NOVA Season 12 Episode 1 Space Bridge to Moscow

In the first episode of NOVA's twelfth season, titled "Space Bridge to Moscow," viewers are taken on a journey that explores the history and impact of the first international science collaboration in space: the joint mission between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1975.

The episode begins by setting the scene of the tension and hostility between the two superpowers during the height of the Cold War. The prospect of working together in space seemed impossible, yet a group of scientists on both sides believed that a joint mission could be a breakthrough in international collaboration and could represent a new path to peace.

The episode features interviews and footage of some of the key players involved in the collaboration, including Frank Borman, who served as the commander of the US Apollo 8 mission, and Alexei Leonov, the first person to conduct a spacewalk. These individuals were part of a small group of scientists who worked behind the scenes to push for the joint mission, despite the political obstacles in their way.

The episode then dives into the challenges of creating a joint mission. Language and cultural barriers, as well as differing approaches to training and safety, presented significant hurdles that had to be overcome before the mission could proceed. However, the scientists on both sides persevered, and ultimately a plan was developed for a mission that would involve a US Apollo spacecraft docking with a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft in orbit.

The second half of the episode focuses on the actual mission, which took place in July 1975. Detailed accounts from the astronauts involved, as well as an impressive collection of archival footage, help to bring this tense and groundbreaking event to life. Viewers witness the dramatic moments of the spacecraft docking, the astronauts floating between the two vessels, and the celebrations upon mission completion.

The episode concludes with a look at the legacy of the joint mission. Despite being a relatively short event in the overall history of space exploration, the joint mission represented a major step forward in international collaboration and served as a symbol of hope for countries around the world. In the decades since the mission, scientific collaboration between the US and Russia has continued, albeit with some interruptions due to political tensions.

Overall, "Space Bridge to Moscow" is a compelling and informative look at a pivotal moment in space exploration and international relations. Viewers will come away with a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the scientists involved in the mission, as well as a renewed sense of the potential for cooperation and collaboration across political and cultural divides.