The Brilliant, 1930s Rocket Scientist Who Was Also in a Sex Magick Cult

Jack Parsons was a genius who, during the 1930s, was responsible for numerous breakthroughs in the field of “rocket science” — before rocket science was even a field. But a new show by CBS also looks into the true story behind the scientist’s interest in Thelemite occultism alongside his mentor and friend, Aleister Crowley. Strange Angel shows Parsons as a dreamer who is confident that he will achieve his goals, which include constructing the “self-propelled outer-space vehicles” he read about as a kid, writes The Daily Beast. His professional life is paralleled by his personal one, where he struggles with money and his relationship. In real life, Parsons dabbled with adultery, communal living, unconventional sexual practices, UFO sighting, dark magic and more, and so CBS has plenty of ways to take the show, reports Daily Beast.