Watch America In Space: The First Decade

America in Space: The First Decade is a feature-length documentary film that chronicles the first ten years of America's manned space exploration program. Produced in 1984, this film offers an in-depth look at the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions that paved the way for Neil Armstrong's historic first steps on the moon in 1969. Narrated by actor Robert Vaughn, the film features rare archival footage and interviews with key figures in the space program, including astronauts Alan Shepard, John Glenn, and Buzz Aldrin. It takes viewers behind the scenes of some of America's most significant space missions, offering a detailed account of the challenges faced by astronauts and engineers alike.

The film begins by exploring the Mercury program, which was launched in 1959 with the aim of putting a man into orbit around the Earth. With little precedent for such a mission, the film shows how engineers had to design and build a spacecraft that could withstand the extreme heat and pressure of re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The film examines the training that astronauts underwent to prepare them for the rigors of space travel, as well as the pressures and risks involved in being the first to venture into the unknown.

The documentary then moves on to the Gemini program, launched in 1962, which sought to build on the successes of Mercury and prepare astronauts for even longer space missions. The film notes that Gemini produced many technological advances that were crucial to the success of the later Apollo program, including the first docking of two spacecraft in orbit.

Finally, the film delves into the Apollo program, which aimed to put a man on the moon before the end of the decade. The sheer scale of the undertaking is stunning, from the construction of the massive Saturn V rocket to the intricate maneuvers required to achieve lunar orbit and a successful moon landing. The film captures the excitement and tension of these missions, as well as the ingenuity of the engineers who built the equipment and the bravery of the astronauts who piloted it.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of awe and respect for the accomplishments of the space program. As one commentator notes, "We did it because we simply had to. It was a monumental challenge and it had to be met." The footage of launches and landings is exhilarating, capturing the drama and spectacle of this historic era. Yet the filmmakers also capture the human side of the story, showing how astronauts coped with the pressure and isolation of space travel and how the space program inspired a generation of young people to pursue careers in science and technology.

Overall, America in Space: The First Decade is a fascinating and comprehensive look at one of the most significant periods in American history. It provides insight into the technological and human achievements of the space program, as well as the broader social and political context that drove these efforts. For anyone interested in space history, this film is essential viewing.