Series synopsis
Chasing the Moon is an American documentary television series that premiered on PBS on July 8, 2019. It ended on July 10, 2019. It was created by Robert Stone. It stars Sergei Khrushchev, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins and Frank Borman.
An unprecedented look at the decade-long odyssey to land a man on the moon. This documentary pulls back the curtain on the familiar narrative of the moonshot, revealing a fascinating stew of scientific innovation, political calculation, media spectacle, visionary impulses and personal drama.
Premise
An unprecedented look at the decade-long odyssey to land a man on the moon. This documentary pulls back the curtain on the familiar narrative of the moonshot, revealing a fascinating stew of scientific innovation, political calculation, media spectacle, visionary impulses and personal drama.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Sergei Khrushchev as Self
- Buzz Aldrin as Self
- Michael Collins as Self
- Frank Borman as Self
- Yuri Gagarin as Self
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 3 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 3 | July 8, 2019 | July 10, 2019 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
A Place Beyond the Sky On 4 October 1957, Soviet scientists launched Sputnik 1 - a beach ball-sized, radio-transmitting aluminium alloy sphere - into orbit. The satellite caused a sensation. Amid Cold War tensions, the Soviet Union’s accomplishment signalled a dramatic technological advantage and American felt it had little choice but to join the Space Race. |
July 8, 2019 |
| 2 |
Earthrise What exactly was it going to take for America to beat the Soviets to the moon? Cold War tensions persisted, as rumours circulated that the Soviets were preparing to send an unmanned spacecraft to the moon. Nasa quickly developed the Gemini program, sending astronauts into orbit around the Earth to practice critical manoeuvres for the eventual trip to the moon. |
July 9, 2019 |
| 3 |
Magnificent Desolation After the immediate celebration of 1968’s successful Apollo 8 mission, underlying questions about the space programme emerged with new intensity as politicized young Americans challenged the nation’s priorities. Nasa pushed brashly forward. |
July 10, 2019 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | PBS |
|---|---|
| First aired | July 8, 2019 |
| Last aired | July 10, 2019 |
| Runtime | 112 minutes |
| Status | ended |