Ep 1. Can We Do This

From The Earth To The Moon is a 12-episode docudrama television miniseries that chronicles the events of the Apollo space program during the 1960s and 1970s. The first episode of the series, titled "Can We Do This," explores the early days of the space race and the challenges faced by the United States as they attempted to catch up with the Soviet Union's progress in space.

The episode begins in 1961 with the Soviet Union successfully launching Yuri Gagarin into space, becoming the first country to put a human in orbit around the Earth. This event sends shockwaves through the United States and prompts President John F. Kennedy to make a bold promise: to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade.

The episode then introduces us to the key players in the American space program, including NASA executives, astronauts, and engineers. We meet Gene Kranz, the flight director who will play a vital role in the success of the Apollo missions, and Jim Lovell, an astronaut who will eventually become one of the most famous names in the space program. Through their eyes, we see the early days of NASA, as they work to develop the technology necessary to send astronauts to the moon.

The episode is filled with fascinating details about the challenges faced by the American space program. We see how NASA struggled to develop a rocket powerful enough to carry a spacecraft to the moon, and how they had to improvise with off-the-shelf hardware to create the computer systems needed for the Apollo missions. We also see the human toll of the space race, as the pressure to succeed takes a toll on the lives of those involved.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is the personal stories of the people involved. We see the sacrifices made by the families of astronauts, who had to live with the constant fear of their loved ones dying in space. We also see the challenges faced by the first African American astronaut, Ed Dwight, who faced discrimination both within NASA and in the wider world.

"Can We Do This" is a gripping and inspiring look at the early days of the space race. It shows the determination and skill of the American space program, as well as the human cost of its success. By the end of the episode, we are left with a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible accomplishments of the Apollo missions, and a renewed appreciation for the courage and sacrifice of those who made them possible.