Ep 4. Advent

In The Right Stuff season 1 episode 4, entitled Advent, viewers are taken back to the early days of the space race as the United States strives to catch up with the Soviet Union's advances in space exploration. The episode centers around the preparation for and launch of the first American space mission -- Mercury-Redstone launch MR-1.

As tensions rise amongst the astronauts, various concerns come to light that threaten the launch's success. The most significant concern is the spacecraft's lack of a functioning escape system, which leaves little room for error during launch and increases the risk of catastrophic failure. The astronauts' concerns are dismissed by their superiors, and tensions come to a head as they demand improvements to the spacecraft. Meanwhile, the media attention is on the space race and the pressure to succeed mounts.

As the countdown to launch begins, viewers witness the inner workings of the capsule and the astronauts' preparation. We see the complexity of the numerous systems that must be monitored during the flight and the potential consequences of any malfunctions. The astronauts must remain calm under pressure as they report on instrument readings and monitor their vitals.

The episode also delves into the personal lives of the astronauts and hints at the toll that such a high-stress occupation can take on one's mental well-being. The viewers get a glimpse of one of the astronaut's struggles with his marriage and his inability to connect with his family due to the demands of his job.

The launch countdown proceeds, and the tension builds in the control room as they await the final "Go for launch" call. As the rocket ignites and the spacecraft hurtles into the sky, viewers are left on the edge of their seats as they hope for a successful launch.

The episode concludes with the spacecraft's safe return to earth and the astronauts' successful execution of the flight's procedures. The astronauts share a moment of relief and camaraderie as they exit the capsule, and we are left with a sense of accomplishment for the American team.

Overall, The Right Stuff season 1 episode 4 is a thrilling account of the early days of American space exploration. The episode showcases the dangers and complexities of space travel, as well as the personal toll that such a profession can take on an individual and their loved ones.