When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions

Watch When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions

  • TV-G
  • 2008
  • 1 Season
  • 8.8  (2,037)

When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions is an incredible documentary series produced by Discovery Channel that delves deep into the phenomenal history of NASA's notable flagship missions. The series takes its viewers on an incredible journey, recounting the space exploration history by NASA with awe-inspiring and never-before-seen footage, and exciting personal interviews with astronauts, engineers, and the people who made it all happen.

Narrated by the enigmatic actor Gary Sinise, the series covers the entire timeline of NASA's history, from their first successful space flight with Alan Shepard in 1961 to their latest unmanned mission to Mars in 2008. When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions is a marvel to watch, and the quality of the documentary is such that it sinks into the viewer and makes them feel like they are part of this incredible journey, standing alongside the astronauts as they ventured into space.

The show showcases the sheer brilliance of the scientists, engineers, and astronauts that have dedicated their lives to NASA and the evolution of space exploration. Astronauts including Gene Cernan, Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell, Neil Armstrong, and John Young, among others, are interviewed and offer their insightful views and personal experiences of the spaceflight missions. Their interviews shed light on the harsh realities of space exploration, which include the physical and mental toll of being in space and the challenges of working in a high-stress environment.

The documentary series is presented in stunning high-definition. The breathtaking footage of shuttle launches, spacewalks, docking procedures, and landings is just mind-blowing. The sight of the earth's curvature from space must be seen to be believed, and for those with even a passing interest in space technology, this show is an absolute must-watch. The footage is so well executed that it exemplifies the enormity of the accomplishments to humanity of the United States' space program.

Beyond the breathtaking footage, When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions also tells the stories of the unsung heroes of the space program. Christopher C. Kraft, the first NASA Flight Director, is among those interviewed. Kraft shares his perspectives on the history of the space program from his time spent on Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, and was responsible for directing the missions from the ground. Other engineers and bureaucrats like Gene Kranz, NASA's legendary Flight Director during Apollo 13, and Stephen Hawley, who worked on the Hubble Telescope, offer their fascinating insights into the various programs and their contributions to the program's success.

For history buffs, When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions provides a comprehensive look at the socio-economic, political, and technological realities of the space program's history. The series perfectly captures the progress and evolution of NASA's mission to conquer space, highlighting human innovation and the desire for knowledge. It's a testament to the indomitable human spirit and our never-ending desire to discover new things.

The music score in this series is equally impressive, combining epic soundscapes and a breathtaking orchestral music arrangement. The score complements the visuals and the interviews impeccably, providing an emotional underpinning that makes it even more profound.

In conclusion, When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions is a landmark documentary series that provides an engrossing overview of the history of the United States space program. Every episode is packed with drama, excitement, inspiration, and provides a fascinating insight into the world of space exploration. It offers an ultimate viewing experience that enlightens while at the same time engages its audiences. It presents a powerful argument for the continuation of space exploration and for the hope that one day humanity will reach beyond our planet's boundaries.

When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on June 8, 2008.

When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions
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Seasons
A Home in Space
6. A Home in Space
January 1, 2008
Hubble needs rescue, and a space station paves the way back to the moon and mars. Featuring newly re-mastered film from NASA's vault and told by the astronauts and engineers who were there.
The Shuttle
5. The Shuttle
June 22, 2008
A shuttle revolutionizes space travel and a Gemini astronaut is the first to fly it. Tragedy again strikes NASA when the Challenger explodes. Featuring newly re-mastered film from NASA's vault and told by the astronauts and engineers who were there.
The Explorers
4. The Explorers
January 1, 2008
NASA faces a crisis with Apollo 13. A new lunar rover enables moonwalkers to explore further than ever. Skylab lets astronauts live in space. Featuring newly re-mastered film from NASA's vault and told by the astronauts and engineers who were there.
Landing the Eagle
3. Landing the Eagle
June 15, 2008
A fire kills three beloved astronauts. NASA rebounds, launching men into deep space and landing Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon. Featuring newly re-mastered film from NASA's vault and told by the astronauts and engineers who were there.
Project Gemini: Friends and Rivals
2. Project Gemini: Friends and Rivals
January 1, 2008
NASA begins the Gemini program. For the first time, it will launch two men into space in a single spaceship. Gemini is charged with achieving an ambitious set of advanced space travel goals from long-duration flights to space walks.
Ordinary Supermen
1. Ordinary Supermen
June 8, 2008
NASA chooses the seven test pilots who will risk their lives to become the first astronauts. Although no capsule has ever made a successful launch into orbit, there is no other known way of reaching space. The Mercury astronauts and engineers need to figure out how to launch a man into space on top of a converted intercontinental ballistic missile.
Description
Where to Watch When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions
When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions is available for streaming on the Discovery Channel website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions on demand at Philo, Amazon, Discovery and Google Play.
  • Premiere Date
    June 8, 2008
  • IMDB Rating
    8.8  (2,037)