In a recent BBC World Service bulletin, several remarkable stories were shared, highlighting extraordinary human experiences across different realms.

Abdul Ahad Mohmand: Afghanistan's Space Pioneer

Abdul Ahad Mohmand was the first and only Afghan to venture into space. In 1988, during the tumultuous final days of Russia's control over Afghanistan, he had the opportunity to visit the Mir space station alongside a Russian commander. However, their return to Earth did not unfold as planned. Abdul recounted his experiences to Jo Fidgen in 2015. He passed away in Stuttgart, Germany, in June 2026.

Christian Clot: Time Perception in Isolation

Christian Clot, an explorer known for his expeditions to some of the world's most inhospitable locations, embarked on a unique project in 2021. He collaborated with scientists to study human perception of time by taking 15 volunteers into a vast cave system in southwest France. They spent 40 days underground without clocks or natural light, leading to unexpected reactions when the experiment concluded. Christian shared insights from this experience with Kevin Ponniah in 2021.