Watch N.A.S.A.: The Spirit of Apollo

N.A.S.A.: The Spirit of Apollo is a 2010 documentary that explores the history and legacy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and its groundbreaking Apollo program. Directed by David Hoffman and narrated by actor Peter Coyote, the film takes viewers on a journey through the early days of space exploration in the 1960s, sharing the triumphs and tragedies of the people who made it possible.

The documentary opens with stunning archival footage of the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, setting the stage for a retrospective look at the events that led up to that historic moment. Through interviews with NASA astronauts, engineers, and scientists, as well as journalists who covered the space program, the film gives voice to the people who made the Apollo missions possible.

The first section of the film covers the early days of NASA, from its creation in 1958 through the first manned space flight in 1961. Viewers learn about the rivalry between the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War and the role that the space race played in that competition. The film details the challenges faced by NASA in its early years, including the disastrous Apollo 1 fire that claimed the lives of three astronauts in 1967.

The middle section of the film delves into the Apollo program itself, offering a detailed look at the missions that sent astronauts to the moon. Through interviews with Apollo astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, and Michael Collins, viewers learn about the physical and emotional tolls of space travel and the camaraderie that developed among the astronauts over the course of their missions. The film also explores the groundbreaking technology that made the Apollo missions possible, from the Saturn V rocket to the Lunar Module.

The final section of the film examines the legacy of the Apollo program, both for NASA and for the United States as a whole. The documentary discusses the impact that the space program had on American society, inspiring a new generation to explore science and technology. It also looks at the many scientific breakthroughs that resulted from the Apollo missions, from new insights into the origins of the universe to advances in materials science and remote sensing.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to stunning visuals and archival footage from NASA's archives. From the awe-inspiring view of the Earth from space to the heart-pumping moments of the Apollo 11 landing, the film captures the wonder, excitement, and danger of space travel. The documentary also features a moving score by composer Philip Glass, which perfectly captures the grandeur and emotion of the subject matter.

Overall, N.A.S.A.: The Spirit of Apollo is a fascinating and inspiring look at one of the greatest achievements of human history. The film does an excellent job of putting the human face on the heroic effort that made the Apollo program a reality, giving viewers a sense of the courage, ingenuity, and dedication of the people who made it all happen. For anyone with an interest in space exploration or modern American history, this film is a must-see.

N.A.S.A.: The Spirit of Apollo is a 2010 animated movie with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.