Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo (NR)

synopsis

Mission Control was at the very heart of the Apollo programme and its heroes were born against a backdrop of economic turmoil and global conflict. Some came from a rural lifestyle unchanged since the 19th century. Others grew up in a gritty, blue-collar America of mines and smoke stacks. They ranged from students straight out of college, to soldiers toughened by military service. Yet, from such ordinary beginnings, an extraordinary team was born. They set out on what JFK called "the most hazardous, dangerous, and greatest adventure upon which mankind has ever embarked." Through the team's testimony and the supporting voices of Apollo astronauts and modern NASA leaders, "Mission Control" explores their journey from the faltering start of the programme to Mercury and Gemini missions, the tragic Apollo 1 fire and the glories of the Moon landings. This was achieved through a team whose average age was around 27 years old.