Ep 3. Have We Cleared the Tower

In episode 3 of season 1 of From The Earth To The Moon, entitled "Have We Cleared the Tower," the focus is on the launch of Apollo 8, which is the first manned mission to the moon. The episode picks up shortly after the disastrous fire that claimed the lives of three astronauts during a ground test in January 1967. The team at NASA is still grieving the loss of their colleagues and is determined to learn from the tragedy and prevent it from happening again.

The episode begins with the preparations for the launch of Apollo 8. The crew, consisting of Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders, is getting ready for the biggest mission of their careers. Meanwhile, the ground team is working around the clock to ensure that everything is ready for the launch. The astronauts are put through a grueling series of tests and simulations to make sure that they are prepared for anything that might happen.

As the launch day approaches, tension is high at NASA. The team is keenly aware of the stakes involved in this mission. President Nixon has made it clear that the eyes of the world are on the United States, and NASA is determined to deliver a successful mission and show the world what American technology and ingenuity can achieve.

The launch of Apollo 8 is not without its challenges. As the countdown begins, the team is keeping a close eye on the weather. The launch might have to be delayed if conditions are not optimal. But, after some nervous moments, the team gets the green light to proceed with the launch.

The episode then follows the progress of Apollo 8 as it makes its way towards the moon. The team encounters a number of challenges along the way, including technical glitches and unexpected incidents. But, through it all, the crew remains calm and focused, relying on their training and experience to overcome each obstacle.

One of the highlights of the episode is the moment when the crew takes the first-ever photograph of the earth rising above the moon. The moment is captured on camera, and the world watches in wonder as the image is broadcast live. The crew's sense of awe and wonder is palpable, and it's hard not to be moved by the scale and beauty of what they are seeing.

As Apollo 8 makes its way back to earth, the team at NASA is, once again, on edge. The crew must navigate a fiery reentry and make a safe landing. And, once again, they succeed in their mission. The sense of relief and triumph is palpable as Borman, Lovell, and Anders emerge from the capsule safe and sound.

Overall, "Have We Cleared the Tower" is a thrilling and inspiring episode that captures the spirit of hope and determination that defined the early days of the space race. It's a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of the men and women who made these missions possible and serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when we set our sights high and work together towards a common goal.