Ep 11. Friendship 7 - John Glenn First US Man to Orbit Earth

The NASA Collection season 1 episode 11 is titled "Friendship 7 - John Glenn First US Man to Orbit Earth." This episode takes a deep dive into the story of astronaut John Glenn's historic flight on February 20, 1962, in which he became the first American man to orbit the Earth. Using archival footage and interviews with those involved in the mission, viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, preparation, and execution of this groundbreaking achievement.

The episode opens with a brief overview of the early days of the US space program, including the launch of the first American satellite and the first manned spaceflight by astronaut Alan Shepard. It then focuses on the selection and training of the "Mercury Seven" astronauts, of which John Glenn was a member. Viewers are introduced to Glenn and given a glimpse into his background and personality, as well as his reasons for wanting to become an astronaut.

The bulk of the episode is dedicated to the details of Glenn's historic flight, from the pre-launch rituals to the actual launch and orbit. The challenges and risks of the mission are discussed, including the potential for technical failures, issues with Glenn's spacesuit, and the possibility of re-entry failure. Viewers see footage of the launch and follow along as Glenn orbits the Earth three times, enduring extreme physical and mental stress throughout the journey.

Throughout the episode, the importance of Glenn's flight to the US space program and the country as a whole is emphasized. Viewers see the outpouring of public support for Glenn, including the ringing of church bells across the country during his flight, and the pride and relief on the faces of NASA officials as they monitor the mission from the ground.

The episode also touches on the broader societal and political context in which the US space program was operating at the time. The Cold War rivalry between the US and Soviet Union is discussed, as well as the role that the space race played in the larger geopolitical landscape.

Overall, "Friendship 7 - John Glenn First US Man to Orbit Earth" is a fascinating look at one of the most important moments in the history of the US space program, as well as a tribute to the bravery and dedication of the early space pioneers. Whether you are a space enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone interested in science and technology, this episode is a must-watch.