest castle in downtown Prague. Watch European Truck Racing champion try to regain his title. Other stories include a Czech company that makes the best plastic explosives; the largest earth-moving excavator in Europe; and the biggest beer spa in the world.

Poland’s long and tumultuous history, by necessity, has given rise to incredible technology. Follow a team of detectives in the Sowie Mountains as they try to crack the mystery of a huge underground maze of tunnels built by the Nazis. See bomb disposal experts find and detonate Second World War explosives that still litter the country. Other stories include Poland’s rush to complete four new stadiums in time for the Euro 2012 soccer tournament; a company that makes the world’s largest luxury catamarans; a trip to Poland’s own Hollywood-style stunt school; and an amazing journey down into a 900 year-old salt mine – home to the largest underground cathedral in the world.

There’s a lot more to Austria than Mozart and the Von Trapp singers. Travel to the top of the Austrian Alps to see how a ski resort protects itself from deadly avalanches; watch World Champion air racer Hannes Arch pull 12 Gs in his aircraft as he trains for the upcoming season; and witness armoured vehicles survive the most violent explosions. Other stories include the world’s most unique automobile assembly line, the largest and most powerful airport rescue vehicle and a factory that makes the longest train rails in the world.

Discover cutting edge innovations in science and technology from across the Great White North. Step inside the state-of-the-art facilities where Canada's coolest and fastest aerospace and transportation exports are developed, manufactured and tested. Other possible stories include diamond mining in the Northwest Territories, and the epic ice road that must be built every year to haul the 300,000 tons of fuel, explosives, steel and concrete needed to operate the mines.

MegaWorld Hawaii exposes the amazing technology and science of one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. We catch up with Japanese extreme-sailor, Kenichi Horie, as he attempts a Guinness world record trip from Hawaii to Japan aboard the world's most advanced wave-powered boat. Then we burn our feet mapping the flowing lava from the world's most active volcano, in the accompaniment of Jim K, Hawaii's foremost expert on volcanoes. We watch the world's most powerful underwater vacuum, Hawaii's "Super Sucker", as it sucks alien algae off the ocean floor, and then travel even deeper underwater in a high-tech manned submersible. And that's just a start - from sand to surf, we'll expose Hawaii like you've never seen it before.

The United Arab Emirates is a place of contradictions where traditional Bedouins live next to glittering cities with the tallest and most expensive buildings in the world. Dubai is the world's fastest growing city. Anything is possible here from camel-riding robots to downhill skiing indoors on real snow. Futuristic skyscrapers rise at breakneck speed on land that was desert only a few years ago. "MegaWorld: Dubai" will take you inside the newest and most innovative projects in this architectural and engineering wonderland.

Focusing on the western half of the country, this fascinating special takes a closer look at how American scientists and engineers are leading the way in aviation, shipbuilding and civil engineering. San Francisco's quake-prone Bay Bridge is undergoing a mega safety upgrade that will see half the bridge demolished and replaced with the longest self-anchored suspension span in the world. Follow the logistical ballet of unloading tens of thousands of containers every day at the nation's busiest port. Join the Air Force on an unusual rescue mission as they fly a zoo elephant from Alaska to retirement in California on board a C-17, the only aircraft big enough for the job. Other engineering marvels include the first football stadium in North America with a retractable playing field and a Volkswagen Beetle souped-up with a jet engine for an extra 1350 horsepower.

A whole continent in one country, Australia is a vast landscape best known for its natural beauty. It is also a place where technological and scientific innovation thrives. Highlights include the manufacturing of the world's biggest truck. Called a "road train", this monster is a unique solution to moving goods across the vast Australian landscape. Take a ride on the world's biggest motorcycle as rolls right over a mobile home, and go deep into the "Super Pit" - the biggest open pit gold mine in the country where up to 28 tons of gold is blasted out of the rock every year.

Switzerland is a tiny country making a huge impact in the world of science and technology; visit the worlds biggest science experiment; a homemade rocket-propelled 'wing' strapped to a sky diver; the biggest fireworks display in Europe.

This fascinating one-hour special takes a closer look at how Spanish advancements in various industries are shaping European science and technology. From innovations in the areas of solar energy to high-tech developments in auto engineering, this special goes inside the fastest, coolest and biggest projects coming out of Spain.

One of the world's fastest super cars; largest underground mine in the world; where Absolut Vodka is made.

Nuclear-powered submarine; Land Rover off-road testing; the latest from Rolls-Royce.

World's most powerful tugboats; floating homes; world's largest flower auction.

Discover the secrets behind Italy's latest technological achievements, including the newest techniques to test sports cars and the measures in place to keep Venice above water.

Join the French Navy's elite crew of divers who specialise in deep ocean rescues. We also meet the scientists working to protect France from a potentially deadly tsunami.

From resurfacing busy airport runways in hours to vehicles that safely clear landmines, Germany's inventors, engineers and designers are leading the charge into the 21st century.