When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions Season 1 Episode 5 The Shuttle

When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions season 1 episode 5 titled The Shuttle takes the viewers into the history of the Space Shuttle program - one of the most ambitious, expensive, and complex missions ever undertaken by NASA.

The Space Shuttle program began in 1972, and the first shuttle, Columbia, was launched in 1981. The Shuttle was designed to be a reusable spacecraft, unlike the previous missions, which used disposable capsules. The idea was to reduce the cost of space travel by reusing the spacecraft and making missions more efficient.

The Shuttle's first mission was to deploy a communication satellite into orbit, and it was a success. The Shuttle was then used to launch other satellites, repair and service existing ones, and conduct scientific experiments in space. The Shuttle was also used to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

The episode tells the story of the Space Shuttle program through the eyes of the people who designed, built, and flew the spacecraft. Viewers get to see the challenges faced by the engineers and scientists during the development phase and the rigorous tests conducted to ensure the safety of the spacecraft.

The episode also highlights some of the most significant missions of the Shuttle program, such as the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990, which revolutionized our understanding of the universe. The episode also covers the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986, which claimed the lives of all seven crew members on board.

The Space Shuttle program was not without its controversies. The episode explores the criticism that was leveled against the program for its high cost and lack of progress in developing new technology for space exploration. However, the supporters of the program argue that the Shuttle laid the foundation for future space exploration, and its legacy is still felt today.

The episode also looks at the role of NASA's astronauts in the Space Shuttle program. Viewers get an insight into the rigorous training and preparation required to become an astronaut and the risks involved in space travel. The episode features interviews with several astronauts who flew on the Shuttle, and their first-hand accounts add a personal touch to the story.

Overall, When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions season 1 episode 5 is an engaging and informative account of NASA's Space Shuttle program. From the challenges faced by the engineers and scientists to the personal stories of the astronauts, the episode provides a comprehensive look at one of the most significant missions in space exploration history.