1 00:00:01,535 --> 00:00:02,876 Narrator: They led double lives. 2 00:00:02,953 --> 00:00:05,045 Man: I couldn't tell my family or my friends, 3 00:00:05,256 --> 00:00:06,538 My kids, my wife, 4 00:00:06,549 --> 00:00:09,383 No one could I tell what did I really do. 5 00:00:09,460 --> 00:00:11,301 Narrator: Guarding america's secrets 6 00:00:11,378 --> 00:00:15,055 In the cold war's darkest hours. 7 00:00:15,182 --> 00:00:17,299 Man: It was a black program. 8 00:00:17,309 --> 00:00:21,061 The contractors were invisible, 9 00:00:21,230 --> 00:00:24,064 Work was invisible. 10 00:00:24,141 --> 00:00:26,066 Narrator: A top-secret operation, 11 00:00:26,152 --> 00:00:28,902 Now declassified... 12 00:00:28,979 --> 00:00:31,989 Man: Our mission was to take photographs 13 00:00:32,066 --> 00:00:33,657 Of the soviet union. 14 00:00:33,734 --> 00:00:35,817 Narrator: Revealing a cloak-and-dagger world 15 00:00:35,828 --> 00:00:39,580 Of robotic satellites and orbiting spy stations. 16 00:00:39,656 --> 00:00:41,156 Man: For a rocket engineer, 17 00:00:41,167 --> 00:00:44,668 This was the most amazing capability possible. 18 00:00:44,745 --> 00:00:47,671 Narrator: Until now, few have known how spies in space 19 00:00:47,748 --> 00:00:49,840 Changed the course of the cold war. 20 00:00:49,917 --> 00:00:52,084 Man: In many ways, the shadow space race 21 00:00:52,094 --> 00:00:56,088 Was far more important than the publicly visible space race. 22 00:00:56,098 --> 00:01:03,103 ♪ 23 00:01:03,314 --> 00:01:04,188 [explosion] 24 00:01:04,264 --> 00:01:06,607 Narrator: 1963. 25 00:01:06,683 --> 00:01:08,850 The soviet union and united states 26 00:01:08,861 --> 00:01:12,696 Have split the atom and divided the planet. 27 00:01:12,773 --> 00:01:15,699 The cold war threatens to turn red hot. 28 00:01:15,776 --> 00:01:19,119 Anton fedyashin: The cold war became this competition 29 00:01:19,288 --> 00:01:24,116 Between two fundamentally different ideological visions 30 00:01:24,126 --> 00:01:28,128 Of how human societies work. 31 00:01:28,297 --> 00:01:29,621 The world was looking 32 00:01:29,632 --> 00:01:32,716 Both to the united states and to the soviet union 33 00:01:32,793 --> 00:01:36,220 For models of how to modernize their own societies. 34 00:01:36,296 --> 00:01:39,464 The space race becomes a litmus test 35 00:01:39,475 --> 00:01:41,716 Of the two superpowers' abilities 36 00:01:41,727 --> 00:01:45,896 To bring humanity into the modern age. 37 00:01:45,973 --> 00:01:48,065 Narrator: America, 38 00:01:48,142 --> 00:01:49,724 The wealthiest nation on earth, 39 00:01:49,735 --> 00:01:52,978 Gets caught up in a space craze. 40 00:01:52,988 --> 00:01:57,232 John charles: The space age really infused the culture. 41 00:01:57,243 --> 00:01:58,659 Announcer: For the boys of today, 42 00:01:58,735 --> 00:02:00,902 The space suit has replaced 43 00:02:00,913 --> 00:02:03,989 The cowboy outfit of an earlier year. 44 00:02:03,999 --> 00:02:05,824 Charles: Everybody was in a space mood. 45 00:02:05,835 --> 00:02:08,827 And it became a way of identifying 46 00:02:08,838 --> 00:02:10,328 Who was thinking upward and outward, 47 00:02:10,339 --> 00:02:12,923 Who was thinking futuristically. 48 00:02:13,000 --> 00:02:14,508 Don't forget, 49 00:02:14,585 --> 00:02:17,094 All the automobiles sported rocket-like tailfins, you know, 50 00:02:17,171 --> 00:02:18,679 Because that was the future. 51 00:02:18,755 --> 00:02:21,306 ♪ 52 00:02:23,093 --> 00:02:26,186 Narrator: But while america dreams of space, 53 00:02:26,313 --> 00:02:27,929 When it reaches for the stars, 54 00:02:27,940 --> 00:02:30,232 It seems to keep crashing back to earth. 55 00:02:43,030 --> 00:02:44,946 The u.S. Space program 56 00:02:44,957 --> 00:02:47,124 Can't seem to get out of its own way. 57 00:02:49,795 --> 00:02:51,870 A string of embarrassing failures 58 00:02:51,881 --> 00:02:55,007 Sets a sharp contrast to its biggest rival. 59 00:02:56,969 --> 00:02:58,960 Fedyashin: During the first decade, 60 00:02:58,971 --> 00:03:00,462 It's pretty clear that the soviets 61 00:03:00,472 --> 00:03:02,139 Are winning the space race. 62 00:03:03,976 --> 00:03:07,060 They beat the americans into space 63 00:03:07,137 --> 00:03:09,146 With the first artificial satellite 64 00:03:09,223 --> 00:03:11,231 In October of 1957, sputnik. 65 00:03:11,442 --> 00:03:13,233 They beat the americans into space 66 00:03:13,310 --> 00:03:14,476 With the first living being-- 67 00:03:14,486 --> 00:03:18,396 The dogs, laika, and then belka and strelka. 68 00:03:18,407 --> 00:03:20,065 They beat the americans into space 69 00:03:20,075 --> 00:03:22,242 With the first human being, yuri gagarin, 70 00:03:22,411 --> 00:03:23,744 In April of 1961. 71 00:03:23,820 --> 00:03:28,207 Then the first woman into space in June of 1963. 72 00:03:29,418 --> 00:03:33,003 Things really were going the soviet way. 73 00:03:33,080 --> 00:03:36,423 Narrator: Soviet successes aren't just pr victories. 74 00:03:36,500 --> 00:03:37,916 Armed with the bomb, 75 00:03:37,927 --> 00:03:41,503 They cast a shadow of fear across america. 76 00:03:41,513 --> 00:03:44,005 James david: And what was critical was 77 00:03:44,016 --> 00:03:47,842 If the soviets could launch these satellites, 78 00:03:47,853 --> 00:03:52,773 The same rockets could launch nuclear warheads 79 00:03:52,849 --> 00:03:55,275 That could be sent from the soviet union 80 00:03:55,361 --> 00:03:57,277 To hit the united states. 81 00:03:57,488 --> 00:04:01,198 Narrator: Americans are terrified of a surprise attack 82 00:04:01,275 --> 00:04:04,776 And fear what's hiding behind the iron curtain. 83 00:04:04,787 --> 00:04:07,195 James outzen: The soviet union was a very closed society, 84 00:04:07,206 --> 00:04:10,123 And we had no means of really understanding 85 00:04:10,200 --> 00:04:14,119 What was happening in this very, very large area. 86 00:04:14,129 --> 00:04:17,297 We didn't have the ability to put human spies in 87 00:04:17,374 --> 00:04:20,375 To gain information. 88 00:04:20,386 --> 00:04:23,804 Narrator: Desperate to learn what the soviets are up to, 89 00:04:23,880 --> 00:04:26,139 America dedicates billions of dollars 90 00:04:26,216 --> 00:04:28,141 And recruits thousands of the nation's 91 00:04:28,218 --> 00:04:30,227 Top scientists and engineers 92 00:04:30,304 --> 00:04:32,813 To a single covert mission-- 93 00:04:32,889 --> 00:04:35,974 High-tech spying from space. 94 00:04:35,985 --> 00:04:38,893 Here, once-classified films and animations 95 00:04:38,904 --> 00:04:41,822 Show the scale of the military's plan-- 96 00:04:41,898 --> 00:04:45,325 Sending robotic cameras into space... 97 00:04:45,452 --> 00:04:47,485 And, even more ambitious, 98 00:04:47,496 --> 00:04:50,822 Putting manned military stations in orbit. 99 00:04:50,833 --> 00:04:53,333 ♪ 100 00:04:53,460 --> 00:04:57,579 Crucially, the world focuses on another space program-- 101 00:04:57,589 --> 00:05:00,340 Apollo's moon mission. 102 00:05:00,467 --> 00:05:03,176 While nasa's dream team gets all the attention, 103 00:05:03,253 --> 00:05:08,840 The military develops a parallel top-secret program. 104 00:05:08,851 --> 00:05:11,435 Robert crippen: All of that was highly classified, 105 00:05:11,511 --> 00:05:14,354 And we couldn't talk about it. 106 00:05:14,523 --> 00:05:16,014 Narrator: In the 1960s, 107 00:05:16,025 --> 00:05:19,601 Robert crippen can't discuss any part of what he does. 108 00:05:19,611 --> 00:05:21,269 Crippen: Ok, I, uh, 109 00:05:21,280 --> 00:05:23,772 I'm afraid I can't go in too much detail on that. 110 00:05:23,782 --> 00:05:25,774 Narrator: For these astronauts, 111 00:05:25,784 --> 00:05:28,368 It's just name, rank, and serial number. 112 00:05:28,579 --> 00:05:30,695 Richard truly: My name's richard truly. 113 00:05:30,706 --> 00:05:33,373 Narrator: But today, for the first time, 114 00:05:33,450 --> 00:05:35,375 They can tell the whole story. 115 00:05:35,461 --> 00:05:36,668 Man: Richard truly, take one. 116 00:05:38,622 --> 00:05:42,716 Truly: Now, 50-some odd years later, 117 00:05:42,793 --> 00:05:44,634 I can talk about it. 118 00:05:44,711 --> 00:05:46,803 But at that time, 119 00:05:46,880 --> 00:05:51,725 It was an introduction to a world 120 00:05:51,802 --> 00:05:55,053 That I didn't know existed. 121 00:05:55,064 --> 00:05:57,397 Narrator: Even the astronaut selection process 122 00:05:57,474 --> 00:05:59,316 Is a mystery. 123 00:05:59,393 --> 00:06:01,393 Truly: So they had a selection, 124 00:06:01,403 --> 00:06:06,656 And they never asked us whether we wanted to or not. 125 00:06:06,733 --> 00:06:11,495 They just assumed that we did, which was correct. 126 00:06:11,571 --> 00:06:13,914 Crippen: I was wildly happy. 127 00:06:13,990 --> 00:06:18,576 Here I was, 28 years old, and, uh, I was gonna get a chance 128 00:06:18,587 --> 00:06:21,413 To do something I'd been dreaming about. 129 00:06:21,423 --> 00:06:25,175 It was a good time, highlight of my life. 130 00:06:25,252 --> 00:06:27,919 Narrator: Crippen and truly are test pilots, 131 00:06:27,930 --> 00:06:30,013 But their training to become astronauts 132 00:06:30,090 --> 00:06:32,090 Will push them to a new level. 133 00:06:32,101 --> 00:06:33,266 [crash] 134 00:06:33,343 --> 00:06:34,509 Charles: It was considered 135 00:06:34,520 --> 00:06:36,177 The best way to train pilots for space flight 136 00:06:36,188 --> 00:06:37,771 Was to subject them to the extremes 137 00:06:37,848 --> 00:06:40,065 Of the environment they were likely to see. 138 00:06:44,029 --> 00:06:45,937 So there were disorientation trainers, 139 00:06:45,948 --> 00:06:48,106 There were vehicles that would tumble the astronauts 140 00:06:48,117 --> 00:06:50,450 In all three dimensions all at once, 141 00:06:50,577 --> 00:06:51,943 To make them disoriented 142 00:06:51,954 --> 00:06:53,278 And to test their ability to reorient themselves 143 00:06:53,288 --> 00:06:55,613 And achieve a stable position again, 144 00:06:55,624 --> 00:06:58,032 Using systems like in a spacecraft. 145 00:07:00,954 --> 00:07:02,963 There were temperature extremes. 146 00:07:03,039 --> 00:07:06,883 They would put astronauts in ovens, human ovens, 147 00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:08,468 To assess not only their physiological 148 00:07:08,679 --> 00:07:10,295 But their psychological resistance 149 00:07:10,305 --> 00:07:11,796 To these kind of things. 150 00:07:14,059 --> 00:07:17,135 Narrator: After selecting their first class of astronauts, 151 00:07:17,146 --> 00:07:20,397 The air force holds just one press conference. 152 00:07:20,474 --> 00:07:25,485 Truly: It was on my birthday. I was 28 years old. 153 00:07:25,696 --> 00:07:29,990 November 12, 1965. 154 00:07:30,066 --> 00:07:33,660 And that was the last time 155 00:07:33,737 --> 00:07:38,915 I ever talked to the media in the program. 156 00:07:43,580 --> 00:07:46,664 The following morning, 157 00:07:46,675 --> 00:07:52,179 They introduced us to the united states' 158 00:07:52,255 --> 00:07:58,185 Most classified and secret space programs. 159 00:07:58,261 --> 00:08:02,689 Narrator: They are astronauts, american heroes. 160 00:08:02,766 --> 00:08:04,524 But unlike the apollo team, 161 00:08:04,735 --> 00:08:07,527 They won't become household names. 162 00:08:07,604 --> 00:08:11,189 Truly and crippen disappear into one of the most expensive, 163 00:08:11,200 --> 00:08:13,533 Secretive, and ambitious space programs 164 00:08:13,610 --> 00:08:15,527 Ever conceived-- 165 00:08:15,537 --> 00:08:17,445 The manned orbiting laboratory, 166 00:08:17,456 --> 00:08:18,863 Or mol. 167 00:08:18,874 --> 00:08:22,367 David: The manned orbiting laboratory's purpose 168 00:08:22,377 --> 00:08:24,544 Was very simple and straightforward, 169 00:08:24,621 --> 00:08:29,457 And that was to acquire very high-resolution photography 170 00:08:29,468 --> 00:08:33,553 Of targets in the soviet union. 171 00:08:33,639 --> 00:08:35,046 Narrator: This film, 172 00:08:35,057 --> 00:08:37,557 Recently declassified and never before broadcast, 173 00:08:37,634 --> 00:08:41,811 Shows mol under construction. 174 00:08:41,888 --> 00:08:44,722 It's the size of a bus. 175 00:08:44,733 --> 00:08:47,976 At its heart is a movable 71-inch mirror 176 00:08:47,986 --> 00:08:50,195 For a camera that will be as big as a car. 177 00:08:52,649 --> 00:08:53,898 It will be by far 178 00:08:53,909 --> 00:08:55,650 The largest and most sophisticated 179 00:08:55,661 --> 00:08:58,820 Spy platform in space. 180 00:08:58,830 --> 00:09:02,991 Truly: Imagine the hubble space telescope, 181 00:09:03,001 --> 00:09:05,910 Except pointing down. 182 00:09:05,921 --> 00:09:09,172 Charles: Mol was extremely ambitious. 183 00:09:09,249 --> 00:09:10,924 50 years ago, 184 00:09:11,001 --> 00:09:14,594 This was the most amazing capability possible-- 185 00:09:14,721 --> 00:09:16,754 Tracking items in the soviet union 186 00:09:16,765 --> 00:09:18,098 With the resolution 187 00:09:18,174 --> 00:09:21,009 Of as low as 4 inches on the ground. 188 00:09:21,019 --> 00:09:23,436 Something that's the size of a baseball 189 00:09:23,513 --> 00:09:24,646 Could be seen from orbit. 190 00:09:28,694 --> 00:09:32,028 Narrator: But america isn't looking to play ball. 191 00:09:32,105 --> 00:09:34,948 Mol's focus will be on soviet weapons systems, 192 00:09:35,025 --> 00:09:36,783 Especially their intercontinental 193 00:09:36,860 --> 00:09:39,119 Ballistic missiles. 194 00:09:39,195 --> 00:09:40,954 At the start of the space race, 195 00:09:41,031 --> 00:09:45,125 Americans fear that the soviets have far more missiles, 196 00:09:45,201 --> 00:09:47,869 And are willing to use them. 197 00:09:47,879 --> 00:09:50,630 Fedyashin: Nikita khrushchev had a tendency 198 00:09:50,707 --> 00:09:54,709 To make fairly irresponsible threatening statements 199 00:09:54,720 --> 00:09:56,803 On a fairly regular basis. 200 00:09:56,880 --> 00:09:58,638 But this was all part and parcel 201 00:09:58,715 --> 00:10:02,133 Of projecting the image of the soviet union 202 00:10:02,144 --> 00:10:07,981 As a very powerful military presence in the world. 203 00:10:08,058 --> 00:10:10,650 Joe caddell: So, the threat posed by the soviet union 204 00:10:10,727 --> 00:10:12,393 Meant that there was a real fear 205 00:10:12,404 --> 00:10:13,653 Of what people will often refer to 206 00:10:13,864 --> 00:10:15,405 As a nuclear pearl harbor. 207 00:10:15,482 --> 00:10:21,235 ♪ 208 00:10:21,246 --> 00:10:23,488 I'm talking in terms of killing 209 00:10:23,498 --> 00:10:25,573 Tens of millions of american citizens, 210 00:10:25,584 --> 00:10:30,003 Destroying american cities, infrastructure, military forces, 211 00:10:30,080 --> 00:10:31,671 Essentially ending the american republic 212 00:10:31,882 --> 00:10:33,498 As we know it. 213 00:10:33,508 --> 00:10:34,758 [explosion] 214 00:10:34,834 --> 00:10:36,426 Narrator: In the atomic age, 215 00:10:36,503 --> 00:10:40,263 Total destruction is only minutes away. 216 00:10:40,340 --> 00:10:43,683 Mol could help head off a surprise attack, 217 00:10:43,760 --> 00:10:46,645 Spotting and then monitoring soviet missile sites. 218 00:10:49,274 --> 00:10:51,683 And america has learned the danger 219 00:10:51,693 --> 00:10:53,026 Of getting caught off guard. 220 00:10:58,024 --> 00:10:59,616 ♪ 221 00:10:59,693 --> 00:11:02,118 October 4, 1957. 222 00:11:02,195 --> 00:11:06,706 America gets a wake-up call from space. 223 00:11:06,833 --> 00:11:08,708 The soviets launch sputnik, 224 00:11:08,785 --> 00:11:12,879 The first human-made object to orbit the planet. 225 00:11:12,956 --> 00:11:15,039 Suddenly, the soviet menace 226 00:11:15,050 --> 00:11:18,209 Feels very real for many americans. 227 00:11:18,220 --> 00:11:20,378 Caddell: It didn't take much imagination 228 00:11:20,389 --> 00:11:23,056 For people to understand in October of '57 229 00:11:23,133 --> 00:11:25,299 That if the soviets could put sputnik into orbit, 230 00:11:25,310 --> 00:11:27,477 They could also deliver a nuclear payload 231 00:11:27,554 --> 00:11:29,813 To an american city. 232 00:11:29,889 --> 00:11:31,398 Narrator: Sputnik also highlights 233 00:11:31,474 --> 00:11:34,734 That the soviets are racing into the future, 234 00:11:34,945 --> 00:11:38,146 While america seems stuck in the past. 235 00:11:38,156 --> 00:11:40,898 Fedyashin: In early September of 1957, 236 00:11:40,909 --> 00:11:45,987 Desegregation is being implemented in arkansas. 237 00:11:45,997 --> 00:11:48,906 And the little rock nine has to be escorted 238 00:11:48,917 --> 00:11:51,909 By members of the 101st airborne division 239 00:11:51,920 --> 00:11:56,164 Into schools with pro-segregationist whites 240 00:11:56,174 --> 00:11:59,718 Holding up signs that read, "race mixing is communism." 241 00:12:03,682 --> 00:12:05,506 And then four weeks later, 242 00:12:05,517 --> 00:12:10,261 You see the soviet union send sputnik into space. 243 00:12:10,272 --> 00:12:14,932 If you are in africa or southeast asia at the time, 244 00:12:14,943 --> 00:12:19,937 Whose version of modernization are you more likely to follow? 245 00:12:19,948 --> 00:12:22,782 And I think in the '50s and the early '60s, 246 00:12:22,868 --> 00:12:24,776 The answer was pretty clear. 247 00:12:24,786 --> 00:12:28,705 The soviet union was winning not only the space race, 248 00:12:28,782 --> 00:12:31,791 But seemed to be winning the ideological standoff. 249 00:12:31,868 --> 00:12:37,288 ♪ 250 00:12:37,299 --> 00:12:39,215 Narrator: In the cold war, 251 00:12:39,292 --> 00:12:43,294 Both superpowers look to space as the new frontier 252 00:12:43,305 --> 00:12:46,181 And, potentially, the next battlefield. 253 00:12:48,226 --> 00:12:49,801 Charles: In the '50s and '60s, 254 00:12:49,811 --> 00:12:51,886 It's important for america to put people in space 255 00:12:51,897 --> 00:12:53,387 As a way of showing 256 00:12:53,398 --> 00:12:57,233 The superiority of the american way of life. 257 00:12:57,310 --> 00:13:00,061 The next battlefield was in space. 258 00:13:00,071 --> 00:13:03,072 It had to be represented by red-blooded americans, 259 00:13:03,149 --> 00:13:04,899 Protecting us from the communists, 260 00:13:04,910 --> 00:13:09,412 Who were sure to overrun us and subject us to their way of life. 261 00:13:09,489 --> 00:13:11,664 Narrator: Initial plans for mol 262 00:13:11,741 --> 00:13:14,083 Were straight out of science fiction-- 263 00:13:14,160 --> 00:13:16,244 An orbiting military outpost, 264 00:13:16,254 --> 00:13:17,837 Armed and ready for war. 265 00:13:17,914 --> 00:13:19,839 ♪ 266 00:13:19,916 --> 00:13:23,676 Charles: Early on, the mol was all things to all people. 267 00:13:23,753 --> 00:13:26,846 It had capabilities for reconnaissance, 268 00:13:26,932 --> 00:13:28,264 It had capabilities 269 00:13:28,341 --> 00:13:31,676 For intercepting of the enemies' satellites in space 270 00:13:31,686 --> 00:13:32,727 And negating them. 271 00:13:36,525 --> 00:13:38,766 Narrator: But in the final plans, 272 00:13:38,777 --> 00:13:41,861 Mol is an orbiting spy station. 273 00:13:41,988 --> 00:13:44,605 This rarely seen footage of a mol mock-up 274 00:13:44,616 --> 00:13:48,276 Gives a glimpse into just how big it will be. 275 00:13:48,286 --> 00:13:53,114 The air force budgets $1.5 billion in 1965, 276 00:13:53,124 --> 00:13:54,791 Making it one of the defense department's 277 00:13:54,868 --> 00:13:57,535 Most expensive programs. 278 00:13:57,546 --> 00:14:01,038 Each mol would be a single-use spacecraft. 279 00:14:01,049 --> 00:14:03,299 Charles: The five mol vehicles 280 00:14:03,376 --> 00:14:05,802 Were the entire production run. 281 00:14:05,879 --> 00:14:07,887 And it's really interesting to imagine 282 00:14:07,973 --> 00:14:10,464 That such an expensive, such a complex system 283 00:14:10,475 --> 00:14:13,634 Would have been disposable. 284 00:14:13,645 --> 00:14:16,729 Narrator: From the start, mol is an ambitious program, 285 00:14:16,806 --> 00:14:19,056 With a schedule that's even tighter 286 00:14:19,067 --> 00:14:20,400 Than the moon missions. 287 00:14:20,476 --> 00:14:24,395 The goal is to start launching in 1969. 288 00:14:24,406 --> 00:14:27,907 Charles: The mission in space would have lasted about 30 days. 289 00:14:27,984 --> 00:14:29,242 Don't forget, in the 1960s, 290 00:14:29,319 --> 00:14:32,245 The entire worldwide experience in space flight 291 00:14:32,322 --> 00:14:34,581 Was on the order of 15 or 20 days. 292 00:14:34,657 --> 00:14:37,917 So mol was really pushing the envelope 293 00:14:37,994 --> 00:14:40,587 To promise 30-day missions repeatedly. 294 00:14:43,174 --> 00:14:45,416 Narrator: The first step for the mol astronauts 295 00:14:45,427 --> 00:14:49,095 Is to learn the basics of living and working in space. 296 00:14:50,506 --> 00:14:53,933 Team chemistry will be essential. 297 00:14:54,010 --> 00:14:57,595 Crippen: We were all pilots, we all loved to fly. 298 00:14:57,606 --> 00:15:01,941 My fellow mol astronauts were a diverse group. 299 00:15:02,018 --> 00:15:05,111 Uh, we certainly weren't all alike. 300 00:15:05,188 --> 00:15:08,272 Truly: We were like brothers. 301 00:15:08,283 --> 00:15:10,450 Great bunch of people. 302 00:15:10,526 --> 00:15:12,952 Narrator: To get a feel for the microgravity of space, 303 00:15:13,163 --> 00:15:16,581 Mol crewmen start to take elliptical airplane rides. 304 00:15:18,376 --> 00:15:21,118 Truly: If the pilot flying the airplane 305 00:15:21,129 --> 00:15:25,131 Is really good, 306 00:15:25,208 --> 00:15:29,377 They can maintain zero g, 307 00:15:29,387 --> 00:15:32,221 And it's the only way on earth 308 00:15:32,298 --> 00:15:37,977 That you can actually create an environment 309 00:15:38,054 --> 00:15:41,022 Where you can test in zero g. 310 00:15:43,568 --> 00:15:45,985 Narrator: It's a stomach-dropping trip 311 00:15:46,196 --> 00:15:48,988 They nickname the vomit comet. 312 00:15:49,065 --> 00:15:51,399 Charles: Early concerns about weightlessness, 313 00:15:51,409 --> 00:15:54,151 About things such as being able to swallow... 314 00:15:54,162 --> 00:15:55,569 It was seriously considered 315 00:15:55,580 --> 00:15:58,489 That gravity is necessary for swallowing 316 00:15:58,500 --> 00:16:01,242 And, of course, the rest of your digestive processes. 317 00:16:01,252 --> 00:16:03,911 Would your body seize up in the absence of gravity? 318 00:16:03,922 --> 00:16:06,831 The early concerns about space flight weightlessness 319 00:16:06,841 --> 00:16:11,010 Do seem kind of laughable from our perspective now. 320 00:16:11,221 --> 00:16:13,004 Narrator: The mol astronauts move on 321 00:16:13,014 --> 00:16:15,006 To more challenging tasks. 322 00:16:15,016 --> 00:16:19,519 But there are limits to what they can do on zero-g flights. 323 00:16:19,595 --> 00:16:24,348 Truly: The problem is it's only 30 seconds. 324 00:16:24,359 --> 00:16:29,687 And so to get 10 minutes of flight test 325 00:16:29,698 --> 00:16:33,024 Takes 20 of these, 326 00:16:33,034 --> 00:16:35,159 And it's exhausting. 327 00:16:39,115 --> 00:16:40,281 Narrator: Inside one plane, 328 00:16:40,291 --> 00:16:42,041 They build a mock-up of the capsule 329 00:16:42,252 --> 00:16:43,793 The astronauts will fly, 330 00:16:43,870 --> 00:16:45,286 Called the gemini, 331 00:16:45,296 --> 00:16:46,879 And the hatch and tunnel 332 00:16:46,956 --> 00:16:50,374 That'll connect the gemini to the spy laboratory. 333 00:16:50,385 --> 00:16:53,052 They practice moving around the tight spaces, 334 00:16:53,129 --> 00:16:57,140 Turning on cameras and lights only when they reach zero g. 335 00:16:58,634 --> 00:17:02,061 Truly: We would get airborne, 336 00:17:02,147 --> 00:17:09,143 And these were only 25- or 30-second intervals. 337 00:17:09,154 --> 00:17:11,395 And it was show time. 338 00:17:11,406 --> 00:17:17,234 Both of us were in the little gemini. 339 00:17:17,245 --> 00:17:22,656 And we were in full pressure suits. 340 00:17:22,667 --> 00:17:25,993 Turn around, take off the hatch, 341 00:17:26,004 --> 00:17:28,254 Crawl through the tunnel, 342 00:17:28,331 --> 00:17:29,505 Do all that. 343 00:17:31,342 --> 00:17:35,094 Hot, sweaty. 344 00:17:35,171 --> 00:17:39,173 We would get stuck. 345 00:17:39,184 --> 00:17:41,642 And it was hard work. 346 00:17:43,179 --> 00:17:47,106 Narrator: They try loading film in and out of the lab 347 00:17:47,233 --> 00:17:51,018 And crawling back into the gemini capsule. 348 00:17:51,029 --> 00:17:52,436 They focus on the hatch, 349 00:17:52,447 --> 00:17:55,782 Which they'll close at the end of their 30-day mission. 350 00:17:55,858 --> 00:17:57,525 Charles: After the astronauts left, 351 00:17:57,535 --> 00:18:00,277 The vehicles would have been deorbited 352 00:18:00,288 --> 00:18:02,455 To keep them from falling into enemy hands 353 00:18:02,532 --> 00:18:05,866 And revealing american secrets to the soviets. 354 00:18:05,877 --> 00:18:08,452 Narrator: While the lab burns up on re-entry, 355 00:18:08,463 --> 00:18:11,130 The gemini will drop back through the atmosphere, 356 00:18:11,257 --> 00:18:13,466 Protected by its heat shield. 357 00:18:14,886 --> 00:18:18,554 But mol has a potentially fatal flaw-- 358 00:18:18,631 --> 00:18:21,140 The specially designed hatch. 359 00:18:21,351 --> 00:18:22,558 Crippen: We needed a way 360 00:18:22,635 --> 00:18:25,469 To get from the gemini into the laboratory, 361 00:18:25,480 --> 00:18:31,484 And they elected to put a hatch through the heat shield, 362 00:18:31,561 --> 00:18:32,810 That you would remove 363 00:18:32,821 --> 00:18:35,729 And then crawl back through that. 364 00:18:35,740 --> 00:18:37,481 Truly: Some of the flight crew 365 00:18:37,492 --> 00:18:41,235 Thought, you know, this is crazy. 366 00:18:41,246 --> 00:18:43,329 Cut a hole in the heat shield, 367 00:18:43,406 --> 00:18:47,166 Because later on when you re-enter, 368 00:18:47,293 --> 00:18:50,169 You depend on that heat shield. 369 00:18:50,246 --> 00:18:54,748 ♪ 370 00:18:54,759 --> 00:18:57,176 Crippen: If the heat shield failed, 371 00:18:57,345 --> 00:19:02,339 You would have a 5,000-degree penetration of the atmosphere, 372 00:19:02,350 --> 00:19:05,184 And it would cook everybody that was inside, 373 00:19:05,353 --> 00:19:07,595 And it would be a major catastrophe. 374 00:19:07,605 --> 00:19:11,858 Truly: Well, nobody had done any of this before. 375 00:19:13,444 --> 00:19:17,271 Narrator: Mol will be an extremely risky venture, 376 00:19:17,282 --> 00:19:20,533 But america is running out of options. 377 00:19:23,371 --> 00:19:26,205 May 1, 1960. 378 00:19:26,374 --> 00:19:29,959 Newly deployed soviet sa-2 ground-to-air batteries 379 00:19:30,036 --> 00:19:31,919 Swing into action. 380 00:19:33,381 --> 00:19:36,716 An intruder is arcing over the heart of their nation, 381 00:19:36,792 --> 00:19:39,135 Flying out of reach of soviet jets. 382 00:19:41,556 --> 00:19:43,222 At 70,000 feet, 383 00:19:43,299 --> 00:19:45,466 American pilot francis gary powers 384 00:19:45,476 --> 00:19:49,061 Is untouchable in his u-2... 385 00:19:49,138 --> 00:19:50,563 Until today. 386 00:19:59,148 --> 00:20:01,815 In the days following the u-2's shoot-down, 387 00:20:01,826 --> 00:20:03,242 The u.S. Intelligence community 388 00:20:03,319 --> 00:20:05,244 Claims that it's just a weather plane 389 00:20:05,371 --> 00:20:08,247 Blown off course. 390 00:20:08,374 --> 00:20:11,584 But much of the plane, including its powerful camera, 391 00:20:11,661 --> 00:20:13,336 Survives the crash, 392 00:20:13,412 --> 00:20:16,664 And the cover story falls apart. 393 00:20:16,674 --> 00:20:18,507 David: The shoot-down in may 1960 394 00:20:18,584 --> 00:20:21,427 Proved to be a major embarrassment 395 00:20:21,504 --> 00:20:24,338 To president dwight eisenhower 396 00:20:24,349 --> 00:20:27,516 Because of the attempted cover-up. 397 00:20:27,593 --> 00:20:29,268 More importantly, 398 00:20:29,437 --> 00:20:33,022 It cut off the only means 399 00:20:33,099 --> 00:20:36,767 Of collecting photographic intelligence 400 00:20:36,778 --> 00:20:39,687 Of the interior of the soviet union. 401 00:20:39,697 --> 00:20:41,188 Fedyashin: And the most important question 402 00:20:41,199 --> 00:20:43,107 In the late 1950s 403 00:20:43,117 --> 00:20:46,285 Was the so-called perceived missile gap-- 404 00:20:46,362 --> 00:20:47,870 The idea that the soviets 405 00:20:47,947 --> 00:20:50,456 Had more intercontinental ballistic missiles-- 406 00:20:50,533 --> 00:20:52,366 Icbms as they were known-- 407 00:20:52,377 --> 00:20:55,119 And that the americans had fewer. 408 00:20:55,129 --> 00:20:56,453 Narrator: Without the u-2, 409 00:20:56,464 --> 00:20:59,206 America is flying blind. 410 00:20:59,217 --> 00:21:01,709 David: Although photographic intelligence 411 00:21:01,719 --> 00:21:05,379 Doesn't provide 100% of the answers, 412 00:21:05,390 --> 00:21:09,466 It does go a long way in providing the answers 413 00:21:09,477 --> 00:21:12,311 To this absolutely critical question-- 414 00:21:12,522 --> 00:21:15,472 Where do we stand with the soviet union 415 00:21:15,483 --> 00:21:20,486 In these long-range nuclear-tipped missiles? 416 00:21:20,563 --> 00:21:22,321 Caddell: Premier khrushchev wasn't shy 417 00:21:22,407 --> 00:21:23,656 About making statements like 418 00:21:23,733 --> 00:21:25,324 "we are churning out missiles like sausages, 419 00:21:25,401 --> 00:21:26,325 We will bury you." 420 00:21:26,452 --> 00:21:27,985 [men yelling] 421 00:21:27,996 --> 00:21:31,414 We had to assume the worst-case scenario. 422 00:21:31,490 --> 00:21:35,918 Narrator: The u-2 is no longer an option over the soviet union. 423 00:21:35,995 --> 00:21:38,587 And mol isn't even a pipe dream yet. 424 00:21:38,664 --> 00:21:41,424 America needs a plan b. 425 00:21:41,500 --> 00:21:42,925 Outzen: Eisenhower recognized 426 00:21:43,002 --> 00:21:47,346 That the u-2 would eventually be shot down. 427 00:21:47,423 --> 00:21:48,505 And in the background, 428 00:21:48,516 --> 00:21:50,516 We needed to be developing technology 429 00:21:50,593 --> 00:21:53,686 That would allow us to continue to understand 430 00:21:53,763 --> 00:21:56,355 What our adversaries were up to 431 00:21:56,441 --> 00:21:58,607 The day that that event occurred. 432 00:22:01,529 --> 00:22:03,020 David: The united states 433 00:22:03,031 --> 00:22:06,115 Started developing reconnaissance satellites 434 00:22:06,192 --> 00:22:07,441 In 1956-- 435 00:22:07,452 --> 00:22:11,370 One to collect photographic intelligence, 436 00:22:11,447 --> 00:22:14,198 One to collect signals intelligence-- 437 00:22:14,208 --> 00:22:17,877 That is, intercepting soviet radars. 438 00:22:17,953 --> 00:22:19,953 Narrator: The first photo-imaging satellite 439 00:22:19,964 --> 00:22:22,206 Is called corona. 440 00:22:22,216 --> 00:22:24,958 But on January 29, 1959, 441 00:22:24,969 --> 00:22:27,470 It can't even lift off the pad. 442 00:22:28,806 --> 00:22:33,392 One misfire is followed by 12 more attempts... 443 00:22:33,561 --> 00:22:35,394 And 12 failures. 444 00:22:35,471 --> 00:22:38,305 But they can't give up. 445 00:22:38,316 --> 00:22:41,392 David: This was a completely new technology. 446 00:22:41,402 --> 00:22:42,985 No one had ever done it before. 447 00:22:43,062 --> 00:22:48,324 But the system was so important to the united states 448 00:22:48,401 --> 00:22:51,827 For its potential in gathering intelligence, 449 00:22:51,904 --> 00:22:53,829 They did not cancel the program. 450 00:22:53,906 --> 00:22:55,998 Caddell: If corona doesn't succeed, 451 00:22:56,075 --> 00:22:57,583 The americans continue to have to craft 452 00:22:57,660 --> 00:23:00,419 Foreign policy and defense spending 453 00:23:00,588 --> 00:23:02,421 In terms of a giant question mark 454 00:23:02,498 --> 00:23:05,007 Regarding the soviet threat. 455 00:23:05,084 --> 00:23:06,425 Narrator: Even if the military 456 00:23:06,594 --> 00:23:09,428 Can get corona's cameras into space, 457 00:23:09,597 --> 00:23:13,099 Many think there's a better option-- 458 00:23:13,175 --> 00:23:15,768 Human spies. 459 00:23:15,845 --> 00:23:18,437 Charles: So to have a flexible system in space, 460 00:23:18,606 --> 00:23:19,680 You needed to have people on board. 461 00:23:19,690 --> 00:23:20,681 And if you had the people on board, 462 00:23:20,691 --> 00:23:22,108 You need to understand 463 00:23:22,184 --> 00:23:23,767 What the capabilities of those people were 464 00:23:23,778 --> 00:23:26,445 And how to keep those people healthy and functional 465 00:23:26,572 --> 00:23:28,572 During the time they're in space. 466 00:23:34,530 --> 00:23:38,782 Narrator: In 1966, the mol team builds an underwater mock-up 467 00:23:38,793 --> 00:23:40,626 Off buck island in the caribbean 468 00:23:40,703 --> 00:23:44,204 To simulate life in space. 469 00:23:44,215 --> 00:23:47,291 This footage gives a rare behind-the-scenes look 470 00:23:47,301 --> 00:23:49,877 At the operation. 471 00:23:49,887 --> 00:23:51,378 Engineers and astronauts 472 00:23:51,389 --> 00:23:54,140 Put on their diving masks and respirators 473 00:23:54,216 --> 00:23:56,308 And then layer on their space suits, 474 00:23:56,385 --> 00:23:57,268 Filled with water. 475 00:24:00,565 --> 00:24:02,139 Neutrally buoyant, 476 00:24:02,150 --> 00:24:04,650 They can practice for as long as their air holds out. 477 00:24:09,565 --> 00:24:11,490 Charles: Planning for the mol 478 00:24:11,567 --> 00:24:14,401 Included underwater training, 479 00:24:14,412 --> 00:24:15,411 And more than training, 480 00:24:15,488 --> 00:24:17,329 Evaluation of procedures. 481 00:24:17,406 --> 00:24:20,166 Narrator: Unlike the 30-second zero-g flights, 482 00:24:20,242 --> 00:24:22,668 They can spend hours each day underwater, 483 00:24:22,745 --> 00:24:24,328 Practicing maneuvers 484 00:24:24,338 --> 00:24:26,797 And passing canisters of film through the tunnel. 485 00:24:30,678 --> 00:24:32,753 The mol program is progressing, 486 00:24:32,763 --> 00:24:36,173 But slowly and over budget. 487 00:24:36,184 --> 00:24:38,258 Crippen: The launch kept moving down the road. 488 00:24:38,269 --> 00:24:41,011 It seemed like every year it was a year away. 489 00:24:41,022 --> 00:24:42,521 Some technical difficulties, 490 00:24:42,690 --> 00:24:44,523 But it was primarily a funding issue. 491 00:24:44,734 --> 00:24:47,100 Man: Five seconds...Mark... 492 00:24:47,111 --> 00:24:50,196 Narrator: In contrast, the simpler, cheaper corona 493 00:24:50,272 --> 00:24:52,740 Has been on the fast track for several years. 494 00:24:54,610 --> 00:24:56,535 On August 10, 1960, 495 00:24:56,704 --> 00:24:58,537 With lucky number 13, 496 00:24:58,614 --> 00:25:00,539 Corona leaves the pad 497 00:25:00,616 --> 00:25:02,791 And reaches orbit. 498 00:25:02,868 --> 00:25:05,544 David: About 24 hours later, 499 00:25:05,671 --> 00:25:09,798 They commanded the satellite to eject the capsule. 500 00:25:12,628 --> 00:25:14,303 They recovered the capsule, 501 00:25:14,380 --> 00:25:17,047 And it was brought back to the white house, 502 00:25:17,058 --> 00:25:19,883 And president eisenhower and some key advisors 503 00:25:19,894 --> 00:25:21,718 Actually had a press conference. 504 00:25:21,729 --> 00:25:23,729 Man: I am proud, mr. President, 505 00:25:23,806 --> 00:25:27,066 To present you this flag of the united states of america. 506 00:25:27,142 --> 00:25:28,567 Narrator: The capsule and flag 507 00:25:28,644 --> 00:25:30,152 Are the very first man-made objects 508 00:25:30,229 --> 00:25:33,447 To fly into space and return safely. 509 00:25:35,743 --> 00:25:37,576 And just one week later, 510 00:25:37,653 --> 00:25:39,319 The next corona launches-- 511 00:25:39,330 --> 00:25:42,581 This time, with a top-secret camera on board. 512 00:25:42,750 --> 00:25:46,418 David: And so that was a very, very small film load, 513 00:25:46,495 --> 00:25:47,920 Only about 20 pounds. 514 00:25:47,997 --> 00:25:52,591 A very simple and not too capable camera. 515 00:25:52,760 --> 00:25:54,593 Narrator: Despite its limitations, 516 00:25:54,679 --> 00:25:55,844 The camera photographs 517 00:25:55,921 --> 00:25:59,682 1.6 million square miles of the soviet union, 518 00:25:59,758 --> 00:26:01,267 Giving america its first look 519 00:26:01,343 --> 00:26:04,770 Behind the iron curtain from space. 520 00:26:04,847 --> 00:26:06,605 And it's eye-opening. 521 00:26:06,774 --> 00:26:08,774 Caddell: A senior cia official said 522 00:26:08,851 --> 00:26:10,767 That the availability of corona photography 523 00:26:10,778 --> 00:26:12,611 Over the soviet union 524 00:26:12,697 --> 00:26:16,615 Was like shining a flashlight in a darkened warehouse. 525 00:26:16,692 --> 00:26:20,110 Outzen: Corona, in its very first successful mission, 526 00:26:20,121 --> 00:26:23,780 Was able to return more images from space 527 00:26:23,791 --> 00:26:28,335 Than all of the u-2 flights combined over the soviet union. 528 00:26:30,789 --> 00:26:32,798 Caddell: We found airfields, 529 00:26:32,875 --> 00:26:34,550 Entire cities, 530 00:26:34,627 --> 00:26:35,634 Transportation hubs, 531 00:26:35,761 --> 00:26:37,636 And air defense missile complexes 532 00:26:37,763 --> 00:26:40,556 That were previously unknown to western intelligence. 533 00:26:42,852 --> 00:26:44,051 Narrator: Most important, 534 00:26:44,061 --> 00:26:47,646 Corona spots all of the soviet icbm sites 535 00:26:47,723 --> 00:26:51,650 And makes a surprising discovery. 536 00:26:51,736 --> 00:26:53,143 Caddell: By June of 1961, 537 00:26:53,154 --> 00:26:56,739 The cia estimated that, counter to air force fears 538 00:26:56,815 --> 00:26:58,073 That there were perhaps as many 539 00:26:58,150 --> 00:26:59,983 As 200 ballistic missile launch pads 540 00:26:59,994 --> 00:27:02,077 Inside the soviet union, 541 00:27:02,154 --> 00:27:05,664 There were actually probably only about 10 to 25. 542 00:27:05,791 --> 00:27:08,158 And of that potential 10 to 25, 543 00:27:08,169 --> 00:27:11,578 Only six launch sites could be confirmed. 544 00:27:11,589 --> 00:27:13,246 This gave us a more rational understanding 545 00:27:13,257 --> 00:27:16,675 Of the threat we did face and the threat we didn't. 546 00:27:16,752 --> 00:27:20,429 Narrator: Corona shows that the missile gap is a myth. 547 00:27:20,506 --> 00:27:21,513 For the first time, 548 00:27:21,590 --> 00:27:23,766 America knows it has the upper hand 549 00:27:23,842 --> 00:27:26,268 In the nuclear arms race. 550 00:27:26,345 --> 00:27:29,763 Corona is now america's eyes in space. 551 00:27:29,774 --> 00:27:32,691 And a satellite called grab is its ears, 552 00:27:32,902 --> 00:27:35,769 Listening for soviet radar systems. 553 00:27:35,780 --> 00:27:38,188 David: They were very, very small, 554 00:27:38,199 --> 00:27:39,948 And they were very, very simple. 555 00:27:40,025 --> 00:27:42,701 But that small satellite 556 00:27:42,828 --> 00:27:46,705 Carried a highly classified signals intelligence package, 557 00:27:46,782 --> 00:27:52,544 Which was designed to intercept soviet air defense radars. 558 00:27:52,621 --> 00:27:56,715 And during the roughly three months of operation, 559 00:27:56,792 --> 00:28:02,721 The grab satellite collected so much data of soviet radars, 560 00:28:02,798 --> 00:28:05,474 It took many, many months 561 00:28:05,551 --> 00:28:09,728 For analysts to produce finished and useful intelligence. 562 00:28:09,805 --> 00:28:11,388 [siren] 563 00:28:11,399 --> 00:28:13,899 Outzen: Knowing where those radars were located 564 00:28:13,976 --> 00:28:15,651 Was essential information 565 00:28:15,728 --> 00:28:17,986 In the event that we needed to carry out a counterattack 566 00:28:18,063 --> 00:28:20,981 Against the soviet union. 567 00:28:20,991 --> 00:28:23,066 Our bombers needed to avoid those radars 568 00:28:23,077 --> 00:28:24,743 In order to successfully carry out 569 00:28:24,954 --> 00:28:26,453 That kind of counterattack. 570 00:28:29,658 --> 00:28:31,750 Narrator: But these early robotic satellites 571 00:28:31,919 --> 00:28:34,420 Were far from perfect. 572 00:28:34,496 --> 00:28:37,840 The cameras were pre-programmed to operate at set times, 573 00:28:37,916 --> 00:28:39,833 Regardless of the weather. 574 00:28:39,844 --> 00:28:41,093 Caddell: The earliest corona missions 575 00:28:41,170 --> 00:28:42,428 For the first couple of years 576 00:28:42,504 --> 00:28:45,973 Were as much as 60 to 65% cloud-covered. 577 00:28:48,260 --> 00:28:50,686 Narrator: When clouds obscure corona's targets, 578 00:28:50,763 --> 00:28:54,431 The satellite wastes its precious film. 579 00:28:54,442 --> 00:28:57,517 And it can take weeks from launch to processing 580 00:28:57,528 --> 00:28:58,527 For analysts to determine 581 00:28:58,604 --> 00:29:01,688 If they have any usable intelligence. 582 00:29:01,699 --> 00:29:03,615 A manned station like mol, 583 00:29:03,692 --> 00:29:05,284 In which people can modify the mission 584 00:29:05,360 --> 00:29:07,286 And give real-time updates, 585 00:29:07,362 --> 00:29:10,873 Could solve many of these problems. 586 00:29:10,949 --> 00:29:12,791 In this rarely seen footage, 587 00:29:12,868 --> 00:29:16,036 The mol astronauts train in a simulator. 588 00:29:16,046 --> 00:29:17,296 Crippen: We had a capability 589 00:29:17,372 --> 00:29:20,799 To look ahead of our orbital track 590 00:29:20,876 --> 00:29:23,460 And select targets. 591 00:29:23,471 --> 00:29:26,638 The decision-making that you can have with people 592 00:29:26,715 --> 00:29:28,557 Is extremely important. 593 00:29:28,634 --> 00:29:29,808 Computers can't do that. 594 00:29:29,935 --> 00:29:31,885 That's still true today. 595 00:29:31,896 --> 00:29:33,812 Narrator: The need for human eyes in space 596 00:29:34,023 --> 00:29:35,814 Comes into sharp focus 597 00:29:35,891 --> 00:29:39,902 As the superpowers teeter on the brink of nuclear war. 598 00:29:43,741 --> 00:29:46,983 October 15, 1962. 599 00:29:46,994 --> 00:29:51,163 Cia photo analysts make a stunning discovery. 600 00:29:51,240 --> 00:29:54,241 The soviets are building missile sites in cuba, 601 00:29:54,251 --> 00:29:56,910 Just 100 miles from florida. 602 00:29:56,921 --> 00:30:00,580 Nuclear war has come to america's doorstep. 603 00:30:00,591 --> 00:30:02,090 [explosion] 604 00:30:02,167 --> 00:30:05,919 Fedyashin: The range of missiles that the soviets had on cuba 605 00:30:05,930 --> 00:30:07,846 Was far enough to hit new york city 606 00:30:08,015 --> 00:30:10,423 And everything south of that. 607 00:30:10,434 --> 00:30:13,852 So, the human catastrophe would have been unprecedented, 608 00:30:13,979 --> 00:30:16,605 And of course, the united states would have retaliated 609 00:30:16,682 --> 00:30:19,858 Against both cuba and ultimately the soviet union. 610 00:30:19,935 --> 00:30:23,436 Narrator: Corona cameras are supposed to spot these weapons, 611 00:30:23,447 --> 00:30:25,272 But instead, the cuban missiles 612 00:30:25,282 --> 00:30:29,109 Reveal the spy satellite's limitations. 613 00:30:29,119 --> 00:30:30,702 Caddell: Very famously, 614 00:30:30,779 --> 00:30:33,280 The soviet missiles that are deployed in cuba in 1962 615 00:30:33,290 --> 00:30:35,198 Are found by overhead reconnaissance. 616 00:30:35,209 --> 00:30:36,700 But they're not found 617 00:30:36,710 --> 00:30:38,210 By a corona photo reconnaissance satellite, 618 00:30:38,287 --> 00:30:39,786 Rather they're found 619 00:30:39,797 --> 00:30:41,880 By a manned u-2 photo reconnaissance aircraft. 620 00:30:41,957 --> 00:30:42,840 [click] 621 00:30:44,552 --> 00:30:45,551 [click] 622 00:30:45,627 --> 00:30:48,628 Corona actually does photograph cuba. 623 00:30:48,639 --> 00:30:49,721 However, the imagery, 624 00:30:49,798 --> 00:30:51,807 When you look at it on a light table, 625 00:30:51,884 --> 00:30:54,893 Is horribly cloud-covered. 626 00:30:54,970 --> 00:30:59,731 Moreover, the corona resolution at this time is roughly 15 feet. 627 00:30:59,808 --> 00:31:01,900 That's sufficient to see major infrastructure 628 00:31:01,986 --> 00:31:03,151 In the soviet union. 629 00:31:03,228 --> 00:31:05,487 In cuba, by contrast, 630 00:31:05,564 --> 00:31:07,906 The soviet ss-4s deployed at that island 631 00:31:07,983 --> 00:31:10,317 Are field deployed. 632 00:31:10,327 --> 00:31:12,077 So, because of its limited resolution 633 00:31:12,154 --> 00:31:14,404 And its inability to deal flexibly with weather, 634 00:31:14,415 --> 00:31:16,248 Corona doesn't end up adding any value 635 00:31:16,325 --> 00:31:18,917 To the discovery of missiles in cuba. 636 00:31:19,044 --> 00:31:21,920 Narrator: It's a u-2 that first finds the missiles. 637 00:31:22,089 --> 00:31:25,332 But the spy plane's vulnerability is exposed again 638 00:31:25,342 --> 00:31:27,342 When one is shot down over cuba 639 00:31:27,419 --> 00:31:28,844 And its pilot killed. 640 00:31:30,431 --> 00:31:32,681 America needs a spy platform 641 00:31:32,758 --> 00:31:35,934 That can combine the u-2's high-resolution imagery 642 00:31:36,145 --> 00:31:39,688 With corona's safe overflight. 643 00:31:39,765 --> 00:31:42,599 Mol seems like it could be the solution, 644 00:31:42,610 --> 00:31:44,943 But it takes almost more five more years 645 00:31:45,154 --> 00:31:47,779 To develop and begin production. 646 00:31:47,856 --> 00:31:50,273 The air force has to build and test a rocket 647 00:31:50,284 --> 00:31:53,944 Powerful enough to lift mol's 30,000 pounds 648 00:31:53,954 --> 00:31:57,706 More than 100 miles into space. 649 00:31:57,783 --> 00:32:00,450 On August 26, 1966, 650 00:32:00,461 --> 00:32:03,787 The air force prepares to launch a titan iiic, 651 00:32:03,797 --> 00:32:06,298 A version of the rocket that will carry mol. 652 00:32:09,044 --> 00:32:11,211 It's an intercontinental ballistic missile 653 00:32:11,221 --> 00:32:15,548 Beefed up with two solid fuel boosters. 654 00:32:15,559 --> 00:32:18,134 This mission is to carry communication satellites 655 00:32:18,145 --> 00:32:19,978 Into orbit. 656 00:32:20,064 --> 00:32:23,807 The launch gives truly and the rest of the mol team 657 00:32:23,817 --> 00:32:27,110 A chance to see their future ride in action. 658 00:32:29,239 --> 00:32:33,241 Truly: And so we decided we would go down and watch it. 659 00:32:33,318 --> 00:32:35,994 Announcer: 20 seconds. 660 00:32:36,071 --> 00:32:37,996 Truly: They counted down and... 661 00:32:38,207 --> 00:32:41,074 Announcer: 2, 1, zero... 662 00:32:41,085 --> 00:32:42,292 Ignition. 663 00:32:44,004 --> 00:32:47,089 Liftoff. We're off on the hour. 664 00:32:47,165 --> 00:32:49,007 Truly: It lifted off 665 00:32:49,134 --> 00:32:51,009 And went up in the air. 666 00:32:51,220 --> 00:32:53,595 Man: Looking very nice, 42 seconds. 667 00:32:57,092 --> 00:33:01,103 Truly: And suddenly we saw it turning, 668 00:33:01,179 --> 00:33:05,941 And, uh, the range, uh, control 669 00:33:06,018 --> 00:33:07,526 Blew it up. 670 00:33:07,602 --> 00:33:11,029 [explosions] 671 00:33:11,198 --> 00:33:13,281 Narrator: With the mol team watching, 672 00:33:13,358 --> 00:33:17,369 The rocket explodes into thousands of pieces. 673 00:33:17,446 --> 00:33:21,614 All that's lost are the satellite and the rocket... 674 00:33:21,625 --> 00:33:24,292 But a failure like this on a mol launch 675 00:33:24,369 --> 00:33:28,121 Would kill the two astronauts. 676 00:33:28,132 --> 00:33:30,799 Truly: It was not a great day. 677 00:33:30,876 --> 00:33:33,135 [laughs] 678 00:33:33,211 --> 00:33:36,963 But the flight crew 679 00:33:36,974 --> 00:33:40,467 Comes from a group of people 680 00:33:40,477 --> 00:33:44,646 That understand risk. 681 00:33:44,723 --> 00:33:48,066 We knew that rockets could blow up 682 00:33:48,235 --> 00:33:52,395 And airplanes could crash. 683 00:33:52,406 --> 00:33:57,075 If you don't want to take the risk, 684 00:33:57,202 --> 00:34:00,078 You don't get to fly. 685 00:34:00,247 --> 00:34:01,830 Narrator: The inherent danger strikes home 686 00:34:01,907 --> 00:34:04,082 When one of the 14 mol astronauts, 687 00:34:04,293 --> 00:34:05,333 Robert lawrence, 688 00:34:05,410 --> 00:34:08,754 Is killed in a training accident. 689 00:34:08,830 --> 00:34:10,922 He had been the first african american 690 00:34:10,999 --> 00:34:12,665 Selected to be an astronaut 691 00:34:12,676 --> 00:34:16,094 And a key member of the mol team. 692 00:34:16,305 --> 00:34:20,474 Crippen: What did it feel like? Well, it was very sad. 693 00:34:22,269 --> 00:34:24,928 I'd lost friends before 694 00:34:24,938 --> 00:34:29,024 And lost friends subsequent to that, 695 00:34:29,101 --> 00:34:32,944 But there is risk involved, and, uh, that's part of life. 696 00:34:34,773 --> 00:34:38,108 Narrator: Mol is still years from launch. 697 00:34:38,118 --> 00:34:39,192 But it's not the only program 698 00:34:39,203 --> 00:34:42,120 That struggles to get off the ground. 699 00:34:42,197 --> 00:34:44,614 May 11, 1963. 700 00:34:44,625 --> 00:34:47,375 A new satellite called gambit sits on the pad 701 00:34:47,452 --> 00:34:49,127 When an air bubble in its fuel tank 702 00:34:49,213 --> 00:34:52,297 Triggers the rocket's collapse. 703 00:34:52,374 --> 00:34:56,051 So two months later, they try again. 704 00:34:56,128 --> 00:34:57,636 The successful launch 705 00:34:57,712 --> 00:35:02,140 Places a high-resolution camera in space for the first time. 706 00:35:02,226 --> 00:35:05,143 Caddell: High resolution provided by the gambit 1 system 707 00:35:05,220 --> 00:35:07,729 Offered a fundamentally different class of information 708 00:35:07,806 --> 00:35:09,564 Than what you could get from corona. 709 00:35:09,641 --> 00:35:11,316 High resolution spatial details 710 00:35:11,393 --> 00:35:14,236 Of things like soviet naval vessel 711 00:35:14,312 --> 00:35:16,238 Or aircraft or radar dish, 712 00:35:16,314 --> 00:35:17,981 Allowed you to start characterizing 713 00:35:17,991 --> 00:35:19,908 Some of its operational parameters 714 00:35:19,985 --> 00:35:22,661 And not simply identify what it is. 715 00:35:23,655 --> 00:35:25,488 Narrator: By the mid-1960s, 716 00:35:25,499 --> 00:35:29,659 Corona and gambit are launching almost once a month. 717 00:35:29,670 --> 00:35:33,255 Their success creates a whole new problem-- 718 00:35:33,331 --> 00:35:35,882 How do you recover all this film from space? 719 00:35:40,088 --> 00:35:42,430 The satellite ejects a film capsule 720 00:35:42,507 --> 00:35:45,258 To drop northwest of hawaii. 721 00:35:45,269 --> 00:35:47,260 It streaks through the atmosphere, 722 00:35:47,271 --> 00:35:51,189 Lighting up the sky like a shooting star. 723 00:35:51,266 --> 00:35:52,432 A team of air force planes 724 00:35:52,442 --> 00:35:56,194 Flies in a grid pattern over the ocean. 725 00:35:56,405 --> 00:35:57,612 Their goal-- 726 00:35:57,689 --> 00:35:59,865 To snag the film capsule before it hits water. 727 00:36:02,786 --> 00:36:05,278 As a plane gets ready to make a pass, 728 00:36:05,289 --> 00:36:08,206 The air crew lets out catch lines. 729 00:36:08,375 --> 00:36:09,457 Outzen: This is one of the hooks 730 00:36:09,534 --> 00:36:12,210 That the air force used 731 00:36:12,287 --> 00:36:14,287 To retrieve the very first film 732 00:36:14,298 --> 00:36:16,289 That was returned from space. 733 00:36:16,300 --> 00:36:18,216 The way the system would work 734 00:36:18,302 --> 00:36:21,219 Is that two of these hooks would be attached to the harness 735 00:36:21,296 --> 00:36:23,129 Out the back end of the aircraft. 736 00:36:23,140 --> 00:36:25,640 The aircraft would fly over the parachute, 737 00:36:25,717 --> 00:36:28,643 And one of these hooks would snag the parachute, 738 00:36:28,720 --> 00:36:30,887 And that film was returned to the united states 739 00:36:30,898 --> 00:36:33,982 Where it was developed and used for intelligence purposes. 740 00:36:37,905 --> 00:36:41,156 Narrator: Gambit, corona, and the next-generation hexagon 741 00:36:41,233 --> 00:36:44,242 Produce hundreds of thousands of images each year, 742 00:36:44,319 --> 00:36:47,237 Cataloging the soviet arsenal. 743 00:36:47,247 --> 00:36:50,490 But the agency in charge of the satellites and mol-- 744 00:36:50,500 --> 00:36:52,751 The national reconnaissance office-- 745 00:36:52,827 --> 00:36:54,661 Is invisible to the public. 746 00:36:54,671 --> 00:36:56,338 Outzen: The national reconnaissance office 747 00:36:56,414 --> 00:36:58,498 Was not publicly acknowledged 748 00:36:58,508 --> 00:37:01,927 From the time that it was established in 1961 749 00:37:02,003 --> 00:37:03,678 Until 1992. 750 00:37:05,840 --> 00:37:08,758 Narrator: To keep the soviets guessing about these programs, 751 00:37:08,769 --> 00:37:13,104 Everyone involved maintains a wartime level of security. 752 00:37:13,181 --> 00:37:15,273 Phil pressel: So the fact that I worked 753 00:37:15,442 --> 00:37:18,101 On top-secret programs 754 00:37:18,111 --> 00:37:20,946 Meant I couldn't tell my family or my friends, 755 00:37:21,022 --> 00:37:22,781 My kids, my wife, 756 00:37:22,857 --> 00:37:26,526 No one could I tell what did I really do. 757 00:37:26,536 --> 00:37:28,111 There were certain words 758 00:37:28,121 --> 00:37:33,041 That were taboo to use on the telephone. 759 00:37:33,118 --> 00:37:35,293 You couldn't use the word "camera." 760 00:37:35,370 --> 00:37:40,298 And the most taboo word to use was the word "film," 761 00:37:40,425 --> 00:37:47,305 Because film automatically means taking pictures...Cameras. 762 00:37:47,432 --> 00:37:48,556 When we went on trips, 763 00:37:48,633 --> 00:37:52,394 We were told several times by the cia 764 00:37:52,470 --> 00:37:55,313 You can't stay in this particular hotel 765 00:37:55,524 --> 00:37:57,816 Because they knew that some of the rooms were bugged. 766 00:37:57,892 --> 00:38:02,988 Truly: Not only did the programs not exist, 767 00:38:03,064 --> 00:38:05,565 The national reconnaissance office 768 00:38:05,575 --> 00:38:07,742 Didn't exist 769 00:38:07,819 --> 00:38:11,329 And the security system didn't exist. 770 00:38:11,406 --> 00:38:13,039 It was invisible. 771 00:38:15,410 --> 00:38:16,659 Narrator: But as mol gears up, 772 00:38:16,670 --> 00:38:18,745 And thousands begin to work on it, 773 00:38:18,755 --> 00:38:24,083 The budget balloons from 1.5 to 3 billion dollars. 774 00:38:24,094 --> 00:38:28,004 There's just no way to pretend it doesn't exist. 775 00:38:28,015 --> 00:38:31,174 Crippen: It would be hard for the department of defense 776 00:38:31,184 --> 00:38:34,344 To not publicly state that there was a program. 777 00:38:34,354 --> 00:38:37,355 It was too visible from that standpoint. 778 00:38:37,432 --> 00:38:42,193 However, they had an unclassified mission for us 779 00:38:42,270 --> 00:38:44,696 That was doing experiments on orbit, 780 00:38:44,773 --> 00:38:46,781 That sort of thing. 781 00:38:46,858 --> 00:38:51,369 So, the real mission was very heavily classified. 782 00:38:51,446 --> 00:38:54,706 Narrator: November 3, 1966. 783 00:38:54,783 --> 00:38:58,209 Less than three months after the titan iiic explosion, 784 00:38:58,286 --> 00:39:04,040 Mol faces a crucial test that can only be done in public. 785 00:39:04,051 --> 00:39:08,386 The air force gives it a trial run. 786 00:39:08,597 --> 00:39:12,715 They load a mol laboratory mock-up onto the titan iiic, 787 00:39:12,726 --> 00:39:14,642 Make last minute checks, 788 00:39:14,719 --> 00:39:17,053 And then top it with the gemini capsule 789 00:39:17,064 --> 00:39:19,230 That has been uniquely modified for mol. 790 00:39:22,477 --> 00:39:23,726 Crippen: The idea was 791 00:39:23,737 --> 00:39:26,646 We were gonna test an unmanned gemini capsule 792 00:39:26,656 --> 00:39:28,573 With the hatch cut in it. 793 00:39:28,650 --> 00:39:32,402 Crippen: They had to cut this hatch into the heat shield, 794 00:39:32,412 --> 00:39:35,663 Which made it potentially a failure point, 795 00:39:35,740 --> 00:39:37,123 When you were re-entering. 796 00:39:44,341 --> 00:39:47,250 Narrator: If the heat shield fails on this trial run, 797 00:39:47,260 --> 00:39:52,430 It will be a major setback, likely killing the program. 798 00:39:52,507 --> 00:39:54,182 Man: All systems are good 799 00:39:54,259 --> 00:39:57,102 With the launch vehicle on the pad. 800 00:39:57,178 --> 00:39:58,228 Man: Go ahead. 801 00:40:00,014 --> 00:40:01,681 Narrator: The manned orbiting laboratory 802 00:40:01,691 --> 00:40:03,433 Will be one of the biggest payloads 803 00:40:03,443 --> 00:40:05,852 Ever carried into space. 804 00:40:05,862 --> 00:40:08,446 It will get there on a titan iiic, 805 00:40:08,615 --> 00:40:10,940 The most powerful rocket of its time. 806 00:40:10,951 --> 00:40:12,700 Crippen: We had a titan iiic 807 00:40:12,777 --> 00:40:15,361 That was gonna fly out of cape canaveral 808 00:40:15,372 --> 00:40:19,457 That had a mock-up of our lab and the gemini spacecraft. 809 00:40:19,543 --> 00:40:20,700 Man: Recorders to fast speed. 810 00:40:20,710 --> 00:40:22,034 Man: T minus 30 seconds and counting. 811 00:40:22,045 --> 00:40:23,953 All final checks in the countdown 812 00:40:23,964 --> 00:40:25,788 Still looking good at this time. 813 00:40:25,799 --> 00:40:27,457 Narrator: The future of mol 814 00:40:27,467 --> 00:40:29,292 Rides on this launch. 815 00:40:29,302 --> 00:40:31,469 Man: Zero. Ignition. 816 00:40:31,596 --> 00:40:33,221 [rumbling] 817 00:40:33,298 --> 00:40:34,556 Liftoff. 818 00:40:34,632 --> 00:40:36,850 We have a liftoff at 16 minutes after the hour. 819 00:40:40,564 --> 00:40:41,896 Climbing very nicely. 820 00:40:42,983 --> 00:40:45,233 We have a roll program initiated. 821 00:40:49,647 --> 00:40:51,156 Narrator: The titan 822 00:40:51,232 --> 00:40:53,324 Lifts the mol mock-up and gemini into orbit, 823 00:40:53,401 --> 00:40:58,496 Accelerating to almost 17,500 miles per hour. 824 00:40:58,623 --> 00:41:00,915 But the biggest test is still to come. 825 00:41:00,992 --> 00:41:03,501 Will the heat shield's access hatch hold up 826 00:41:03,578 --> 00:41:05,503 Or fail on re-entry? 827 00:41:08,675 --> 00:41:10,166 Man: We have staging, 828 00:41:10,177 --> 00:41:12,343 And it's been confirmed here on the ground. 829 00:41:13,680 --> 00:41:16,005 After traveling 5,500 miles, 830 00:41:16,016 --> 00:41:19,934 The gemini drops back through the atmosphere. 831 00:41:20,011 --> 00:41:23,521 Temperatures can reach 5,000 degrees. 832 00:41:23,648 --> 00:41:25,765 Parts of the heat shield melt off, 833 00:41:25,775 --> 00:41:27,317 Spraying onto the windows. 834 00:41:29,521 --> 00:41:31,529 [parachute fluttering] 835 00:41:34,367 --> 00:41:36,692 Man on radio: Roger, we're current now on the event timer, 836 00:41:36,703 --> 00:41:38,528 But go ahead... 837 00:41:38,538 --> 00:41:41,030 Narrator: The capsule splashes down in the south atlantic... 838 00:41:41,041 --> 00:41:42,865 Man on radio: Roger, will do. 839 00:41:42,876 --> 00:41:45,710 Narrator: And navy rescue divers scramble to keep it afloat 840 00:41:45,787 --> 00:41:47,712 And secure lines for retrieval. 841 00:41:50,458 --> 00:41:52,550 Hauling it aboard the u.S.S. La salle 842 00:41:52,761 --> 00:41:54,052 Is a lot less high-tech. 843 00:42:00,301 --> 00:42:02,727 The exterior is charred. 844 00:42:02,804 --> 00:42:05,396 Mol engineers have to pry open the doors. 845 00:42:08,902 --> 00:42:10,818 But once inside the capsule, 846 00:42:10,895 --> 00:42:16,074 They discover that the interior is undamaged. 847 00:42:16,150 --> 00:42:18,401 The hatch in the heat shield held, 848 00:42:18,411 --> 00:42:21,037 And mol has cleared a critical hurdle. 849 00:42:25,710 --> 00:42:27,827 But while mol inches forward, 850 00:42:27,837 --> 00:42:32,331 The world is changing much faster. 851 00:42:32,342 --> 00:42:33,666 By the mid-1960s, 852 00:42:33,677 --> 00:42:36,335 Corona and gambit are operating smoothly, 853 00:42:36,346 --> 00:42:38,921 Collecting images of missile sites and weapons systems 854 00:42:38,932 --> 00:42:41,015 Across the soviet union. 855 00:42:45,013 --> 00:42:48,606 Caddell: What corona provided was a broad area scan 856 00:42:48,683 --> 00:42:51,192 Or broad area search capability. 857 00:42:51,269 --> 00:42:54,520 The gambit system was more of a point imaging system. 858 00:42:54,531 --> 00:42:58,941 In a way, the gambit system was like a u-2 in space. 859 00:42:58,952 --> 00:43:01,452 It allowed us to type out and identify 860 00:43:01,529 --> 00:43:03,613 Different types of bomber aircraft, 861 00:43:03,623 --> 00:43:05,290 Different types of transport aircraft, 862 00:43:05,366 --> 00:43:08,876 Even different naval vessels from one another. 863 00:43:08,953 --> 00:43:10,628 Narrator: By 1966, 864 00:43:10,755 --> 00:43:15,124 The two satellites can tag-team any site in the soviet union. 865 00:43:15,135 --> 00:43:16,467 Outzen: So, say a missile silo 866 00:43:16,544 --> 00:43:18,720 Was identified on the corona system. 867 00:43:18,796 --> 00:43:21,389 The gambit system would be programmed 868 00:43:21,466 --> 00:43:24,642 To come and look at that particular missile silo, 869 00:43:24,853 --> 00:43:27,303 But at much higher resolution. 870 00:43:27,314 --> 00:43:29,555 The later generation gambit system, 871 00:43:29,566 --> 00:43:31,482 We were able to identify objects 872 00:43:31,559 --> 00:43:36,062 That were smaller than one foot in size. 873 00:43:36,072 --> 00:43:39,657 Narrator: Teamed with improved radar and signals detection, 874 00:43:39,734 --> 00:43:41,659 They provide critical information 875 00:43:41,828 --> 00:43:44,153 On the soviet military. 876 00:43:44,164 --> 00:43:45,655 Outzen: They each provided 877 00:43:45,665 --> 00:43:48,499 A unique contributing piece of information 878 00:43:48,576 --> 00:43:51,586 That, assembled with another piece of information, 879 00:43:51,663 --> 00:43:53,663 Gave us greater insight 880 00:43:53,673 --> 00:43:57,300 Into the intelligence challenge that we were trying to solve. 881 00:44:00,013 --> 00:44:01,679 Narrator: With satellites passing overhead 882 00:44:01,756 --> 00:44:03,506 Almost continuously, 883 00:44:03,516 --> 00:44:06,926 The soviets realize they're being watched. 884 00:44:06,936 --> 00:44:08,853 Caddell: There are many stories that I have heard 885 00:44:08,930 --> 00:44:12,523 Of soviets writing things in the snow or using dirt 886 00:44:12,600 --> 00:44:13,691 Or other marking agents 887 00:44:13,768 --> 00:44:16,185 To communicate things to the americans. 888 00:44:16,196 --> 00:44:17,987 Many of these are unrepeatable four-letter words. 889 00:44:19,866 --> 00:44:21,691 Narrator: Ground-based controllers 890 00:44:21,701 --> 00:44:23,951 Can remotely reprogram these satellites, 891 00:44:24,028 --> 00:44:26,704 Making them much more versatile. 892 00:44:26,873 --> 00:44:30,032 The later generations are designed to carry much more film 893 00:44:30,043 --> 00:44:31,951 And multiple film buckets 894 00:44:31,961 --> 00:44:33,920 So they can stay in orbit longer. 895 00:44:35,707 --> 00:44:38,383 Robotic satellites with high-resolution cameras 896 00:44:38,459 --> 00:44:41,127 Fill much of the role planned for mol, 897 00:44:41,137 --> 00:44:43,137 With one important difference. 898 00:44:43,214 --> 00:44:44,797 Charles: Robotic missions 899 00:44:44,808 --> 00:44:48,050 Are also gonna be substantially cheaper than piloted missions. 900 00:44:48,061 --> 00:44:50,052 Or if you spend the same amount of money, 901 00:44:50,063 --> 00:44:53,398 You can get more capability out of a robotic mission. 902 00:44:53,474 --> 00:44:55,149 Narrator: By 1969, 903 00:44:55,226 --> 00:44:58,611 Vietnam is consuming most of the defense budget... 904 00:45:00,407 --> 00:45:03,950 And every program comes under close scrutiny. 905 00:45:05,820 --> 00:45:09,247 Mol is running almost three years behind schedule 906 00:45:09,323 --> 00:45:13,334 And more than a billion dollars over budget. 907 00:45:13,411 --> 00:45:16,170 David: When you put humans in space, 908 00:45:16,247 --> 00:45:18,748 It is very, very expensive. 909 00:45:18,758 --> 00:45:21,259 It is very, very complex. 910 00:45:21,335 --> 00:45:27,423 And ultimately, president nixon canceled the program. 911 00:45:27,434 --> 00:45:29,016 Man: This morning, 912 00:45:29,093 --> 00:45:30,593 The chairman and members 913 00:45:30,603 --> 00:45:33,271 Of the appropriate house and senate committees 914 00:45:33,347 --> 00:45:36,599 Were informed that the manned orbiting laboratory, 915 00:45:36,609 --> 00:45:38,776 Mol program, 916 00:45:38,853 --> 00:45:42,780 Has been cancelled by the department of defense. 917 00:45:42,857 --> 00:45:44,190 Narrator: The announcement comes 918 00:45:44,200 --> 00:45:48,870 Just six weeks before apollo 11's moon mission. 919 00:45:48,946 --> 00:45:50,705 Truly: Suddenly, 920 00:45:50,782 --> 00:45:53,791 The program that we had 921 00:45:53,868 --> 00:45:57,795 Thrown ourselves into so much 922 00:45:58,006 --> 00:45:59,705 To make work 923 00:45:59,716 --> 00:46:02,800 Was just gone. 924 00:46:02,886 --> 00:46:06,804 The program was gone. 925 00:46:06,890 --> 00:46:10,716 Crippen: It was devastating is the way I reacted. 926 00:46:10,727 --> 00:46:12,977 You know, as good as it felt when I was selected, 927 00:46:13,054 --> 00:46:17,231 It was a 180-degree opposite 928 00:46:17,308 --> 00:46:20,392 Of how it was when it went away. 929 00:46:20,403 --> 00:46:23,905 So, it was, uh, certainly one of the low periods in my life. 930 00:46:27,660 --> 00:46:30,578 Truly: We thought we were gonna fly in space, 931 00:46:30,655 --> 00:46:35,157 And suddenly our ride was yanked. 932 00:46:35,168 --> 00:46:39,745 And, uh, I didn't know what I was gonna do. 933 00:46:39,756 --> 00:46:40,996 Narrator: Almost immediately, 934 00:46:41,007 --> 00:46:43,257 The whole mol program is shut down, 935 00:46:43,334 --> 00:46:46,260 Scrapped, or recycled. 936 00:46:46,337 --> 00:46:48,513 Charles: The 71-inch mirrors 937 00:46:48,589 --> 00:46:51,849 That would have been used in each of the mol vehicles 938 00:46:52,060 --> 00:46:53,851 Eventually found their way into a telescope 939 00:46:54,020 --> 00:46:56,854 That was used to study the depths of the universe. 940 00:47:00,017 --> 00:47:01,609 Narrator: Half of the mol astronauts, 941 00:47:01,686 --> 00:47:04,103 Including robert crippen and richard truly, 942 00:47:04,113 --> 00:47:07,523 Transfer to nasa. 943 00:47:07,534 --> 00:47:10,618 Truly: It was night and day. 944 00:47:10,695 --> 00:47:14,789 Suddenly we were going from a program 945 00:47:14,866 --> 00:47:18,709 That was at the heart of the cold war 946 00:47:18,786 --> 00:47:22,371 But invisible, 947 00:47:22,382 --> 00:47:24,456 To nasa, 948 00:47:24,467 --> 00:47:31,556 Who encouraged their astronauts to get publicity. 949 00:47:33,017 --> 00:47:34,133 Narrator: Despite their years 950 00:47:34,143 --> 00:47:35,893 Of training and experience with mol, 951 00:47:35,970 --> 00:47:40,565 Truly and crippen have to start at the back of the line at nasa. 952 00:47:43,027 --> 00:47:46,404 Truly: The dream of all astronauts 953 00:47:46,480 --> 00:47:51,066 Is they want to fly in space. 954 00:47:51,077 --> 00:47:53,569 And until you do, 955 00:47:53,580 --> 00:47:56,539 You're not sure you're ever gonna get there. 956 00:48:02,079 --> 00:48:03,746 Narrator: Until 1978, 957 00:48:03,756 --> 00:48:06,090 All they can do is train for the space shuttle 958 00:48:06,167 --> 00:48:08,250 And hope for a chance. 959 00:48:08,261 --> 00:48:10,920 Crippen: The big boss at that time of flight crew ops 960 00:48:10,930 --> 00:48:12,847 Was a guy called george abbey. 961 00:48:12,924 --> 00:48:14,432 George says, "crip, 962 00:48:14,508 --> 00:48:17,518 How'd you like to fly this first space shuttle?" 963 00:48:17,595 --> 00:48:19,270 And I, uh... 964 00:48:19,347 --> 00:48:21,022 I was ready to turn handsprings. 965 00:48:24,352 --> 00:48:27,862 Narrator: It takes crippen 15 years to reach space. 966 00:48:27,939 --> 00:48:30,439 Crippen: I was 28 when I was selected for the mol program. 967 00:48:30,450 --> 00:48:34,026 I was 43 when I flew that first flight, 968 00:48:34,037 --> 00:48:37,288 So, um, tenacity sometimes pays off for you. 969 00:48:37,365 --> 00:48:39,281 Narrator: Over those same 15 years, 970 00:48:39,292 --> 00:48:40,958 Spy satellites prove 971 00:48:41,044 --> 00:48:44,462 That the soviet nuclear threat is not as bad as feared, 972 00:48:44,538 --> 00:48:48,716 And america's atomic anxieties ease. 973 00:48:48,793 --> 00:48:50,051 Caddell: One of the major legacies then 974 00:48:50,127 --> 00:48:52,044 Of 1960s space reconnaissance 975 00:48:52,055 --> 00:48:54,889 Is peace and stability, to a degree. 976 00:48:54,966 --> 00:48:56,715 The ability to have a firm, 977 00:48:56,726 --> 00:48:58,976 Rational, evidence-based understanding 978 00:48:59,053 --> 00:49:00,636 Of the adversary's capabilities, 979 00:49:00,647 --> 00:49:03,981 I would argue, drastically reduced the likelihood 980 00:49:04,067 --> 00:49:06,984 Of accidental nuclear war. 981 00:49:07,061 --> 00:49:08,227 Narrator: In 1972, 982 00:49:08,237 --> 00:49:11,480 America and the soviet union sign salt I, 983 00:49:11,491 --> 00:49:14,158 The first in a series of arms control agreements. 984 00:49:17,205 --> 00:49:19,321 And in July of 1975, 985 00:49:19,332 --> 00:49:20,572 For the first time, 986 00:49:20,583 --> 00:49:23,334 The two superpowers link up in space 987 00:49:23,411 --> 00:49:26,003 With the apollo-soyuz mission. 988 00:49:26,172 --> 00:49:27,579 Crippen: Apollo-soyuz was important 989 00:49:27,590 --> 00:49:30,424 Because it allowed us to find out 990 00:49:30,501 --> 00:49:32,001 That we could work with the soviets 991 00:49:32,011 --> 00:49:34,420 On things like space 992 00:49:34,430 --> 00:49:37,923 And be productive together. 993 00:49:37,934 --> 00:49:40,685 Space is a good way to bring nations together. 994 00:49:40,761 --> 00:49:42,094 It really is. 995 00:49:43,523 --> 00:49:46,432 Narrator: Robert crippen lives every astronaut's dream, 996 00:49:46,442 --> 00:49:50,027 Flying into space on board the shuttle four times. 997 00:49:51,856 --> 00:49:58,035 And on richard truly's 44th birthday, he reaches space. 998 00:49:58,246 --> 00:50:01,288 Truly: I first got to fly the enterprise 999 00:50:01,365 --> 00:50:04,950 On top of the 747, 1000 00:50:04,961 --> 00:50:10,047 And then I turned around and commanded challenger. 1001 00:50:10,124 --> 00:50:13,042 It was a thrill. 1002 00:50:13,052 --> 00:50:14,051 Narrator: He retires from the navy 1003 00:50:14,220 --> 00:50:15,261 As a vice admiral. 1004 00:50:17,381 --> 00:50:19,965 While mol faded into the shadows, 1005 00:50:19,976 --> 00:50:21,216 It played a crucial role 1006 00:50:21,227 --> 00:50:25,646 In the evolution from paranoia to peace. 1007 00:50:25,723 --> 00:50:28,065 Truly: There weren't a lot of good things 1008 00:50:28,234 --> 00:50:31,986 Going on in the '60s. 1009 00:50:32,063 --> 00:50:36,982 About the only thing that americans could dream about 1010 00:50:36,993 --> 00:50:41,487 Was the magic mission of apollo. 1011 00:50:41,497 --> 00:50:45,157 But invisible to the public, 1012 00:50:45,168 --> 00:50:48,494 A lot of people, including me, 1013 00:50:48,504 --> 00:50:52,998 Were working to win the cold war 1014 00:50:53,009 --> 00:50:54,842 And gain peace, 1015 00:50:54,919 --> 00:51:00,097 And it was a marvelous experience.