Ep 4. Missing Moon Rocks

In Brad Meltzer's Lost History season 1 episode 4, titled "Missing Moon Rocks," viewers are taken on a journey to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of priceless moon rocks gifted to nations around the world by the United States in the wake of the Apollo missions.

The episode begins with a glimpse of President Richard Nixon presenting moon rocks to leaders of countries such as Honduras, Malta, and Romania. These gifts, symbolizing the U.S.'s efforts to explore and advance in space exploration, were meant to be cherished and preserved for generations to come.

However, as the years went by, many of these moon rocks went missing. The episode follows the investigative efforts of a team of experts, including historian Doug Brinkley and NASA's former Chief Historian Bill Barry, who have dedicated their careers to locating and retrieving these priceless artifacts.

The team starts by interviewing past recipients of moon rocks in countries such as Malta and Romania. They discover that the rocks were often kept in prized positions such as museums or government buildings but were eventually lost or stolen over time, possibly due to a combination of lack of security and the allure of their rarity.

As the team delves deeper into the mystery, they uncover evidence of a thriving black market trade in moon rocks. They visit a gem dealer in Florida who claims to have a piece of a moon rock in his possession, and they learn about a high-profile case involving a woman who attempted to sell a moon rock to an undercover agent in a sting operation.

Despite the setbacks, the team remains determined to locate the missing moon rocks. They visit NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where they meet with officials who reveal that even more moon rocks - ones that were previously believed to be lost - are still in the agency's possession.

The episode provides a sobering look at the ways in which history can disappear without proper care or oversight. It also highlights the dedication and passion of those who work tirelessly to uncover and preserve the artifacts that define our past.

By the end of the episode, the team has made significant progress in their quest to locate the missing moon rocks, demonstrating the value of persistence and dogged investigation. The episode serves as a reminder of the power of history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.