1 00:00:00,901 --> 00:00:03,102 Narrator: The beauty of machines is 2 00:00:03,170 --> 00:00:05,304 They don't make mistakes. 3 00:00:05,372 --> 00:00:08,774 But humans, now, that's another story. 4 00:00:08,842 --> 00:00:11,377 Carpenter: It's gonna be real tight on fuel, gus. 5 00:00:11,445 --> 00:00:15,314 Weitekamp: Human space flight is always a balancing act. 6 00:00:15,382 --> 00:00:18,183 Narrator: In the high-stakes world of outer space 7 00:00:18,252 --> 00:00:20,819 There's no room for uncertainty. 8 00:00:20,887 --> 00:00:22,054 Mocr: Can you see the soyuz? 9 00:00:22,056 --> 00:00:25,390 Narrator: Indecision or mental distraction. 10 00:00:25,393 --> 00:00:28,927 Kluger: If you are not focused, you are going to die. 11 00:00:30,031 --> 00:00:32,865 Narrator: Now, witness trial and error. 12 00:00:34,201 --> 00:00:35,333 Massimino: I don't wanna strip the thing. 13 00:00:35,402 --> 00:00:37,636 Narrator: In a place that wreaks havoc 14 00:00:37,704 --> 00:00:40,338 On the body and mind. 15 00:00:40,407 --> 00:00:42,474 The costly miscalculations 16 00:00:42,543 --> 00:00:44,743 Astronaut: Does anyone receive our (indistinct) over. 17 00:00:44,745 --> 00:00:46,311 Narrator: And narrow escapes. 18 00:00:46,379 --> 00:00:48,246 Malik: If you miss one little thing 19 00:00:48,315 --> 00:00:49,748 You can have a really bad day. 20 00:00:51,284 --> 00:00:54,986 Narrator: By astronauts making life and death decisions. 21 00:00:55,055 --> 00:00:57,055 (dramatic music) 22 00:00:57,124 --> 00:01:00,359 Teitel: It's possible for human error to seep into any flight. 23 00:01:03,663 --> 00:01:06,331 (dramatic music) 24 00:01:17,844 --> 00:01:20,445 Narrator: May 11, 2009. 25 00:01:20,514 --> 00:01:21,413 Astronaut: Okay, scooter, look, 26 00:01:21,482 --> 00:01:22,815 It's a great day to go fly. 27 00:01:27,021 --> 00:01:29,421 Narrator: The space shuttle atlantis rockets 28 00:01:29,489 --> 00:01:32,390 Into its last solo flight. 29 00:01:32,393 --> 00:01:35,160 (dramatic music) 30 00:01:41,168 --> 00:01:44,103 Sts-125 and its seven-person crew 31 00:01:47,874 --> 00:01:49,407 Are on a mission to repair 32 00:01:49,476 --> 00:01:52,478 One of the greatest scientific instruments ever built, 33 00:01:56,684 --> 00:01:58,584 The hubble space telescope. 34 00:02:01,721 --> 00:02:03,855 Massimino: When you're dealing with something that important 35 00:02:03,924 --> 00:02:08,861 There's a sense of urgency so I was extremely thrilled 36 00:02:09,696 --> 00:02:11,730 To have been assigned to that flight. 37 00:02:13,367 --> 00:02:15,901 Narrator: For the past two decades, 38 00:02:15,903 --> 00:02:20,672 This 43 1/2-foot giant has captured images 39 00:02:20,740 --> 00:02:24,810 Of the universe we can only get from space. 40 00:02:27,515 --> 00:02:30,816 Shara: The atmosphere blurs everything you see in the sky. 41 00:02:31,918 --> 00:02:33,852 If you wanted the very finest detail, 42 00:02:35,155 --> 00:02:37,856 If you wanted to see the first generation of stars 43 00:02:39,726 --> 00:02:41,793 You would need a telescope out in space. 44 00:02:42,796 --> 00:02:44,796 That is what hubble has delivered. 45 00:02:46,533 --> 00:02:48,600 Massimino: It's unlocked the secrets to the universe 46 00:02:48,602 --> 00:02:51,270 And showed us the beauty of the universe, 47 00:02:51,338 --> 00:02:53,405 Unlike any other science instrument. 48 00:02:55,675 --> 00:02:57,075 (gentle music) 49 00:02:57,143 --> 00:03:00,178 Narrator: In houston, flight controllers anxiously track 50 00:03:00,247 --> 00:03:02,180 The shuttle's ascent. 51 00:03:02,249 --> 00:03:05,918 The stakes on this mission are extremely high. 52 00:03:08,054 --> 00:03:10,589 The hubble hasn't been serviced for seven years. 53 00:03:11,591 --> 00:03:14,226 Now, many of its aging instruments are 54 00:03:14,294 --> 00:03:16,361 In dire need of repair. 55 00:03:16,363 --> 00:03:18,463 Astronaut: Huston, atlantis, 200 feet. 56 00:03:19,466 --> 00:03:21,166 Narrator: But time is running out. 57 00:03:21,168 --> 00:03:23,535 Astronaut: I'm flying at 151 feet. 58 00:03:23,603 --> 00:03:24,769 Narrator: Nasa plans 59 00:03:24,772 --> 00:03:27,172 To retire the space shuttle program soon. 60 00:03:27,240 --> 00:03:30,175 When that happens, astronauts will no longer be able 61 00:03:30,243 --> 00:03:32,444 To service the billion -dollar wonder. 62 00:03:33,980 --> 00:03:36,381 Massimino: We wanted to do everything we could 63 00:03:36,450 --> 00:03:38,183 To leave the telescope 64 00:03:38,251 --> 00:03:41,453 In good working order for as long as possible. 65 00:03:42,956 --> 00:03:46,058 We knew that anything that wasn't completed 66 00:03:46,126 --> 00:03:49,094 On that mission was never gonna be completed. 67 00:03:49,997 --> 00:03:51,963 Astronaut: Houston, atlantis. 68 00:03:52,032 --> 00:03:55,534 Hubble has arrived on board atlantis with the arm. 69 00:03:56,737 --> 00:03:58,970 Narrator: Six days after reaching orbit, 70 00:03:59,039 --> 00:04:02,040 The crew prepares for the mission's fourth spacewalk. 71 00:04:03,611 --> 00:04:07,812 Astronauts mike massimino and michael goode must replace 72 00:04:07,881 --> 00:04:11,083 The power supply on the imaging spectrograph, 73 00:04:11,151 --> 00:04:13,351 A piece of equipment whose data has generated 74 00:04:13,354 --> 00:04:17,489 More scientific papers than any part of the hubble. 75 00:04:17,557 --> 00:04:20,091 Massimino: The space telescope imaging spectrograph was 76 00:04:20,160 --> 00:04:22,828 A very nice scientific instrument. 77 00:04:22,896 --> 00:04:24,830 It was able to, amongst other things, 78 00:04:24,898 --> 00:04:29,001 Detect the atmospheres of far off planets around stars. 79 00:04:30,570 --> 00:04:34,372 Narrator: The spectrograph's power supply failed in 2004, 80 00:04:34,441 --> 00:04:39,111 Leaving it inoperable for five long and disappointing years. 81 00:04:39,179 --> 00:04:40,178 Massimino: Nasa couldn't afford 82 00:04:40,180 --> 00:04:41,780 To build a new replacement for it. 83 00:04:41,782 --> 00:04:44,449 So we were the repair people that were gonna go up there 84 00:04:44,518 --> 00:04:47,085 And make it possible to see into the universe. 85 00:04:49,289 --> 00:04:53,391 Mocr: Mike massimino , first out of the airlock. 86 00:04:53,394 --> 00:04:55,660 Narrator: At 9:45 in the morning, 87 00:04:55,663 --> 00:05:00,131 Massimino and goode slowly make their way out of atlantis. 88 00:05:00,134 --> 00:05:01,599 Massimino: Coming out. 89 00:05:01,668 --> 00:05:02,934 Mocr: That's great we see you coming out. 90 00:05:03,002 --> 00:05:03,769 You can egress. 91 00:05:06,340 --> 00:05:07,806 Narrator: Bringing the spectrograph back 92 00:05:07,874 --> 00:05:11,142 From the dead will be a major challenge. 93 00:05:11,145 --> 00:05:13,879 It was never designed to be repaired in space. 94 00:05:15,315 --> 00:05:18,750 Massimino: We devised a plan to take it apart, 95 00:05:18,752 --> 00:05:21,153 And put a new power supply in. 96 00:05:21,221 --> 00:05:24,156 We created over a hundred new tools for this task. 97 00:05:25,826 --> 00:05:30,695 Shara: It's very daunting, not for the faint of heart. 98 00:05:30,764 --> 00:05:32,731 You've got to have rock steady hands 99 00:05:34,501 --> 00:05:37,469 And you've just got to focus. 100 00:05:38,639 --> 00:05:41,707 Narrator: Massimino and goode hope using the tools 101 00:05:41,775 --> 00:05:43,308 Has become second nature. 102 00:05:44,344 --> 00:05:48,213 They have just 6 1/2 hours to get the job done. 103 00:05:49,249 --> 00:05:50,648 Massimino: You're out there on the clock. 104 00:05:50,651 --> 00:05:54,119 You don't have all that much time to figure everything out. 105 00:05:54,121 --> 00:05:56,654 Because you can't stay out there forever. 106 00:05:56,657 --> 00:05:59,557 Narrator: Inside atlantis, commander scott altman 107 00:05:59,626 --> 00:06:02,327 Carefully operates the shuttle's 50-foot boom. 108 00:06:04,665 --> 00:06:07,699 It ferries massimino and goode to the telescope, 109 00:06:07,767 --> 00:06:10,535 Parked in the shuttle's enormous payload bay. 110 00:06:10,604 --> 00:06:13,472 Mocr: Mike massimino as he prepares 111 00:06:13,540 --> 00:06:16,808 The manipulator foot restraint. 112 00:06:16,876 --> 00:06:19,077 Narrator: In houston, mission control watches 113 00:06:19,079 --> 00:06:21,246 As massimino begins the repair. 114 00:06:22,215 --> 00:06:23,482 Massimino: Everything still looks secure, 115 00:06:23,550 --> 00:06:24,616 I'm in the fly handle. 116 00:06:26,286 --> 00:06:28,653 Narrator: A wire and foot restraints give him 117 00:06:28,721 --> 00:06:32,057 A precarious connection to the security of the robotic arm. 118 00:06:34,628 --> 00:06:35,760 Carpenter: Just a reminder to the both of you. 119 00:06:35,763 --> 00:06:38,296 Watch out for the loop on the bolt. 120 00:06:38,298 --> 00:06:39,131 Goode: Okay. 121 00:06:40,100 --> 00:06:43,335 Narrator: Goode lingers nearby assisting massimino . 122 00:06:45,305 --> 00:06:48,707 Massimino: We can move away from the telescope 123 00:06:48,775 --> 00:06:50,175 And start right. 124 00:06:50,243 --> 00:06:53,178 Narrator: Their first task, to remove the access panel 125 00:06:53,246 --> 00:06:55,547 Covering the spectrograph's power supply. 126 00:06:57,016 --> 00:06:58,650 Massimino: The easiest thing I was gonna do that day, 127 00:06:58,718 --> 00:07:00,385 Was remove a handrail. 128 00:07:00,454 --> 00:07:02,921 It was blocking a couple of these screws 129 00:07:02,989 --> 00:07:05,123 On the access panel that I needed to get to. 130 00:07:05,125 --> 00:07:06,858 So we could not take out the access panel 131 00:07:06,927 --> 00:07:09,561 Without getting this handrail out of the way. 132 00:07:09,629 --> 00:07:11,229 Narrator: The handrail is held in place 133 00:07:11,297 --> 00:07:14,132 By four large head-set screws, 134 00:07:14,200 --> 00:07:16,468 Two on the top and two on the bottom. 135 00:07:20,474 --> 00:07:23,775 Massimino carefully begins the procedure 136 00:07:23,843 --> 00:07:26,511 Using a reliable, low power tool. 137 00:07:28,081 --> 00:07:30,715 The flight team cheers him on as he works. 138 00:07:31,751 --> 00:07:34,419 Massimino: I got the top left in good shape. 139 00:07:34,487 --> 00:07:36,054 Mocr: I see it, good job. 140 00:07:37,024 --> 00:07:38,723 Narrator: An hour into the assignment, 141 00:07:38,791 --> 00:07:41,827 Things seem to be going well, when- 142 00:07:43,029 --> 00:07:45,663 Massimino: I got three out of the four screws to come out, 143 00:07:45,732 --> 00:07:49,167 No problem, but a fourth one I was having trouble with. 144 00:07:51,170 --> 00:07:52,637 Okay, I'm having trouble with the one 145 00:07:52,639 --> 00:07:53,972 On the lower right. 146 00:07:54,040 --> 00:07:55,573 (suspenseful music) 147 00:07:55,642 --> 00:07:57,575 Narrator: Inside atlantis, 148 00:07:57,578 --> 00:08:00,912 The flight team urges massimino to bear down harder. 149 00:08:03,750 --> 00:08:04,816 Massimino: It definitely turned. Yep, it turned. 150 00:08:07,954 --> 00:08:10,788 Narrator: But massimino has a sneaking suspicion 151 00:08:10,791 --> 00:08:13,592 That he's already gone too far. 152 00:08:13,660 --> 00:08:15,193 Massimino: I don't want to strip the thing. 153 00:08:15,195 --> 00:08:17,128 Narrator: It's too late. 154 00:08:17,196 --> 00:08:19,197 Massimino realizes to his horror 155 00:08:19,199 --> 00:08:22,000 That he's already screwed up. 156 00:08:22,002 --> 00:08:23,935 Massimino: I realized I had stripped its head, 157 00:08:24,003 --> 00:08:25,737 It had destroyed the head of that screw. 158 00:08:25,805 --> 00:08:28,806 There was no way to get it out once that happened. 159 00:08:28,809 --> 00:08:31,209 Narrator: The rest of the crew is astonished. 160 00:08:32,813 --> 00:08:36,181 How could something so simple go so wrong? 161 00:08:38,385 --> 00:08:39,518 Astronaut: That darned handrail! 162 00:08:41,755 --> 00:08:44,189 Narrator: In houston, dozens of flight controllers 163 00:08:44,257 --> 00:08:46,725 Watch massimino struggle with the power drill. 164 00:08:48,962 --> 00:08:51,095 Massimino: Ah, I can't see so well 165 00:08:51,098 --> 00:08:53,064 In the darkness actually. 166 00:08:53,132 --> 00:08:56,234 Narrator: The handrail is stuck in place. 167 00:08:56,302 --> 00:09:00,171 Nasa's plan to revive hubble's precious spectrograph 168 00:09:00,173 --> 00:09:01,973 Quickly turns to disaster 169 00:09:03,644 --> 00:09:06,545 All because of a single stripped screw. 170 00:09:07,680 --> 00:09:09,714 Massimino: It was like a nightmare. 171 00:09:09,782 --> 00:09:12,017 The power supply was never gonna come out. 172 00:09:12,919 --> 00:09:14,385 We were never gonna fix this instrument, 173 00:09:14,454 --> 00:09:16,187 And therefore we would never find out 174 00:09:16,256 --> 00:09:18,656 If there was life somewhere else in the universe, 175 00:09:18,725 --> 00:09:23,395 And everyone on earth forever more would blame me. 176 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:28,967 (bright music) 177 00:09:29,035 --> 00:09:30,134 Narrator: Dozens of controllers 178 00:09:30,203 --> 00:09:32,470 On nasa's flight team watch 179 00:09:32,472 --> 00:09:35,940 As astronaut mike massimino makes a mistake familiar 180 00:09:36,009 --> 00:09:38,043 To every handyman on earth. 181 00:09:40,079 --> 00:09:42,314 He strips a stubborn screw. 182 00:09:44,251 --> 00:09:47,785 If he can't get it out, nasa's million-dollar mission 183 00:09:47,854 --> 00:09:50,455 To rescue the hubble's spectrograph 184 00:09:50,523 --> 00:09:52,757 Will end in failure. 185 00:09:53,493 --> 00:09:56,361 Massimino: Oh my gosh, I dunno what's going on. 186 00:09:56,363 --> 00:09:58,463 This was like really bad. 187 00:09:58,531 --> 00:10:02,701 At that point I had messed up and I felt very, very alone 188 00:10:05,538 --> 00:10:08,340 And I felt like, I don't know how I'm gonna fix this. 189 00:10:10,777 --> 00:10:12,977 And I'm looking at the planet thinking, 190 00:10:13,046 --> 00:10:15,313 The closest hardware store is a long way away. 191 00:10:17,183 --> 00:10:20,218 Narrator: Massimino's error grinds the repair to a halt. 192 00:10:21,321 --> 00:10:24,122 He and astronaut michael goode desperately try 193 00:10:24,124 --> 00:10:27,158 To loosen the screw by using different drill bits. 194 00:10:29,595 --> 00:10:30,662 Massimino: We were trying to think 195 00:10:30,664 --> 00:10:32,263 Of ideas of what else we could do. 196 00:10:32,265 --> 00:10:35,466 We tried different bits to try to move the screw 197 00:10:35,469 --> 00:10:36,901 And none of that was working. 198 00:10:38,805 --> 00:10:40,038 We didn't have a solution. 199 00:10:41,240 --> 00:10:43,307 Narrator: On the ground, nasa engineers 200 00:10:43,310 --> 00:10:46,745 All over america scramble to come up with a plan. 201 00:10:48,148 --> 00:10:50,648 Astronauts have just two more hours 202 00:10:50,717 --> 00:10:53,318 Before their spacewalk is scheduled to end. 203 00:10:55,288 --> 00:10:58,923 Finally, an engineer in houston has a brainstorm. 204 00:10:58,991 --> 00:11:02,394 He radios in a possible solution for the pesky screw. 205 00:11:03,430 --> 00:11:06,431 Massimino: He thought to himself, if I was in my garage, 206 00:11:06,499 --> 00:11:07,498 What would I do? 207 00:11:07,501 --> 00:11:08,967 I would just rip that handrail off. 208 00:11:09,970 --> 00:11:13,705 He relayed his idea to the engineers on call 209 00:11:13,773 --> 00:11:15,440 At the goddard space flight center. 210 00:11:16,376 --> 00:11:18,743 Narrator: Engineers at goddard test the idea 211 00:11:18,811 --> 00:11:21,579 Using a handrail similar to the one on hubble. 212 00:11:22,849 --> 00:11:26,151 It takes 60 pounds of force to rip the handrail off. 213 00:11:27,420 --> 00:11:31,589 Massimino is six foot four inches and 200 pounds. 214 00:11:32,559 --> 00:11:36,394 Pulling the handrail off should be a cinch. 215 00:11:36,462 --> 00:11:37,495 Massimino: When I heard that 216 00:11:37,563 --> 00:11:39,697 Solution to rip that handrail off, 217 00:11:39,766 --> 00:11:42,267 It was like a new day had dawned in my life. 218 00:11:44,705 --> 00:11:46,304 Feustel: Okay, mass, you copy that? 219 00:11:46,372 --> 00:11:49,207 60 pounds linear at the top of the handrail 220 00:11:49,275 --> 00:11:50,975 To bust off that bottom bolt. 221 00:11:51,043 --> 00:11:52,610 I think you've got that in you. 222 00:11:52,612 --> 00:11:53,978 Massimino: I can try. 223 00:11:53,980 --> 00:11:55,747 Narrator: The flight team encourages 224 00:11:55,815 --> 00:11:57,281 The nervous astronaut. 225 00:11:57,284 --> 00:12:00,885 They know he has just one shot to get it right. 226 00:12:00,887 --> 00:12:01,786 Massimino: We thought it best for me 227 00:12:01,854 --> 00:12:03,387 To give it a couple of yanks, 228 00:12:03,456 --> 00:12:04,722 Try to yield it a little bit, 229 00:12:04,791 --> 00:12:07,125 Not just snap it off right away. 230 00:12:07,193 --> 00:12:08,693 Okay, you guys know the drill. 231 00:12:08,695 --> 00:12:10,762 Mocr: Just a few more turns. 232 00:12:10,764 --> 00:12:14,432 Narrator: Finally the moment of truth. 233 00:12:14,500 --> 00:12:15,967 Altman: Houston, are you ready for this? 234 00:12:16,035 --> 00:12:17,702 Mocr: Yeah, we're ready. 235 00:12:17,704 --> 00:12:19,337 Altman: Okay, mass, you have a go. 236 00:12:23,977 --> 00:12:25,710 Astronaut: It's off. Narrator: It's a clean break. 237 00:12:25,779 --> 00:12:27,411 Massimino: Disposal bag please. 238 00:12:27,480 --> 00:12:29,247 Narrator: The handrail is off. 239 00:12:31,384 --> 00:12:33,451 Massimino: I knew that once we got that handle out of the way, 240 00:12:33,519 --> 00:12:35,820 Everything else was gonna work. 241 00:12:35,888 --> 00:12:39,590 We could continue with our spacewalk as written. 242 00:12:39,593 --> 00:12:41,860 We've gotta put this one in on the right hand side. 243 00:12:41,928 --> 00:12:43,961 Narrator: Massimino and goode quickly remove 244 00:12:44,030 --> 00:12:44,996 The access panel. 245 00:12:46,265 --> 00:12:47,165 Goode: You push in on the board. 246 00:12:47,233 --> 00:12:48,332 Massimino: I am. 247 00:12:48,401 --> 00:12:50,168 Narrator: Replace the broken power supply. 248 00:12:50,236 --> 00:12:52,403 Goode: That's good, stop, stop. 249 00:12:52,405 --> 00:12:54,239 Narrator: And close the casing up. 250 00:12:55,342 --> 00:12:58,376 Massimino: It was a good day from then on. 251 00:12:58,444 --> 00:13:00,812 I was really careful from then on, 252 00:13:00,814 --> 00:13:03,448 And luckily we did not have any other problems. 253 00:13:05,552 --> 00:13:07,051 Narrator: Repairing the spectrograph 254 00:13:07,119 --> 00:13:08,553 Is a major accomplishment. 255 00:13:10,957 --> 00:13:14,192 Now, the hubble telescope is fully functional. 256 00:13:19,098 --> 00:13:21,032 It's the kind of repair that humans have made 257 00:13:21,100 --> 00:13:23,334 All the way back to caveman times. 258 00:13:25,505 --> 00:13:29,874 Find a solution, strong arm it, and just move on. 259 00:13:31,845 --> 00:13:34,946 Massimino: Everyone messes up, that's gonna happen. 260 00:13:35,014 --> 00:13:38,482 I'm going to feel upset about it for a couple seconds, 261 00:13:38,485 --> 00:13:41,386 But what's important is sticking to things 262 00:13:41,454 --> 00:13:43,188 And not giving up. 263 00:13:45,391 --> 00:13:47,659 Narrator: In the high-stakes arena of space, 264 00:13:48,628 --> 00:13:51,930 The smallest human error can have big consequences. 265 00:13:53,600 --> 00:13:56,801 Nasa's known that since its earliest days. 266 00:14:00,073 --> 00:14:04,809 In 1959, the new agency selects its first astronauts. 267 00:14:06,078 --> 00:14:08,112 They're known as the mercury seven. 268 00:14:11,084 --> 00:14:13,184 Each is an experienced test pilot 269 00:14:14,620 --> 00:14:17,488 Who's physically fit and mentally strong. 270 00:14:19,558 --> 00:14:23,161 Nasa puts them through intense simulations designed 271 00:14:23,229 --> 00:14:26,197 To make them as reliable as the strongest machine. 272 00:14:27,367 --> 00:14:30,902 Kluger: The astronauts trained by ferociously focusing. 273 00:14:30,970 --> 00:14:34,739 If you are not focused, you are going to die. 274 00:14:34,807 --> 00:14:37,174 (engine whooshing) (dramatic music) 275 00:14:37,177 --> 00:14:42,213 They had to be trained for second-by-second interaction 276 00:14:42,281 --> 00:14:43,381 With their spacecraft, 277 00:14:44,717 --> 00:14:47,018 And they had to be constantly prepared 278 00:14:47,086 --> 00:14:52,023 To do things to sometimes quite literally, the millisecond. 279 00:14:53,326 --> 00:14:54,792 Narrator: The ground team is every bit 280 00:14:54,794 --> 00:14:56,895 As important as the astronauts. 281 00:14:58,197 --> 00:15:00,531 Hundreds of experts are ready to give the astronaut 282 00:15:00,599 --> 00:15:05,403 All the information he needs to succeed and survive. 283 00:15:09,375 --> 00:15:12,810 Getting to space is a cold war battle. 284 00:15:12,879 --> 00:15:15,480 With the united states and the soviet union 285 00:15:15,548 --> 00:15:17,715 Each racing to win the prize. 286 00:15:19,785 --> 00:15:21,519 The soviets have an early edge. 287 00:15:23,756 --> 00:15:27,158 Project mercury is america's chance to gain ground. 288 00:15:29,996 --> 00:15:34,799 In February 1962, astronaut john glenn becomes 289 00:15:34,867 --> 00:15:38,970 The first american to orbit the earth in mercury-atlas 6. 290 00:15:39,973 --> 00:15:43,174 Teitel: The national mood after john glenn's flight was elation. 291 00:15:43,242 --> 00:15:45,944 (crowd cheering) 292 00:15:47,046 --> 00:15:49,380 It meant that the americans had finally reached 293 00:15:49,382 --> 00:15:51,649 The soviet union in space. 294 00:15:52,985 --> 00:15:54,952 Narrator: Three months after glenn's flight, 295 00:15:55,021 --> 00:15:58,222 Nasa readies a second manned orbital mission. 296 00:15:58,290 --> 00:16:01,359 This time, colorado native scott carpenter 297 00:16:01,427 --> 00:16:03,494 Will have the starring role. 298 00:16:03,562 --> 00:16:06,931 Teitel: Scott carpenter was a former naval aviator. 299 00:16:06,999 --> 00:16:08,599 And one of the things that set him apart was 300 00:16:08,601 --> 00:16:11,736 He was the most physically fit of all the men tested. 301 00:16:12,638 --> 00:16:14,405 Which was a huge deal for mercury, 302 00:16:14,473 --> 00:16:16,607 Because one of the goals of the program was to see 303 00:16:16,609 --> 00:16:18,543 How a man would survive in space. 304 00:16:21,280 --> 00:16:23,381 Kluger: They were refining the techniques 305 00:16:23,449 --> 00:16:25,116 That they had established 306 00:16:25,184 --> 00:16:27,051 On john glenn's three-orbit mission 307 00:16:28,120 --> 00:16:29,820 And making sure that they could fly 308 00:16:29,823 --> 00:16:32,323 Even better than they had before. 309 00:16:32,391 --> 00:16:34,959 Mission control: Four, three, two, one, zero. 310 00:16:37,997 --> 00:16:40,698 (engine roaring) 311 00:16:42,969 --> 00:16:44,235 Carpenter: I feel the liftoff. 312 00:16:44,303 --> 00:16:45,336 The clock has started. 313 00:16:46,338 --> 00:16:47,471 Mocr: Roger. 314 00:16:47,540 --> 00:16:49,473 Narrator: Carpenter soars through the clouds 315 00:16:49,476 --> 00:16:51,442 In his aurora 7 capsule. 316 00:16:51,510 --> 00:16:52,943 Carpenter: Loud and clear, gus. 317 00:16:52,946 --> 00:16:54,679 Mocr: Roger. Over. 318 00:16:54,747 --> 00:16:56,847 (gentle music) 319 00:16:56,916 --> 00:16:59,450 Teitel: Carpenter's first two orbits were great. 320 00:16:59,519 --> 00:17:01,118 It looked like this mission was going to be 321 00:17:01,187 --> 00:17:03,521 Another stunning success for nasa. 322 00:17:03,589 --> 00:17:05,256 And that scott carpenter would come home 323 00:17:05,324 --> 00:17:07,058 As the nation's newest hero. 324 00:17:08,761 --> 00:17:10,961 Mocr: I understand you're a go for orbit three. 325 00:17:10,964 --> 00:17:12,864 Carpenter: Roger, I am go for orbit. 326 00:17:14,266 --> 00:17:16,400 (suspenseful music) 327 00:17:16,469 --> 00:17:17,868 Narrator: But on the third orbit, 328 00:17:17,937 --> 00:17:20,905 Something in his window catches carpenter's eye. 329 00:17:20,973 --> 00:17:23,874 Carpenter: I have white particles in view 330 00:17:23,877 --> 00:17:26,877 Below the capsule. 331 00:17:26,946 --> 00:17:29,714 They look exactly like snowflakes. 332 00:17:30,950 --> 00:17:32,150 Teitel: Carpenter got a little bit distracted 333 00:17:32,218 --> 00:17:35,019 By illuminated particles around the spacecraft. 334 00:17:36,089 --> 00:17:37,955 Carpenter: Standby, I think I see more. 335 00:17:39,258 --> 00:17:41,959 Teitel: He kept banging on the spacecraft, seeing them, 336 00:17:42,027 --> 00:17:43,861 Relaying his thoughts to the ground. 337 00:17:43,929 --> 00:17:45,496 To the point where he didn't notice 338 00:17:45,498 --> 00:17:49,233 That his attitude indicator was not working properly. 339 00:17:49,302 --> 00:17:51,435 His automatic system wasn't holding 340 00:17:51,504 --> 00:17:54,839 His spacecraft attitude or orientation right. 341 00:17:54,907 --> 00:17:57,041 It was drifting slightly in pitch. 342 00:17:58,411 --> 00:18:00,178 Narrator: Flight controllers sound the alarm 343 00:18:00,246 --> 00:18:01,279 On the pitch problem. 344 00:18:02,849 --> 00:18:04,248 But carpenter seems more interested 345 00:18:04,317 --> 00:18:06,651 In what's happening outside the capsule. 346 00:18:09,555 --> 00:18:11,456 Carpenter: I have the fireflies. 347 00:18:14,193 --> 00:18:15,860 Kluger: There was too much fooling around, 348 00:18:15,928 --> 00:18:17,661 There was too much sightseeing, 349 00:18:17,664 --> 00:18:18,929 That there was too much 350 00:18:18,932 --> 00:18:21,766 Maneuvering the spacecraft around 351 00:18:21,834 --> 00:18:25,069 To look at various sites below him and above him. 352 00:18:25,137 --> 00:18:28,406 And he seemed more lost than he ought to been. 353 00:18:29,808 --> 00:18:32,243 Narrator: The distractions soon cause problems. 354 00:18:33,579 --> 00:18:35,212 Carpenter fails to notice 355 00:18:35,281 --> 00:18:37,548 That his spacecraft is starting to drift. 356 00:18:39,953 --> 00:18:42,753 Kluger: The biggest problem with that is not just 357 00:18:42,755 --> 00:18:44,689 That you're not paying attention, 358 00:18:44,757 --> 00:18:47,791 It's that you are burning maneuvering fuel. 359 00:18:47,860 --> 00:18:50,094 And the more maneuvering fuel you burn, 360 00:18:50,163 --> 00:18:52,230 The less you have for reentry. 361 00:18:54,300 --> 00:18:56,500 Carpenter: It's gonna be real tight on fuel, gus. 362 00:18:56,569 --> 00:18:57,935 I've got the horizon in view. 363 00:18:59,372 --> 00:19:03,107 Kluger: When everything had to be done precisely in order 364 00:19:03,175 --> 00:19:06,644 For him to land within the narrow footprint 365 00:19:06,712 --> 00:19:09,780 In the atlantic within which he was supposed to land, 366 00:19:09,848 --> 00:19:11,149 He wasn't ready to do it. 367 00:19:13,185 --> 00:19:15,920 Narrator: In florida, the flight team urges carpenter 368 00:19:15,988 --> 00:19:17,255 To make a quick correction. 369 00:19:19,025 --> 00:19:21,091 Mocr: All right, you'll have to use attitude bypass then, 370 00:19:21,160 --> 00:19:22,260 And manual override. 371 00:19:22,328 --> 00:19:23,327 Carpenter: Roger. 372 00:19:23,396 --> 00:19:24,795 Narrator: Carpenter tries to adjust 373 00:19:24,863 --> 00:19:26,164 With his retrorockets. 374 00:19:28,467 --> 00:19:31,469 Mocr: Four, three, two, one, zero. 375 00:19:32,771 --> 00:19:35,506 Narrator: But fires them three seconds late. 376 00:19:36,476 --> 00:19:41,078 Carpenter: Okay, fire one, fire two 377 00:19:41,147 --> 00:19:42,346 And fire three. 378 00:19:44,283 --> 00:19:45,282 Teitel: Now, three seconds 379 00:19:45,351 --> 00:19:46,450 Doesn't sound like a lot of time. 380 00:19:46,518 --> 00:19:48,485 But when you're reentering the atmosphere, 381 00:19:48,554 --> 00:19:50,487 That translates to a lot of distance. 382 00:19:50,556 --> 00:19:52,390 Almost 75 miles. 383 00:19:52,458 --> 00:19:55,493 (ominous music) 384 00:19:55,561 --> 00:19:59,230 So no one's totally sure where he's gonna land. 385 00:19:59,298 --> 00:20:02,667 Narrator: The heat of reentry interrupts communication. 386 00:20:02,735 --> 00:20:04,435 Carpenter: Hi, hello. 387 00:20:04,503 --> 00:20:05,603 Narrator: No one knows 388 00:20:05,671 --> 00:20:08,105 If carpenter has made it back alive. 389 00:20:11,377 --> 00:20:12,876 (dramatic music) 390 00:20:12,945 --> 00:20:15,379 At the mission control center in cape canaveral, florida, 391 00:20:15,448 --> 00:20:18,048 Nasa anxiously waits for any sign 392 00:20:18,051 --> 00:20:19,717 Of astronaut scott carpenter. 393 00:20:20,653 --> 00:20:24,255 Capcom: Aurora 7, aurora 7, capcom tower. 394 00:20:25,258 --> 00:20:28,125 Aurora 7, aurora 7, cape capcom tower. 395 00:20:28,193 --> 00:20:30,928 Kluger: The mercury capsule was a tiny, tiny piece 396 00:20:30,930 --> 00:20:34,832 Of hardware floating in the ocean with a single man in it. 397 00:20:34,834 --> 00:20:37,368 Capcom: Does anyone read aurora 7, over? 398 00:20:39,305 --> 00:20:41,672 Kluger: The transponder indicated that he had landed 399 00:20:41,674 --> 00:20:44,342 And his heartbeat monitors indicated he was alive, 400 00:20:44,410 --> 00:20:46,010 But nobody knew where he was. 401 00:20:47,947 --> 00:20:49,880 Narrator: Almost 40 minutes later, 402 00:20:49,948 --> 00:20:54,885 A scout plane spots the capsule 250 miles off target. 403 00:20:57,423 --> 00:21:00,090 Scott carpenter appears completely unaware 404 00:21:00,093 --> 00:21:02,059 Of the urgent situation he caused. 405 00:21:03,395 --> 00:21:04,995 Teitel: While nasa's freaking out, 406 00:21:05,064 --> 00:21:08,466 Carpenter feels pretty good once he's survived the landing. 407 00:21:09,968 --> 00:21:11,035 He just kind of crawled outside 408 00:21:11,037 --> 00:21:12,503 And ate a candy bar while he waited. 409 00:21:14,506 --> 00:21:16,907 Kluger: He was alone in the ocean, 410 00:21:16,976 --> 00:21:21,445 He was digging the sun, he was enjoying the atlantic. 411 00:21:21,514 --> 00:21:22,980 (helicopter whirring) 412 00:21:23,048 --> 00:21:24,782 Narrator: U.S.S. Intrepid takes carpenter 413 00:21:24,784 --> 00:21:26,017 For a medical checkout. 414 00:21:27,319 --> 00:21:30,554 (dramatic music) (people chattering) 415 00:21:30,556 --> 00:21:32,890 Then flies him to grand turk 416 00:21:32,958 --> 00:21:36,294 To explain how he landed so far off course. 417 00:21:37,463 --> 00:21:41,465 Nasa's brain trust isn't impressed by his story. 418 00:21:41,534 --> 00:21:44,402 Teitel: Carpenter did admit that he got a little bit carried away 419 00:21:44,470 --> 00:21:45,636 With the fireflies. 420 00:21:45,704 --> 00:21:47,471 And had to start doing things haphazardly 421 00:21:47,540 --> 00:21:50,741 To recover time right before reentry. 422 00:21:50,743 --> 00:21:53,544 The more he revealed that it was just distraction 423 00:21:53,612 --> 00:21:55,246 That had led to all the issues, 424 00:21:55,314 --> 00:21:57,615 The madder some people at nasa became. 425 00:21:58,517 --> 00:22:00,384 Kluger: He did not achieve 426 00:22:00,452 --> 00:22:02,252 What the ground wanted him to achieve, 427 00:22:02,321 --> 00:22:06,657 Which was disciplined maneuvering of that spacecraft. 428 00:22:08,227 --> 00:22:10,294 Narrator: A nasa investigation clears carpenter 429 00:22:10,296 --> 00:22:11,228 Of any error. 430 00:22:12,698 --> 00:22:15,166 The flight is publicized as a success. 431 00:22:17,570 --> 00:22:20,404 But carpenter never goes to space again. 432 00:22:23,542 --> 00:22:26,009 Kluger: He was not the ideal astronaut, 433 00:22:26,078 --> 00:22:30,514 But he was the ideal, just sweet, 434 00:22:30,582 --> 00:22:35,519 Sort of dreamy, ordinary guy who went to space. 435 00:22:35,521 --> 00:22:38,322 He might've been the most relaxed and philosophical 436 00:22:38,324 --> 00:22:40,324 Of all the astronauts who ever flew. 437 00:22:42,628 --> 00:22:43,894 (dramatic music) 438 00:22:43,962 --> 00:22:47,098 Narrator: The mercury program ends in 1963. 439 00:22:47,166 --> 00:22:50,134 But one of the original seven astronauts never got 440 00:22:50,202 --> 00:22:52,870 The chance to fly into space. 441 00:22:52,872 --> 00:22:55,072 Kluger: Deke slayton was chosen as an astronaut 442 00:22:55,074 --> 00:22:58,509 In the late '50s, who had been grounded early in the program 443 00:22:58,577 --> 00:23:01,512 Because of a heart fibrillation. 444 00:23:03,215 --> 00:23:05,182 He had never been allowed to fly. 445 00:23:07,687 --> 00:23:09,887 Narrator: Slayton could have walked away. 446 00:23:11,423 --> 00:23:14,892 Instead, he dedicates himself to nasa, 447 00:23:14,960 --> 00:23:17,862 Becoming the assistant director of flight operations. 448 00:23:19,331 --> 00:23:21,632 But he never gives up on becoming an astronaut. 449 00:23:23,870 --> 00:23:26,437 He quits smoking, works out harder, 450 00:23:26,505 --> 00:23:27,805 And keeps up his training. 451 00:23:29,208 --> 00:23:30,607 After nine years, 452 00:23:30,676 --> 00:23:33,544 Nasa finally gives him the go ahead for flight. 453 00:23:34,447 --> 00:23:35,579 Kluger: That was a huge deal for him. 454 00:23:35,581 --> 00:23:37,448 He finally got to check that box like 455 00:23:37,516 --> 00:23:40,518 All of the other seven original astronauts. 456 00:23:41,720 --> 00:23:42,920 Narrator: Little does slayton know 457 00:23:42,922 --> 00:23:46,791 That the trip will nearly cost him his life. 458 00:23:46,859 --> 00:23:48,358 (dramatic music) 459 00:23:48,427 --> 00:23:51,862 1972, moscow. 460 00:23:51,864 --> 00:23:55,799 Richard nixon pays a week-long visit to soviet leaders 461 00:23:55,868 --> 00:23:57,935 In a historic cold war summit. 462 00:23:59,872 --> 00:24:03,173 While he's there, the two rival nations sign an agreement 463 00:24:03,176 --> 00:24:05,776 To collaborate peacefully in space. 464 00:24:08,214 --> 00:24:11,615 The two nations decide to launch a symbolic joint mission. 465 00:24:14,019 --> 00:24:15,686 The americans will send astronauts 466 00:24:15,754 --> 00:24:17,455 In an apollo command module. 467 00:24:18,757 --> 00:24:21,826 The russians will send cosmonauts in the soyuz. 468 00:24:25,230 --> 00:24:27,164 The two spacecraft will rendezvous 469 00:24:27,232 --> 00:24:29,533 And dock together for two days in orbit. 470 00:24:31,704 --> 00:24:34,605 Both countries face enormous technical challenges 471 00:24:34,673 --> 00:24:36,240 To pull it off. 472 00:24:36,308 --> 00:24:38,042 Teitel: Engineers are going to have to figure out a way 473 00:24:38,110 --> 00:24:41,679 To connect these two very different spacecraft in orbit. 474 00:24:42,615 --> 00:24:44,982 For the crew, this means learning how to dock 475 00:24:45,050 --> 00:24:46,817 With a very different spacecraft than anything 476 00:24:46,885 --> 00:24:48,385 They've ever dealt with before. 477 00:24:50,590 --> 00:24:52,856 Kluger: You are in a potentially deadly vehicle 478 00:24:52,859 --> 00:24:55,726 And you are facing technological challenges 479 00:24:55,794 --> 00:24:58,562 That you don't face in any other vehicle 480 00:24:58,630 --> 00:25:00,598 Other than a spacecraft. 481 00:25:00,666 --> 00:25:03,200 Narrator: It takes each country's best and brightest 482 00:25:03,202 --> 00:25:05,803 To come up with the right design. 483 00:25:05,871 --> 00:25:08,772 The question is, will it work? 484 00:25:09,975 --> 00:25:12,643 Teitel: If something goes wrong it would be a disaster. 485 00:25:14,914 --> 00:25:16,747 Narrator: Apollo /soyuz will be one 486 00:25:16,749 --> 00:25:20,351 Of the most high-profile space missions in history. 487 00:25:21,453 --> 00:25:22,886 The soviets plan to send two 488 00:25:22,955 --> 00:25:24,755 Of their most famous cosmonauts, 489 00:25:25,758 --> 00:25:28,692 Alexei leonov and valeri kubasov. 490 00:25:29,628 --> 00:25:31,295 (speaking in foreign language) 491 00:25:31,363 --> 00:25:32,896 Teitel: Leonov had been the first human to walk 492 00:25:32,899 --> 00:25:37,902 In space in 1965, and kubasov had flown on soyuz 6 in 1969. 493 00:25:38,704 --> 00:25:41,138 They were two veterans and well up to the task 494 00:25:41,206 --> 00:25:43,273 Of this challenging mission. 495 00:25:43,276 --> 00:25:44,375 Narrator: Two of the americans 496 00:25:44,443 --> 00:25:47,544 Are equally well-known. 497 00:25:47,613 --> 00:25:50,948 Deke slayton finally gets his chance to go to space. 498 00:25:52,684 --> 00:25:54,885 The commander will be tom stafford, 499 00:25:54,953 --> 00:25:57,788 A veteran of nasa's earlier space programs, 500 00:25:57,856 --> 00:25:59,356 Gemini and apollo. 501 00:26:01,126 --> 00:26:02,560 For the third american, 502 00:26:02,628 --> 00:26:05,195 It will be his first time in the public eye. 503 00:26:06,999 --> 00:26:09,499 Teitel: Vance brand had also never flown in space, 504 00:26:09,502 --> 00:26:11,468 But he'd worked as a capcom for apollo, 505 00:26:11,537 --> 00:26:14,271 So knew the spacecraft quite well. 506 00:26:14,273 --> 00:26:18,275 Kluger: These guys were trained for any emergency 507 00:26:18,277 --> 00:26:20,377 But we are a fallible species 508 00:26:20,445 --> 00:26:22,746 And astronauts will make mistakes. 509 00:26:22,814 --> 00:26:25,282 (dramatic music) 510 00:26:25,350 --> 00:26:28,952 Narrator: July 15, 1975. 511 00:26:29,021 --> 00:26:30,821 Mocr: Eight, seven, six. 512 00:26:30,889 --> 00:26:33,423 Narrator: The apollo and soyuz spacecrafts launch 513 00:26:33,426 --> 00:26:36,026 From opposite sides of the earth. 514 00:26:36,028 --> 00:26:37,628 Mocr: One, zero. 515 00:26:39,131 --> 00:26:40,598 Ignition, liftoff. 516 00:26:42,968 --> 00:26:44,968 Liftoff, 30 minutes. 517 00:26:44,971 --> 00:26:47,738 (dramatic music) 518 00:26:53,912 --> 00:26:56,980 Okay, and that flight is out of the four b. 519 00:26:57,049 --> 00:26:59,249 Got acceleration. Man: Got it. 520 00:27:02,521 --> 00:27:03,887 Narrator: Two days later, 521 00:27:03,955 --> 00:27:07,024 The crews prepare to meet in space for the first time. 522 00:27:10,996 --> 00:27:13,196 Stafford: Apollo. Houston. 523 00:27:13,265 --> 00:27:15,065 Mocr: Can you see the soyuz? 524 00:27:15,067 --> 00:27:19,169 Stafford: Ah ha, here he comes, real pretty. 525 00:27:19,237 --> 00:27:22,072 (suspenseful music) 526 00:27:22,074 --> 00:27:23,907 Narrator: High above the atlantic, 527 00:27:23,975 --> 00:27:26,877 The two spacecraft begin the delicate maneuver. 528 00:27:31,283 --> 00:27:34,785 Teitel: It was up to the apollo crew to guide its spacecraft 529 00:27:34,853 --> 00:27:37,654 With the docking module up against the soyuz 530 00:27:37,723 --> 00:27:42,359 To actually connect the two spacecraft and create a new one. 531 00:27:42,361 --> 00:27:43,293 Stafford: Houston, apollo. 532 00:27:43,295 --> 00:27:44,495 Mocr: Go ahead, tom. 533 00:27:45,397 --> 00:27:47,631 Narrator: The command module carefully moves in 534 00:27:47,699 --> 00:27:50,100 To match the soyuz orbit. 535 00:27:50,102 --> 00:27:52,736 Astronaut: Did you fly by five? 536 00:27:52,804 --> 00:27:55,739 (suspenseful music) 537 00:27:57,242 --> 00:27:59,443 Narrator: To dock, the two spacecraft 538 00:27:59,445 --> 00:28:01,245 Must be perfectly aligned. 539 00:28:05,517 --> 00:28:06,650 Teitel: If they're at all off, 540 00:28:06,719 --> 00:28:08,685 Not only will the two not connect, 541 00:28:08,688 --> 00:28:10,253 But they risk running into each other 542 00:28:10,256 --> 00:28:12,189 And potentially causing some damage. 543 00:28:13,292 --> 00:28:15,926 Not only is it technically a failure, 544 00:28:15,994 --> 00:28:19,129 It's also a big failure for international relations. 545 00:28:20,332 --> 00:28:23,300 Narrator: Mission control calls the russian flight control team 546 00:28:23,368 --> 00:28:26,069 For one last crucial check. 547 00:28:26,138 --> 00:28:28,972 Mocr: Apollo, houston, I've got two messages for you. 548 00:28:29,040 --> 00:28:31,975 Moscow is go for docking, houston is go for docking, 549 00:28:32,043 --> 00:28:33,376 It's up to you guys. 550 00:28:33,445 --> 00:28:36,012 Stafford: All right, sounds good. 551 00:28:36,015 --> 00:28:39,182 (suspenseful music) (computers beeping) 552 00:28:39,251 --> 00:28:42,052 Narrator: It's up to apollo to make the final approach. 553 00:28:44,623 --> 00:28:46,924 It's the ultimate real life test 554 00:28:46,992 --> 00:28:49,026 For years of difficult work. 555 00:28:51,363 --> 00:28:52,362 Mocr: One minute. 556 00:28:57,569 --> 00:28:58,702 Contact. Man: Capture. 557 00:29:00,439 --> 00:29:01,271 Mocr: Capture. 558 00:29:02,908 --> 00:29:06,009 Narrator: Apollo connects to soyuz without a hitch. 559 00:29:09,915 --> 00:29:11,648 But there are more tests to come. 560 00:29:14,586 --> 00:29:18,255 Pao: We are now equalizing the pressure 561 00:29:19,391 --> 00:29:22,493 Between the docking module and soyuz. 562 00:29:23,962 --> 00:29:26,196 Narrator: Mission control watches anxiously 563 00:29:26,198 --> 00:29:28,132 As stafford approaches the hatch. 564 00:29:35,207 --> 00:29:38,475 Astronaut: Ah! (speaking in foreign language) 565 00:29:38,477 --> 00:29:39,943 Astronaut: Hello! 566 00:29:39,945 --> 00:29:43,347 Kluger: From the moment the hatch was opened. 567 00:29:44,216 --> 00:29:45,549 Alexei: This is alexei. 568 00:29:45,617 --> 00:29:49,519 (speaking in foreign language) 569 00:29:49,588 --> 00:29:53,123 Kluger: And tom stafford and alexei leonov shook hands, 570 00:29:53,191 --> 00:29:54,758 They had already accomplished everything 571 00:29:54,826 --> 00:29:56,059 They needed to accomplish. 572 00:29:57,696 --> 00:30:00,063 Narrator: Millions of people around the world 573 00:30:00,131 --> 00:30:02,166 Witness the historic handshake. 574 00:30:03,468 --> 00:30:06,170 Announcer: Soyuz and apollo are shaking hands now. 575 00:30:10,275 --> 00:30:11,708 Teitel: At this point, they were just two guys 576 00:30:11,777 --> 00:30:13,310 In space doing what they love. 577 00:30:13,378 --> 00:30:15,645 There was no war. There was no issues. 578 00:30:15,648 --> 00:30:18,381 They were just sharing airspace. 579 00:30:18,384 --> 00:30:21,618 (gentle music) 580 00:30:21,686 --> 00:30:23,620 (ominous music) 581 00:30:23,689 --> 00:30:26,790 Narrator: On July 24th, the american astronauts prepare 582 00:30:26,859 --> 00:30:29,693 To head home after nine days in space. 583 00:30:31,763 --> 00:30:33,563 Teitel: All that was left was the tricky business 584 00:30:33,566 --> 00:30:36,366 Of reentering through the atmosphere and splashing down. 585 00:30:38,303 --> 00:30:39,937 Narrator: The apollo capsule blazes 586 00:30:40,005 --> 00:30:41,505 Through the earth's atmosphere. 587 00:30:44,843 --> 00:30:46,743 High above the pacific ocean, 588 00:30:46,811 --> 00:30:51,181 Astronaut vance brand manually activates the parachutes. 589 00:30:51,250 --> 00:30:55,219 (parachutes whooshing) (dramatic music) 590 00:30:55,287 --> 00:30:56,753 Teitel: Once the parachutes are deployed, 591 00:30:56,821 --> 00:30:58,688 They open up and things start to slow, 592 00:30:58,691 --> 00:31:00,223 But about the same time, 593 00:31:00,292 --> 00:31:02,659 The crew starts smelling poisonous gas. 594 00:31:04,129 --> 00:31:06,496 Narrator: The mission suddenly turns to chaos, 595 00:31:07,766 --> 00:31:10,167 As astronauts try to figure out what's wrong. 596 00:31:12,170 --> 00:31:13,637 Teitel: At this point in the reentry, 597 00:31:13,639 --> 00:31:16,340 Vents are supposed to open to let in fresh air, 598 00:31:16,408 --> 00:31:18,141 But because brand didn't turn off 599 00:31:18,209 --> 00:31:19,710 The reaction control thrusters 600 00:31:19,778 --> 00:31:22,579 It's letting in nitrogen tetroxide. 601 00:31:22,647 --> 00:31:24,915 Narrator: Just moments from splashdown, 602 00:31:24,983 --> 00:31:28,585 Astronaut vance brand falls unconscious. 603 00:31:30,256 --> 00:31:32,555 (wind whistling) 604 00:31:32,624 --> 00:31:34,858 The apollo-soyuz command module 605 00:31:34,860 --> 00:31:37,294 Is just moments away from splashdown 606 00:31:38,931 --> 00:31:42,466 With astronaut vance brand unconscious inside. 607 00:31:44,136 --> 00:31:46,603 Teitel: Nitrogen tetroxide is leaking in 608 00:31:46,605 --> 00:31:48,138 Through the release valves 609 00:31:48,206 --> 00:31:50,507 That are supposed to be bringing in fresh air, 610 00:31:50,575 --> 00:31:52,910 So they're getting toxic gas fumes. 611 00:31:54,879 --> 00:31:59,215 Narrator: At 5:18 pm the capsule hits the water. 612 00:31:59,284 --> 00:32:01,751 (radio chattering) 613 00:32:01,820 --> 00:32:06,556 Heavy winds catch its parachutes and flip it upside down. 614 00:32:09,394 --> 00:32:12,763 Inside, the astronauts hang from their seat straps. 615 00:32:14,166 --> 00:32:17,134 (radios chattering) 616 00:32:19,204 --> 00:32:21,972 Teitel: But the crew ended up getting emergency oxygen masks 617 00:32:22,040 --> 00:32:23,840 On their faces just in time. 618 00:32:25,177 --> 00:32:27,978 Kluger: Tom stafford put his on, slayton put his own, 619 00:32:28,046 --> 00:32:31,014 And he put brand's on for him 620 00:32:31,950 --> 00:32:33,917 And then brand revived consciousness. 621 00:32:36,989 --> 00:32:39,522 Narrator: It takes five minutes for flotation balloons 622 00:32:39,591 --> 00:32:41,224 To flip the capsule upright. 623 00:32:43,462 --> 00:32:46,563 A navy rescue team is quickly on the scene. 624 00:32:47,799 --> 00:32:51,601 Minutes later, all three astronauts emerge, 625 00:32:54,540 --> 00:32:57,240 Shaken, but alive! 626 00:32:59,811 --> 00:33:02,746 The crew appears unfazed at the welcome ceremony 627 00:33:04,283 --> 00:33:06,550 But they soon complain of breathing problems 628 00:33:06,618 --> 00:33:07,884 And burning eyes. 629 00:33:09,821 --> 00:33:12,356 The navy flies them to a hospital in honolulu. 630 00:33:14,293 --> 00:33:17,661 They stay for two weeks before their symptoms disappear. 631 00:33:19,431 --> 00:33:22,699 Nasa investigators reconstruct the re-entry process. 632 00:33:24,836 --> 00:33:27,971 They find that brand failed to turn off the thrusters 633 00:33:29,641 --> 00:33:33,010 Nearly poisoning his team with noxious gas. 634 00:33:34,946 --> 00:33:37,747 Teitel: The human lesson learned from this mission is that 635 00:33:37,816 --> 00:33:40,050 No matter how well someone's trained, 636 00:33:40,118 --> 00:33:43,086 It's possible for human error to seep into any flight. 637 00:33:45,423 --> 00:33:47,124 Narrator: Stafford's quick thinking keeps 638 00:33:47,192 --> 00:33:50,027 The apollo-soyuz mission from turning tragic 639 00:33:52,697 --> 00:33:54,164 And paves the way for people 640 00:33:54,232 --> 00:33:57,300 Of all nations working together in space. 641 00:34:00,772 --> 00:34:02,572 (upbeat music) 642 00:34:02,640 --> 00:34:06,009 25 years later, that promise is fulfilled 643 00:34:06,077 --> 00:34:07,744 By the international space station, 644 00:34:09,614 --> 00:34:12,015 A giant orbiting laboratory 645 00:34:12,083 --> 00:34:15,719 Where astronauts from around the world work and live. 646 00:34:16,889 --> 00:34:18,588 Astronauts and cosmonauts live 647 00:34:18,656 --> 00:34:20,791 In the station for six months or more. 648 00:34:22,260 --> 00:34:23,760 The longer they stay, 649 00:34:23,762 --> 00:34:26,596 The greater the toll on the human body and mind. 650 00:34:27,966 --> 00:34:29,833 Weitekamp: Part of the planning for human space flight is 651 00:34:29,901 --> 00:34:32,635 Not only planning for the scientific missions 652 00:34:32,638 --> 00:34:34,237 But how you're gonna actually 653 00:34:34,306 --> 00:34:37,874 To keep the crew alive and happy. 654 00:34:37,876 --> 00:34:41,678 And that is a very tricky engineering challenge. 655 00:34:43,482 --> 00:34:45,415 Narrator: Part of that challenge is grappling 656 00:34:45,483 --> 00:34:48,518 With one of an astronaut's most basic needs. 657 00:34:48,587 --> 00:34:50,687 (dramatic music) 658 00:34:50,755 --> 00:34:51,621 Massimino: The classic question 659 00:34:51,623 --> 00:34:53,156 That all school kids ask us is 660 00:34:53,224 --> 00:34:54,924 How do you do to the restroom, how do you do that? 661 00:34:54,927 --> 00:34:56,526 Are you gonna miss- astronaut: Carefully. 662 00:34:56,528 --> 00:34:57,861 Massimino: Carefully. Astronaut: Very carefully! 663 00:34:57,863 --> 00:34:59,129 Massimino: Right, you have to be really careful. 664 00:34:59,197 --> 00:35:00,330 Astronaut: You do. 665 00:35:00,398 --> 00:35:02,198 Narrator: Not having a good plan for a potty 666 00:35:02,267 --> 00:35:04,000 Can put you in a tight spot. 667 00:35:04,936 --> 00:35:07,137 Nasa learned that the hard way. 668 00:35:10,942 --> 00:35:13,409 May 5, 1961. 669 00:35:13,478 --> 00:35:16,746 (bright music) 670 00:35:16,814 --> 00:35:19,048 Astronaut alan shepard prepares 671 00:35:19,117 --> 00:35:21,451 To launch into the pages of history 672 00:35:21,519 --> 00:35:23,920 As the first american in space. 673 00:35:26,625 --> 00:35:29,025 Shepard and the capsule sit on the launch pad 674 00:35:29,093 --> 00:35:31,027 Much longer than nasa planned. 675 00:35:33,031 --> 00:35:36,065 Mocr: Now we're 45 minutes late getting started. 676 00:35:36,134 --> 00:35:38,101 Weitekamp: There were a whole series of delays 677 00:35:38,103 --> 00:35:42,539 Of his actual launch, and while he was still sitting 678 00:35:42,607 --> 00:35:46,543 In the spacecraft on the pad he radioed down 679 00:35:46,611 --> 00:35:49,713 And said that he really needed to relieve himself. 680 00:35:50,848 --> 00:35:53,917 Narrator: Flight controllers aren't sure what to do. 681 00:35:53,985 --> 00:35:57,320 Aborting is not an option and there's no manual 682 00:35:57,388 --> 00:35:59,322 For crossing your legs in a flight suit. 683 00:36:01,059 --> 00:36:02,659 Weitekamp: There were no provisions made 684 00:36:02,727 --> 00:36:03,993 For him going to the bathroom 685 00:36:04,062 --> 00:36:07,230 Because nobody thought that he would need to go. 686 00:36:07,232 --> 00:36:09,199 But a decision was made, in the moment, 687 00:36:09,201 --> 00:36:11,768 To allow him to go in his suit. 688 00:36:14,139 --> 00:36:14,971 Narrator: Flight controllers hope 689 00:36:14,973 --> 00:36:17,073 They've made the right decision. 690 00:36:17,141 --> 00:36:19,342 Shepard's wearing dozens of sensors 691 00:36:19,410 --> 00:36:22,178 To evaluate how the flight affects his body. 692 00:36:22,247 --> 00:36:24,948 The urine could cause an electric shock. 693 00:36:26,551 --> 00:36:28,585 Weitekamp: There was a lot of nervousness. 694 00:36:28,653 --> 00:36:31,421 How would the biomedical sensors react? 695 00:36:31,423 --> 00:36:32,855 Would it affect the suit? 696 00:36:32,924 --> 00:36:34,591 Would it leak out of the suit? 697 00:36:36,261 --> 00:36:38,995 Narrator: Shepard relieves himself. 698 00:36:39,063 --> 00:36:42,432 But there's no relief for flight engineers. 699 00:36:42,500 --> 00:36:46,169 The suit's electric bio-sensors do short circuit. 700 00:36:47,439 --> 00:36:49,472 It puts a damper on the mission 701 00:36:50,675 --> 00:36:53,877 But the rest of the flight goes off as planned. 702 00:36:56,414 --> 00:36:58,915 From then on, nasa comes up with a plan 703 00:36:58,917 --> 00:37:01,051 For humans being human. 704 00:37:01,987 --> 00:37:04,054 The initial plan is low tech. 705 00:37:06,124 --> 00:37:09,125 Weitekamp: The urination device that male astronauts used 706 00:37:09,193 --> 00:37:10,827 In the early space flights was essentially 707 00:37:10,895 --> 00:37:15,398 A roll on condom-like cuff that could attach to a bag 708 00:37:15,466 --> 00:37:18,901 That would then be jettisoned out of the space craft 709 00:37:18,970 --> 00:37:20,437 Through a dedicated port. 710 00:37:23,541 --> 00:37:25,808 (suspenseful music) 711 00:37:25,877 --> 00:37:30,113 In 1973, nasa unveils a major upgrade 712 00:37:30,181 --> 00:37:32,349 To accommodate longer space missions, 713 00:37:33,551 --> 00:37:35,752 A down-to-earth-looking latrine 714 00:37:36,721 --> 00:37:39,589 (triumphant music) 715 00:37:42,261 --> 00:37:45,629 In 2007, they decide to splurge on one 716 00:37:45,697 --> 00:37:47,497 That's even more out of this world. 717 00:37:49,901 --> 00:37:51,734 It's a russian-made commode, 718 00:37:51,803 --> 00:37:54,904 Built for those flush with cash. 719 00:37:54,972 --> 00:37:57,974 $19 million dollars buys you a bathroom 720 00:37:58,042 --> 00:38:01,311 That boldly goes where no bathroom has gone before. 721 00:38:02,848 --> 00:38:04,180 Malik: This was really advanced. 722 00:38:04,182 --> 00:38:06,382 It was a brand new toilet that was built 723 00:38:06,451 --> 00:38:09,752 Into a water recycling system on the space station 724 00:38:09,821 --> 00:38:12,455 That took any urine, cleaned it, 725 00:38:12,457 --> 00:38:14,724 Turned it in to drinking water that they could use 726 00:38:14,726 --> 00:38:17,594 For coffee, that sort of thing. 727 00:38:17,662 --> 00:38:19,128 Astronaut: Yeah, you wanna show us a little bit? 728 00:38:19,131 --> 00:38:21,931 Astronaut: Well it's got these little handles here. 729 00:38:21,933 --> 00:38:24,600 And no, I don't really want to show you anything. 730 00:38:24,603 --> 00:38:27,671 (upbeat music) 731 00:38:27,739 --> 00:38:28,871 Narrator: There's no doubt 732 00:38:28,874 --> 00:38:30,340 That the new toilet is a game changer 733 00:38:31,843 --> 00:38:34,744 As long it doesn't break down. 734 00:38:34,813 --> 00:38:38,181 Weitekamp: Having the toilet break is a real problem 735 00:38:38,249 --> 00:38:42,152 Because the astronauts don't have options. 736 00:38:44,288 --> 00:38:47,290 Narrator: Just two years after the toilet's installed, 737 00:38:47,292 --> 00:38:51,561 The astronauts of sts-127 find themselves wondering 738 00:38:51,563 --> 00:38:54,630 Where do you go when you're stuck in space 739 00:38:54,633 --> 00:38:56,633 With nowhere to go? 740 00:39:00,972 --> 00:39:01,738 (upbeat music) 741 00:39:01,740 --> 00:39:04,774 July 17, 2009. 742 00:39:04,843 --> 00:39:07,710 Six astronauts from five different countries 743 00:39:07,713 --> 00:39:10,380 Are living aboard the international space station. 744 00:39:13,651 --> 00:39:16,252 Today, they welcome seven crew members 745 00:39:16,320 --> 00:39:17,854 From the space shuttle endeavor. 746 00:39:18,990 --> 00:39:21,691 They're here to install a brand new part of the station, 747 00:39:23,161 --> 00:39:26,863 A $2.4 billion module called kibo. 748 00:39:27,899 --> 00:39:30,467 It's been in development for almost 20 years. 749 00:39:32,036 --> 00:39:35,037 Weitekamp: Kibo is a japanese addition. 750 00:39:35,106 --> 00:39:38,141 And it's a little unlike anything else 751 00:39:38,209 --> 00:39:39,642 That's on the space station. 752 00:39:40,679 --> 00:39:42,745 It's like a porch. 753 00:39:42,814 --> 00:39:46,449 Astronauts and cosmonauts are able to put experiments out 754 00:39:46,517 --> 00:39:50,553 And have them exposed to the lack of atmosphere of space. 755 00:39:52,958 --> 00:39:54,691 Narrator: For the next two weeks, 756 00:39:55,593 --> 00:39:57,093 There will be a record 13 astronauts crammed 757 00:39:57,095 --> 00:39:59,595 Aboard the station making life 758 00:39:59,664 --> 00:40:02,298 In space a very tight squeeze. 759 00:40:03,634 --> 00:40:04,701 Astronaut: It's very difficult 760 00:40:04,769 --> 00:40:06,369 To squeeze through the russian section. 761 00:40:06,437 --> 00:40:07,871 Astronaut: Especially when max is here! 762 00:40:10,074 --> 00:40:12,408 Narrator: The seven shuttle astronauts normally use 763 00:40:12,477 --> 00:40:13,843 The bathroom on the endeavor. 764 00:40:15,447 --> 00:40:18,515 But for this mission, it's strictly off limits. 765 00:40:20,885 --> 00:40:24,720 Weitekamp: Planners knew that if everyone was using the bathroom 766 00:40:24,723 --> 00:40:29,726 On the endeavor they would not have the ability to empty it 767 00:40:29,995 --> 00:40:34,797 Because it was right next to the kibo research module 768 00:40:34,866 --> 00:40:37,734 And you couldn't risk having that contaminated. 769 00:40:39,137 --> 00:40:41,404 Narrator: For now, 13 astronauts 770 00:40:41,473 --> 00:40:43,973 Must share just one bathroom. 771 00:40:47,145 --> 00:40:49,879 The crew works hard for two days, 772 00:40:49,947 --> 00:40:52,749 Setting the kibo in place for the new experiments. 773 00:40:53,685 --> 00:40:55,185 But mid-way through day three, 774 00:40:57,222 --> 00:41:00,089 One of them discovers a major problem. 775 00:41:00,091 --> 00:41:02,325 (dramatic music) 776 00:41:02,327 --> 00:41:04,560 Malik: The astronauts said, "hey, there's an issue 777 00:41:04,629 --> 00:41:06,796 In the bathroom, it's not working right." 778 00:41:08,333 --> 00:41:12,869 Narrator: The $19 million space toilet is a bust. 779 00:41:15,206 --> 00:41:17,173 Malik: It seems like a very inconsequential thing. 780 00:41:17,175 --> 00:41:18,541 Oh, the toilet's backed up, 781 00:41:19,477 --> 00:41:21,511 So just don't use that one for now. 782 00:41:22,914 --> 00:41:25,281 But it's not an option in space. 783 00:41:25,349 --> 00:41:26,249 They really needed to figure out a way 784 00:41:26,317 --> 00:41:27,784 To fix it as soon as possible. 785 00:41:30,254 --> 00:41:31,954 Weitekamp: A plumbing accident in space 786 00:41:32,023 --> 00:41:34,724 Is just not easily contained. 787 00:41:34,792 --> 00:41:38,394 And it's more of an emergency than it is 788 00:41:38,463 --> 00:41:41,397 When you're on the ground because it doesn't 789 00:41:41,465 --> 00:41:44,267 All stay neatly in a pile on the floor. 790 00:41:44,269 --> 00:41:47,537 (dramatic music) 791 00:41:47,605 --> 00:41:49,338 Astronaut: Everything floats? Astronaut: Everything floats. 792 00:41:49,341 --> 00:41:50,473 I mean everything. 793 00:41:52,376 --> 00:41:54,410 Narrator: Astronauts quickly get on the horn 794 00:41:54,479 --> 00:41:57,813 With mission control hoping that engineers 795 00:41:57,882 --> 00:42:00,650 On the ground can help troubleshoot the problem. 796 00:42:01,686 --> 00:42:03,052 Malik: They really wanted to get this fixed 797 00:42:03,120 --> 00:42:04,487 Because they didn't want to have to go 798 00:42:04,555 --> 00:42:06,256 To their black up plan. 799 00:42:06,324 --> 00:42:08,558 Weitekamp: One of the options, if the toilet wasn't fixed, 800 00:42:08,626 --> 00:42:11,261 Is always going back to diapers. 801 00:42:14,299 --> 00:42:17,200 Narrator: The flight team finally radios up a solution. 802 00:42:18,970 --> 00:42:21,538 A pump has broken and needs to be replaced. 803 00:42:22,907 --> 00:42:24,974 Fortunately, replacing the part 804 00:42:25,043 --> 00:42:26,809 Doesn't involve opening the toilet. 805 00:42:27,779 --> 00:42:29,646 An astronaut repair crew works 806 00:42:29,714 --> 00:42:31,915 Well into the evening to get it fixed. 807 00:42:33,284 --> 00:42:35,217 Malik: They found this pump issue and were able 808 00:42:35,286 --> 00:42:37,987 To walk the astronauts through a way to fix it 809 00:42:38,055 --> 00:42:40,423 And not take too much time away from their mission. 810 00:42:40,491 --> 00:42:43,660 Narrator: A successful repair is a big relief. 811 00:42:46,197 --> 00:42:47,863 Malik: At the core of it we're still human 812 00:42:47,932 --> 00:42:50,566 And we're still biological creatures that have needs, 813 00:42:50,635 --> 00:42:52,869 And we need to just be able to live 814 00:42:52,937 --> 00:42:54,337 In a comfortable environment. 815 00:42:54,339 --> 00:42:55,972 And space doesn't make it easy. 816 00:42:57,675 --> 00:42:58,808 (dramatic music) 817 00:42:58,876 --> 00:43:01,844 Narrator: As the saying goes, "to err is human." 818 00:43:03,014 --> 00:43:06,382 They're words nasa can't ever forget. 819 00:43:06,450 --> 00:43:08,217 Malik: Space is a very inhospitable place 820 00:43:08,285 --> 00:43:10,720 And so if you miss one little thing 821 00:43:10,788 --> 00:43:12,221 You can have a really bad day. 822 00:43:13,691 --> 00:43:15,391 Narrator: Today, we hope to travel 823 00:43:15,393 --> 00:43:17,927 Farther and longer than ever before. 824 00:43:19,497 --> 00:43:21,064 One goal remains constant, 825 00:43:22,533 --> 00:43:26,068 To see and experience the wonders of new worlds 826 00:43:26,137 --> 00:43:30,306 Not with robots but with our very own eyes. 827 00:43:32,109 --> 00:43:33,843 Malik: Machines do a great job 828 00:43:33,845 --> 00:43:36,412 But they don't tell the whole story. 829 00:43:36,480 --> 00:43:39,415 Weitekamp: Humans want to go ourselves, 830 00:43:39,483 --> 00:43:42,218 To be able to see things and touch things. 831 00:43:42,286 --> 00:43:44,253 Astronauts: I got numbers for ya. 832 00:43:44,255 --> 00:43:45,621 Astronaut: Out there, go ahead. 833 00:43:45,624 --> 00:43:48,291 Narrator: Each mission gives nasa valuable insights 834 00:43:48,359 --> 00:43:49,859 Into the human factor. 835 00:43:51,329 --> 00:43:54,030 What it takes for us to survive, 836 00:43:54,098 --> 00:43:58,768 And maybe one day even thrive, in space.