Ep 8. Space: The Final Frontier

In season 5 episode 8 of America: Facts vs. Fiction, titled Space: The Final Frontier, viewers are taken on a journey through the history of space exploration in America. The episode explores some of the most iconic and legendary moments in American space exploration, including the moon landing, the Challenger disaster, and the beginnings of the Space Shuttle program.

Using interviews with historians and experts, as well as archival footage and dramatic reenactments, the show explores the many myths and legends that have grown up around America's space program over the years. From the idea that the moon landing was faked to the legend of the "space pen" that supposedly saved the Apollo astronauts from certain death, the show delves into the popular misconceptions and myths that have become part of our cultural lore.

At the same time, the show highlights some of the real contributions that America's space program has made to science and technology, as well as to our national identity. From the development of new materials and technologies that have helped advance fields like aerospace and medicine, to the inspiration that space exploration has provided to generations of Americans, the show makes a compelling case for the value of our investment in space.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a range of fascinating stories and anecdotes, from the controversy over whether the Soviet Union really beat America to the punch with the first satellite launch, to the story of how an ordinary woman helped save the Apollo 13 astronauts from disaster. With its combination of compelling storytelling and rigorous historical research, Space: The Final Frontier is an engaging and enlightening exploration of one of the most iconic chapters in American history.