When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions Season 1 Episode 1 Ordinary Supermen

When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions is a six-part documentary series that explores the history of NASA's space program from its inception to the present day. Season 1, Episode 1, "Ordinary Supermen," introduces viewers to a group of men who changed the course of human history: the astronauts of the Mercury program.

Narrated by Gary Sinise, the episode begins with the launch of the first American satellite in 1958. It quickly became clear that the Soviet Union was winning the space race, having successfully launched the first satellite (Sputnik) and the first human (Yuri Gagarin) into space. The United States needed to act fast if it was going to stay in the game.

Enter the Mercury program. Its mission: to send an American into space and return him safely to Earth. The program was named after the Roman messenger god, Mercury, and consisted of seven astronauts, all of whom were military test pilots with impressive resumes. These were men who knew how to fly planes and handle high-pressure situations; they were America's best hope for beating the Soviets to the punch.

The episode introduces each of the Mercury astronauts in turn, showcasing their personalities, backgrounds, and families. John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, is presented as a natural leader with a flair for public speaking. Alan Shepard, the first American in space, is described as a wily Texan with a can-do attitude. Gus Grissom, the second American in space, is depicted as a no-nonsense technician who always put safety first.

The episode then follows the progress of the Mercury program, from the early stages of training to the nail-biting first launches. Footage from the time is used to show the cramped spaceships, the elaborate launch towers, and the tense control rooms packed with engineers and scientists.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode is the way it portrays the astronauts themselves. They are shown to be not only brave and skilled but also very human. We see them cracking jokes, swapping stories, and joking around with their families. We also see them dealing with setbacks and disappointments, such as when Deke Slayton is grounded due to a heart condition or when Grissom's capsule sinks in the ocean after he splashes down.

Another highlight of the episode is the way it showcases the technology of the time. We see the early computers that were used to calculate trajectories and simulate missions. We see the mechanical arms that were used to install astronauts into their spacecraft. And we see the primitive life support systems that had to be continually monitored to keep the astronauts breathing.

Throughout it all, the episode emphasizes the incredible danger and uncertainty of space travel. We see footage of rockets exploding on the launch pad and astronauts struggling to survive in zero gravity. We hear stories of the fear and adrenaline that the astronauts felt during their missions, and we marvel at their courage in the face of such challenges.

The episode ends on a note of hope and triumph, as Glenn becomes the first American to orbit the Earth and receives a hero's welcome upon his return. The Mercury program may have been just the beginning of America's space program, but it laid the foundation for everything that was to come.

Overall, "Ordinary Supermen" is a fascinating look at a defining moment in American history. It brings to life the incredible achievements of the Mercury program and the men who risked their lives to make them happen. Whether you're a space enthusiast or simply someone who's interested in the history of exploration and technology, this episode is well worth watching.