Chasing the Moon Season 1 Episode 2 Earthrise

Chasing the Moon is a six-part American documentary series that explores America’s history with space exploration and the race to the moon through the lens of the Cold War. Episode two of the series is titled "Earthrise."

In the second episode of Chasing the Moon, viewers are taken back to the late 1960s, where the Apollo 8 space program is preparing for the first-ever voyage to the Moon. NASA astronauts Frank Borman, Bill Anders, and Jim Lovell are part of the Apollo 8 crew for the historic mission. The episode follows their journey as they launch into space on the Apollo 8 spacecraft and venture farther than any human being has gone before.

The episode begins by highlighting the initial struggles of the Apollo 8 program, including technical difficulties with the spacecraft and concerns about radiation. Despite these challenges, the program perseveres, and the episode moves on to the spacecraft's launch. The launch is an emotional moment, as the astronauts' families watch from Earth with a mixture of pride, fear, and anticipation.

As the Apollo 8 spacecraft makes its way toward the Moon, the astronauts face new challenges. They must navigate using a new computer system and monitor the spacecraft's vital signs to ensure the mission's success. The episode provides insights into the astronauts' daily routine during the trip, including their meals, sleeping arrangements, and communication with mission control.

As the spacecraft nears the Moon, the crew becomes the first human beings to witness the Earth rising above the lunar surface. The episode does a fantastic job of capturing the awe-inspiring moment and the crew's emotional reactions to the extraordinary sight.

The Earthrise moment turns the mission into a pivotal moment in American history, and the episode places a significant emphasis on its importance. The episode follows the crew's photo opportunities and press conferences upon returning to Earth.

Overall, episode two of Chasing the Moon does an exceptional job of capturing the cultural significance of the Apollo 8 mission and the Earthrise moment. It highlights the bravery of the astronauts and the groundbreaking technological advancements that made the mission possible. The visual graphics used in the episode make it feel like viewers are watching the Moon landing for the first time. The episode's pacing is perfect, and the emotions involved are genuine, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the history of space exploration.