Original subtitles

This programme contains upsetting scenes

This programme contains upsetting scenes

This programme contains upsetting scenes

This programme contains upsetting scenes

This is the moon - man's first stop

This is the moon - man's first stop

on his way to explore our solar system.

on his way to explore our solar system.

To get there and return successfully is the primary objective

To get there and return successfully is the primary objective

of Nasa's Project Apollo.

But before men ever stand on the moon,

But before men ever stand on the moon,

Nasa will use three different launch vehicles.

Nasa will use three different launch vehicles.

The first phase, Project Mercury.

The first phase, Project Mercury.

Our second step, Project Gemini.

Our second step, Project Gemini.

In phase three of the project...

..Project Apollo.

It carries three astronauts.

Each phase is key to landing on the moon...

Each phase is key to landing on the moon...

..before the end of the decade.

April 9th, 1959 Washington, DC.

April 9th, 1959 Washington, DC.

April 9th, 1959 Washington, DC.

This is a press conference.

These seven young men will be the first astronauts,

These seven young men will be the first astronauts,

United States Project Mercury.

United States Project Mercury.

People everywhere adopted those seven as total heroes

People everywhere adopted those seven as total heroes

even before they made a space flight.

even before they made a space flight.

And Gus was one of them.

It was quite a surprise to Gus that all at once he was a celebrity.

It was quite a surprise to Gus that all at once he was a celebrity.

And I don't think that he...

And I don't think that he...

..ever really got used to that.

He was a big hero in the little town of Mitchell.

He was a big hero in the little town of Mitchell.

From a small town like Mitchell to have an astronaut,

From a small town like Mitchell to have an astronaut,

it was just magnificent.

it was just magnificent.

Everybody was so proud to even say they were from Mitchell

Everybody was so proud to even say they were from Mitchell

Everybody was so proud to even say they were from Mitchell

after Gus, you know, did so well...

after Gus, you know, did so well...

..and became an astronaut.

He met his wife in high school.

He met his wife in high school.

They were high school sweethearts.

They were high school sweethearts.

Betty turned out to be a very strong woman.

Betty turned out to be a very strong woman.

She did a lot to help Gus in his career.

She did a lot to help Gus in his career.

Gus always wanted to be a pilot, and he wanted to be a jet pilot.

Gus always wanted to be a pilot, and he wanted to be a jet pilot.

He got his wings, and the Korean War was going on,

He got his wings, and the Korean War was going on,

so he was immediately sent over there.

so he was immediately sent over there.

He flew 100 combat missions.

He flew 100 combat missions.

Got shot at several times.

He volunteered to fly more, but they said no

He volunteered to fly more, but they said no

and sent him home.

When he came back, got into test flight,

When he came back, got into test flight,

he really enjoyed flying different aircrafts.

he really enjoyed flying different aircrafts.

And Nasa decided that the astronauts should come

And Nasa decided that the astronauts should come

from military test pilots.

And there were something like 300 that agreed to apply.

And there were something like 300 that agreed to apply.

And there were something like 300 that agreed to apply.

And Gus was one of them.

ARCHIVE:And had his first great success in space

ARCHIVE:And had his first great success in space

when the Russians pushed a man across the threshold.

when the Russians pushed a man across the threshold.

He was Yuri Gagarin, the astronaut, the Russians lionised

He was Yuri Gagarin, the astronaut, the Russians lionised

as the first to orbit the Earth.

It was the propaganda coup of the year.

It was the propaganda coup of the year.

RADIO CHATTER

RADIO CHATTER

The press created the space race between

The press created the space race between

the two major powers in the world.

the two major powers in the world.

And it became almost like a contest...

And it became almost like a contest...

..like a sporting contest, if you will...

..like a sporting contest, if you will...

..in that, uh...

..in that, uh...

..they were able to defeat us and we were to defeat them.

..they were able to defeat us and we were to defeat them.

I believe that this nation should commit itself

I believe that this nation should commit itself

to achieving the goal...

..before this decade is out of landing a man on the moon

..before this decade is out of landing a man on the moon

and returning him safely to the Earth.

and returning him safely to the Earth.

No single space project in this period will

No single space project in this period will

be more impressive to mankind, or more important

be more impressive to mankind, or more important

for the long range exploration of space.

for the long range exploration of space.

APPLAUSE

'61, President Kennedy said, we want to go to the moon

'61, President Kennedy said, we want to go to the moon

and we're going to do it in this decade.

and we're going to do it in this decade.

And I can remember even then thinking,

And I can remember even then thinking,

"Can we do that in nine years from" a standing start?

"Can we do that in nine years from" a standing start?

"Can we do that in nine years from" a standing start?

When they started building Mercury...

..everything was new.

And these were new, bright young engineers,

And these were new, bright young engineers,

and it was kind of a, "We'll try this and see if this works.

and it was kind of a, "We'll try this and see if this works.

and it was kind of a, "We'll try this and see if this works.

"And if it doesn't, we'll try something else."

"And if it doesn't, we'll try something else."

ARCHIVE:It's Captain Virgil Gus Grissom, raring to go.

ARCHIVE:It's Captain Virgil Gus Grissom, raring to go.

A pat on the back from Colonel Glenn in reserve,

A pat on the back from Colonel Glenn in reserve,

enters the capsule at Cape Canaveral.

enters the capsule at Cape Canaveral.

Must be pretty lonely in there.

Three, two, one...

Three, two, one...

..lift off!

RADIO CHATTER

RADIO CHATTER

Go at 27 amps.

Roger...and trajectory is good.

Roger...and trajectory is good.

Oh, roger, looks good in here.

Getting ready for impact here.

You can see the water coming right on up!

RADIO CHATTER

I watched it much like everybody else did on TV.

I watched it much like everybody else did on TV.

He was very close to getting drowned with a helicopter

He was very close to getting drowned with a helicopter

beating down on him while he tried to lift the capsule,

which was filling up with water.

The helicopter that was trying to pick up the spacecraft,

The helicopter that was trying to pick up the spacecraft,

grappled him just like they normally did,

grappled him just like they normally did,

but it was getting so heavy they couldn't pick it up.

but it was getting so heavy they couldn't pick it up.

And the helicopter engine overheated...

And the helicopter engine overheated...

..and they finally had to cut it loose and let it go.

..and they finally had to cut it loose and let it go.

Gus was lucky to live through that.

It was embarrassing to him whether he did or did not cause it.

It was embarrassing to him whether he did or did not cause it.

He knew he was going to get blamed

and that lived with him for a long time.

and that lived with him for a long time.

We talked about that.

He said, I was just sitting there and all at once...

He said, I was just sitting there and all at once...

POW! The thing blew.

POW! The thing blew.

The press and the media are...

The press and the media are...

..sometimes not too courteous.

..sometimes not too courteous.

Some were very aggressive looking in windows,

Some were very aggressive looking in windows,

all that sort of thing.

And so he had this house built

And so he had this house built

and he had no windows in the front.

That was done purposely.

ARCHIVE:Attempted firing of a monster rocket heralds

ARCHIVE:Attempted firing of a monster rocket heralds

the next step into space beyond Mercury.

the next step into space beyond Mercury.

This is Saturn, America's giant missile of the future.

This is Saturn, America's giant missile of the future.

It's the work of a man who now

is one of the most important figures in America's space programme.

is one of the most important figures in America's space programme.

48 years old, Wernher von Braun.

48 years old, Wernher von Braun.

Dr Von Braun, this is only roughly half the size of the Saturn,

Dr Von Braun, this is only roughly half the size of the Saturn,

Dr Von Braun, this is only roughly half the size of the Saturn,

this enormous machine above us, is it not?

Yes, this is what we call the first stage.

Yes, this is what we call the first stage.

There will be two more stages mounted on top of this.

There will be two more stages mounted on top of this.

Von Braun had been brought

to this country at the end of World War II.

to this country at the end of World War II.

They'd been blowing up London for months and months.

They'd been blowing up London for months and months.

They'd been blowing up London for months and months.

And so a large number of his people got out of there

And so a large number of his people got out of there

and surrendered to the US, where he might continue

and surrendered to the US, where he might continue

what he was doing.

What von Braun did was extremely important

What von Braun did was extremely important

to the future of space flight at that time.

to the future of space flight at that time.

I can remember saying, "By golly, we're going to do this.

I can remember saying, "By golly, we're going to do this.

I can remember saying, "By golly, we're going to do this.

We're going to...if we don't do it, we're going to die trying.

We're going to...if we don't do it, we're going to die trying.

ARCHIVE:Field operations will be staffed

with Kollsman representatives at North American Aviation,

with Kollsman representatives at North American Aviation,

White Sands, the manned space centre,

White Sands, the manned space centre,

AC Spark plug, MIT Instrumentation Laboratory and Cape Kennedy.

AC Spark plug, MIT Instrumentation Laboratory and Cape Kennedy.

AC Spark plug, MIT Instrumentation Laboratory and Cape Kennedy.

Unfortunately, in this world, as you expand your knowledge,

Unfortunately, in this world, as you expand your knowledge,

Unfortunately, in this world, as you expand your knowledge,

as you expand your capability, interfaces begin to mount.

as you expand your capability, interfaces begin to mount.

as you expand your capability, interfaces begin to mount.

Interfaces that are outside of your organisation,

Interfaces that are outside of your organisation,

much less inside your organisation.

You've got...so you've got to make sure that we are keeping

You've got...so you've got to make sure that we are keeping

up with what they're doing over there.

up with what they're doing over there.

How do we tell the spacecraft designers what we need?

How do we tell the spacecraft designers what we need?

They don't know how to do it either.

They're asking you questions every day.

They're asking you questions every day.

What you want them to do, how you want them done...

What you want them to do, how you want them done...

What is it supposed to do?

Who's got the mission plan?

Dad was selected in the second group of nine astronauts,

Dad was selected in the second group of nine astronauts,

Dad was selected in the second group of nine astronauts,

which was probably the best moment of all our lives.

which was probably the best moment of all our lives.

which was probably the best moment of all our lives.

As a son of an astronaut, that was like a special event.

As a son of an astronaut, that was like a special event.

As a son of an astronaut, that was like a special event.

You know, how can you believe that?

Ed stood out.

Ed fit in perfectly.

Ed fit in perfectly.

He was tall, great looking.

He was tall, great looking.

And he was just an image...

..that you thought about if that's who I want to go into space with.

..that you thought about if that's who I want to go into space with.

..that you thought about if that's who I want to go into space with.

Dad went up with my grandad when he was 12 years old,

Dad went up with my grandad when he was 12 years old,

Dad went up with my grandad when he was 12 years old,

and they flew in a T6 aeroplane.

and they flew in a T6 aeroplane.

And my grandad let him take the controls,

And my grandad let him take the controls,

and he felt like it was a natural thing that he did.

and he felt like it was a natural thing that he did.

That was when his mind kind of said, "I want to do this,

That was when his mind kind of said, "I want to do this,

"I want to be a pilot someday."

He went on to West Point,

where his father had gone before him,

where his father had gone before him,

and he was a world-class runner and hurdler.

and he was a world-class runner and hurdler.

and he was a world-class runner and hurdler.

And so he almost made the Olympic team.

And so he almost made the Olympic team.

He was on the track team, and he went to the Olympic trials

He was on the track team, and he went to the Olympic trials

and came in third place.

and came in third place.

Only two go at that point.

But he said it might have changed his career,

But he said it might have changed his career,

and maybe it would have been different

and wouldn't have been an astronaut.

You never know, you know.

Well, they met on a date.

Well, they met on a date.

And my mum was on a date with someone else,

And my mum was on a date with someone else,

and my dad was over there, and apparently

and my dad was over there, and apparently

she was batting her eyelashes or whatever.

she was batting her eyelashes or whatever.

And then one thing I think led to the other.

And then one thing I think led to the other.

They married about six months later.

They married about six months later.

I came along about nine months later.

I came along about nine months later.

And then Bonnie was then about two and a half years later.

And then Bonnie was then about two and a half years later.

ARCHIVE:New F-100 jets go into operational service

ARCHIVE:New F-100 jets go into operational service

with Air Force squadrons in Germany,

bringing the supersonic age from the experimental stage

bringing the supersonic age from the experimental stage

to the first line of Western Air Defence.

to the first line of Western Air Defence.

They were flying F-100s and basically looking

They were flying F-100s and basically looking

for any trouble on the border of Germany and Russia.

for any trouble on the border of Germany and Russia.

for any trouble on the border of Germany and Russia.

Ed White was more cerebral.

Ed White was more cerebral.

He thought things through

in a way that others may not have.

in a way that others may not have.

And he didn't try to exude that...

And he didn't try to exude that...

..my ego was bigger than yours, you know and some

..my ego was bigger than yours, you know and some

of those first seven did.

But Ed, you know, was extremely capable guy,

But Ed, you know, was extremely capable guy,

and he was always so friendly.

and he was always so friendly.

He was just a friendly, friendly person.

He was just a friendly, friendly person.

Project Gemini is a two man Earth orbital mission.

Project Gemini is a two man Earth orbital mission.

It is an intermediate step between projects Mercury and Apollo.

It is an intermediate step between projects Mercury and Apollo.

It is an intermediate step between projects Mercury and Apollo.

Gemini will reveal man's capabilities

Gemini will reveal man's capabilities

during extended periods of time in space.

during extended periods of time in space.

Gus spent the summer of 1964 at the McDonnell plant.

Gus spent the summer of 1964 at the McDonnell plant.

Gus spent the summer of 1964 at the McDonnell plant.

He was very instrumental in the design of Gemini,

He was very instrumental in the design of Gemini,

to the point where the other astronauts got

to the point where the other astronauts got

to call it the 'Gus Mobile'.

He worked closely with the engineers,

and some liked him and some didn't.

and some liked him and some didn't.

Because he was a very tough taskmaster.

Because he was a very tough taskmaster.

And I guess he took the approach that if I'm going to fly this,

And I guess he took the approach that if I'm going to fly this,

I want it to be exactly like I want it to be.

I want it to be exactly like I want it to be.

Gus came across sometimes to people as being kind of gruff and,

Gus came across sometimes to people as being kind of gruff and,

Gus came across sometimes to people as being kind of gruff and,

you know, sharp, but I never saw that.

you know, sharp, but I never saw that.

He was always laughing

He was always laughing

and telling jokes and kind of the typical pilot.

and telling jokes and kind of the typical pilot.

There we are, 14 of us, the third group of astronauts.

There we are, 14 of us, the third group of astronauts.

There we are, 14 of us, the third group of astronauts.

And you know, when I look at it now...

And you know, when I look at it now...

..we were all very young.

And of course, we were all very

And of course, we were all very

excited to be selected at that point in the programme.

excited to be selected at that point in the programme.

excited to be selected at that point in the programme.

Everyone really respected that commitment on the part of JFK.

Everyone really respected that commitment on the part of JFK.

Everyone really respected that commitment on the part of JFK.

The third group, when they came in, Roger Chaffee was one of them.

The third group, when they came in, Roger Chaffee was one of them.

The third group, when they came in, Roger Chaffee was one of them.

And boy, if you call central casting

And boy, if you call central casting

and ask them to send you an astronaut,

and ask them to send you an astronaut,

they would send you Roger Chaffee,

because he had the looks and the bearing and all of that.

because he had the looks and the bearing and all of that.

Lieutenant, congratulations on your selection to the new astronaut team.

Lieutenant, congratulations on your selection to the new astronaut team.

How do you feel about it?

Very excited, very happy and very honoured that I could be

Very excited, very happy and very honoured that I could be

chosen for this.

I never dreamed that he would go that far.

I never dreamed that he would go that far.

It was a new beginning in a different type of life.

It was a new beginning in a different type of life.

Mrs Chaffee, how do you feel about your husband's appointment?

Mrs Chaffee, how do you feel about your husband's appointment?

Oh, I'm thrilled to death.

I think it is something that he has always wanted.

I think it is something that he has always wanted.

And, of course, what he wants, I want.

And, of course, what he wants, I want.

And he's dreamed about it since high school, actually.

And he's dreamed about it since high school, actually.

So I'm real thrilled about it.

Do you feel apprehensive at all, worried at all?

Do you feel apprehensive at all, worried at all?

Not right now, but my view might change when he gets

Not right now, but my view might change when he gets

shot off into space.

But right now, I'm not.

Cheryl, do you know what your daddy is?

Cheryl, do you know what your daddy is?

Rocket man.

A rocket man?

I met Roger my freshman year at Purdue University.

I met Roger my freshman year at Purdue University.

I liked him.

We were like two peas in a pod.

We were like two peas in a pod.

I remember when he took flying lessons

I remember when he took flying lessons

and was so excited when he did his solo.

and was so excited when he did his solo.

It was in his blood.

And then we got married.

I was 20 when Roger was 22.

I was 20 when Roger was 22.

We got married in '57 and Sheryl was born in 58.

We got married in '57 and Sheryl was born in 58.

And then Steve was born in '61.

And then Steve was born in '61.

I never knew he was flying reconnaissance over Cuba.

I never knew he was flying reconnaissance over Cuba.

He never talked about it.

And I think a lot of the pilots were like that.

He never told me anything.

He never told me anything.

He went to work and that was it.

Everything was brand-new.

Everything was brand-new.

The place was new, we were new.

The place was new, we were new.

What we were doing was completely new.

What we were doing was completely new.

Extremely exciting times.

Extremely exciting times.

We worked eight or ten, 12, 14 hours a day,

We worked eight or ten, 12, 14 hours a day,

seven days a week.

I mean, nobody thought anything about it.

I mean, nobody thought anything about it.

It was just, you know, part of

It was just, you know, part of

what was the fun of being pioneers in this kind of a business?

what was the fun of being pioneers in this kind of a business?

what was the fun of being pioneers in this kind of a business?

I would quiz him on the moon.

I would quiz him on the moon.

We had a big picture of the moon in his office,

We had a big picture of the moon in his office,

and I would point to different craters for him to talk about.

and I would point to different craters for him to talk about.

and I would point to different craters for him to talk about.

He really wanted to go to the moon.

He wanted to go to Mars.

After Mercury, Nasa showed great confidence in Gus

After Mercury, Nasa showed great confidence in Gus

by selecting him as the command pilot for the first Gemini.

by selecting him as the command pilot for the first Gemini.

by selecting him as the command pilot for the first Gemini.

He named his spacecraft The Unsinkable Molly Brown

He named his spacecraft The Unsinkable Molly Brown

after his experience with Mercury.

after his experience with Mercury.

Nasa wasn't too happy with that...

..but they considered it better than his first choice of the Titanic.

..but they considered it better than his first choice of the Titanic.

..but they considered it better than his first choice of the Titanic.

I think they made the perfect choice to put Gus

I think they made the perfect choice to put Gus

as the first man manned Gemini commander.

as the first man manned Gemini commander.

And they also put a good guy in the right seat,

And they also put a good guy in the right seat,

John Young, who was extremely good.

John Young, who was extremely good.

I was assigned to be a coordinator

I was assigned to be a coordinator

between the first experiments that we flew in space, really.

between the first experiments that we flew in space, really.

between the first experiments that we flew in space, really.

To be the liaison, as it were, between the crews

To be the liaison, as it were, between the crews

To be the liaison, as it were, between the crews

and the scientists of various kinds, but also often doctors as well.

and the scientists of various kinds, but also often doctors as well.

and the scientists of various kinds, but also often doctors as well.

And Gus was, "I'm not here for you.

And Gus was, "I'm not here for you.

"I'm here as a test pilot."

And if you're from the press, "The heck with you," you know,

And if you're from the press, "The heck with you," you know,

"If I have to deal with you, I will."

"If I have to deal with you, I will."

But, you know, and if you're an experimenter,

But, you know, and if you're an experimenter,

and especially "If you want me to wear something

and especially "If you want me to wear something

"or you want to poke a hole in me, forget it."

"or you want to poke a hole in me, forget it."

And here I am, the interface between Gus,

And here I am, the interface between Gus,

the commander of the first Gemini mission,

the commander of the first Gemini mission,

and the first experimenters who were putting things

and the first experimenters who were putting things

in the spacecraft that would take some of his precious time.

in the spacecraft that would take some of his precious time.

And so, as far as Gus was concerned, I was an enemy.

And so, as far as Gus was concerned, I was an enemy.

And so, as far as Gus was concerned, I was an enemy.

Three, two, one, zero.

Three, two, one, zero.

Lift-off!

1-4. Lift-off.

Roger, Molly Brown, you're a go from here.

As I recall, the launch was normal.

As I recall, the launch was normal.

But every flight that I was ever a part of always had problems.

But every flight that I was ever a part of always had problems.

But every flight that I was ever a part of always had problems.

One of the problems I remember encountered,

One of the problems I remember encountered,

and it was in a system I was responsible for,

and it was in a system I was responsible for,

were the thrusters.

The little attitude control thrusters sticking.

The little attitude control thrusters sticking.

And they would clog up.

And they would clog up.

Gus was smart and he was analytical.

Gus was smart and he was analytical.

Gus was smart and he was analytical.

I watched flight on television.

I watched flight on television.

That was quite pleasing to see it land

That was quite pleasing to see it land

and know that the recovery was going very well.

and know that the recovery was going very well.

and know that the recovery was going very well.

ARCHIVE: 300 miles above the earth...

ARCHIVE: 300 miles above the earth...

Colonel Alexei Leonov makes history.

The Russian cosmonaut is the first man to brave

The Russian cosmonaut is the first man to brave

the vacuum of space, twisting,

turning and somersaulting as he hurtles round

turning and somersaulting as he hurtles round

the world at over 17,000 miles an hour.

the world at over 17,000 miles an hour.

Gemini 4, they put a great crew together.

Gemini 4, they put a great crew together.

Ed, of course, the first guy to fly out of the second group.

Ed, of course, the first guy to fly out of the second group.

And McDivitt was the commander of that flight.

And McDivitt was the commander of that flight.

He was a seasoned guy that knew what he was doing.

He was a seasoned guy that knew what he was doing.

The flight was originally set up to be a pretty much

The flight was originally set up to be a pretty much

of a medical experiment.

There was a big medical uproar about

There was a big medical uproar about

whether we were going to die or not when we landed.

whether we were going to die or not when we landed.

It was the first mission to have four days in space,

It was the first mission to have four days in space,

so we didn't know how they were going to be affected.

so we didn't know how they were going to be affected.

This was a special mission to maybe pass

This was a special mission to maybe pass

the Russians for the first time.

the Russians for the first time.

From the beginning, we were behind trying to catch up.

From the beginning, we were behind trying to catch up.

Ten, nine, ignition sequence start...

Ten, nine, ignition sequence start...

Ten, nine, ignition sequence start...

Six, five, four...

Six, five, four...

..three, two, one...

..three, two, one...

Lift-off!

Everybody in the control centre was uneasy.

Everybody in the control centre was uneasy.

It's the first time we'd put a...

..somebody had been outside the spacecraft...

..somebody had been outside the spacecraft...

..and only a spacesuit left between him and sudden death.

..and only a spacesuit left between him and sudden death.

..and only a spacesuit left between him and sudden death.

I can remember thinking, "Oh, my gosh, what if that hose breaks?"

I can remember thinking, "Oh, my gosh, what if that hose breaks?"

It's providing oxygen and all that kind of thing.

It's providing oxygen and all that kind of thing.

Of course, he had no foot restraints,

Of course, he had no foot restraints,

no hand restraints, no nothing.

no hand restraints, no nothing.

Except for that gun, which didn't work too well.

Except for that gun, which didn't work too well.

He was really out there by himself.

The Gemini suit, you're in a balloon

The Gemini suit, you're in a balloon

and bending balloons every time you move.

and bending balloons every time you move.

I mean, it was really hard work.

People were really amazed at how well

People were really amazed at how well

he handled himself in space.

he handled himself in space.

You're going 17,500 miles an hour and everything's going fine.

You're going 17,500 miles an hour and everything's going fine.

You're going 17,500 miles an hour and everything's going fine.

He was having a great time out there.

And of course, time flies

when you're in a situation like that.

when you're in a situation like that.

And so what the whole world remembered was McDivitt, you know,

And so what the whole world remembered was McDivitt, you know,

looking at the watch and the checklist and saying,

looking at the watch and the checklist and saying,

"Hey, it's time to get in here."

And Ed saying, "Yeah, yeah," you know, basically,

And Ed saying, "Yeah, yeah," you know, basically,

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be with you in a minute." Right.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be with you in a minute." Right.

Trying to stay out as long as he could.

But then when he started to get back in, McDivitt had to help him.

But then when he started to get back in, McDivitt had to help him.

The suit was puffed up, of course, and the hatch wasn't that big,

The suit was puffed up, of course, and the hatch wasn't that big,

and he really struggled to get back in.

and he really struggled to get back in.

By the time he got back in, it was dark.

So when we went to close the hatch, it wouldn't close,

it wouldn't lock.

And so in the dark,

I was trying to fiddle around over

in this side where I couldn't see anything,

in this side where I couldn't see anything,

trying to get my cloth down

in this little slot to push the gears together.

And finally we got that done and got it latched.

And finally we got that done and got it latched.

When they closed that hatch everybody said,

When they closed that hatch everybody said,

"Good Lord" Man, I'm glad that's over."

"Good Lord" Man, I'm glad that's over."

When we hit the water, we checked around for leaks.

When we hit the water, we checked around for leaks.

I said to Ed, "How are you feeling?"

I said to Ed, "How are you feeling?"

He said, "I'm feeling great, how are you feeling?"

He said, "I'm feeling great, how are you feeling?"

I said, "I'm feeling great too."

"Guess we aren't going to die."

Ed was really the pioneer

for American extravehicular activities.

for American extravehicular activities.

It captured the imagination of, I think,

It captured the imagination of, I think,

the entire public.

Could go on a parade like that in a city where dad was born.

Could go on a parade like that in a city where dad was born.

And of course, he was very proud of being a Texan.

And of course, he was very proud of being a Texan.

The whole city turned out, and that was the best

The whole city turned out, and that was the best

of those kind of parades I've ever been in

of those kind of parades I've ever been in

in my life, and I'll never forget that.

in my life, and I'll never forget that.

It was really kind of overwhelming.

It was like being a movie star or even more than that.

It was like being a movie star or even more than that.

It's indeed a pleasure to be back here

It's indeed a pleasure to be back here

and stand on the steps here and share a little bit of

and stand on the steps here and share a little bit of

the experiences I had with you.

It's wonderful to be back in the state of Texas.

It's wonderful to be back in the state of Texas.

We were mobbed wherever we went.

We were mobbed wherever we went.

And dad was, you know, besieged by press

And dad was, you know, besieged by press

and wherever we went, they rolled out the red carpet.

and wherever we went, they rolled out the red carpet.

It was just kind of crazy.

It was just kind of crazy.

Five, four, thee, two, one...

Five, four, thee, two, one...

Five, four, thee, two, one...

Gemini was two year crash course

Gemini was two year crash course

in how you go to the moon and get ready for it.

in how you go to the moon and get ready for it.

It's where we learned how to rendezvous, how to dock,

It's where we learned how to rendezvous, how to dock,

how to do a spacewalk or extravehicular activity, EVA.

how to do a spacewalk or extravehicular activity, EVA.

how to do a spacewalk or extravehicular activity, EVA.

Not that we knew all the answers yet, but that we were

Not that we knew all the answers yet, but that we were

on the right track.

ARCHIVE:The moon is a necessary first step

ARCHIVE:The moon is a necessary first step

for exploration of the planets.

To fly men there and return them safely

To fly men there and return them safely

in this decade is the goal of Nasa's Project Apollo.

in this decade is the goal of Nasa's Project Apollo.

The early missions of Mercury and the experience

The early missions of Mercury and the experience

from Gemini have brought this country

from Gemini have brought this country

to the next major milestone, the first Apollo

to the next major milestone, the first Apollo

three manned space flight.

These are the men to fly that mission.

These are the men to fly that mission.

Astronaut Roger Chaffee.

Needless to say, I'm extremely excited

Needless to say, I'm extremely excited

about being named to this flight crew,

and I think I've got a couple of the greatest men

and I think I've got a couple of the greatest men

in the world to work with.

It's going to be a lot of fun.

The senior pilot, Edward White - he will be remembered

The senior pilot, Edward White - he will be remembered

for his spacewalk.

Ah... Uh, working in the systems right now, getting up to speed.

Ah... Uh, working in the systems right now, getting up to speed.

Ah... Uh, working in the systems right now, getting up to speed.

And I think, uh, we'll all be looking forward to the flight.

And I think, uh, we'll all be looking forward to the flight.

And command pilot Virgil Grissom, one of the original

And command pilot Virgil Grissom, one of the original

seven astronauts - his third time into space.

seven astronauts - his third time into space.

I realise that this isn't a flight to the Moon,

but if it were, which two men would go down to the surface of the Moon?

but if it were, which two men would go down to the surface of the Moon?

but if it were, which two men would go down to the surface of the Moon?

If it was this crew, it would be me and somebody else.

If it was this crew, it would be me and somebody else.

LAUGHTER

LAUGHTER

Very good.

When we heard, you know, that it was Grissom and White and Chaffee,

When we heard, you know, that it was Grissom and White and Chaffee,

When we heard, you know, that it was Grissom and White and Chaffee,

perfect. Let's go.

That was a wonderful crew. They had three different

That was a wonderful crew. They had three different

representatives from three of the different groups.

representatives from three of the different groups.

representatives from three of the different groups.

They all clicked together very well.

They all clicked together very well.

I think our crew and backup crew really

I think our crew and backup crew really

worked very, very well together.

I mean, we did not have any problems in terms of,

I mean, we did not have any problems in terms of,

I mean, we did not have any problems in terms of,

you know, compatibility or dealing with things...

you know, compatibility or dealing with things...

..in spite of the difficult initial relationship with Gus.

..in spite of the difficult initial relationship with Gus.

..in spite of the difficult initial relationship with Gus.

And we became the best of friends after we were on the crew together

And we became the best of friends after we were on the crew together

for no more than a week or two.

for no more than a week or two.

It was a very interesting transition.

It was a very interesting transition.

It was a whole new vehicle - the first time we'd built

It was a whole new vehicle - the first time we'd built

a three-person vehicle.

North American Aviation was the contractor,

North American Aviation was the contractor,

and even though they'd had a lot of experience,

and even though they'd had a lot of experience,

they were struggling with the command module.

they were struggling with the command module.

Plus, as we learn things, it was continually modifying the vehicle.

Plus, as we learn things, it was continually modifying the vehicle.

Plus, as we learn things, it was continually modifying the vehicle.

So as fast as we were building it, we were changing it.

So as fast as we were building it, we were changing it.

The modifications never stopped, which require you to go back

The modifications never stopped, which require you to go back

in and undo work you've already done and checked out,

in and undo work you've already done and checked out,

and you pull wiring out and you put new wiring in.

and you pull wiring out and you put new wiring in.

It was pressure, pressure, pressure.

When I came to work for NASA, the covers they had on the

When I came to work for NASA, the covers they had on the

floor of the command module and over that wiring

floor of the command module and over that wiring

were just the standard foam type protective covers.

were just the standard foam type protective covers.

were just the standard foam type protective covers.

I don't know how in the world anybody would think

I don't know how in the world anybody would think

that was acceptable in an oxygen environment.

that was acceptable in an oxygen environment.

The crew was not shy about speaking up.

The crew was not shy about speaking up.

The crew was not shy about speaking up.

They did not like some things about the spacecraft.

They did not like some things about the spacecraft.

They would look at something and say,

"You know, that switch there? Not very handy.

"You know, that switch there? Not very handy.

"You know, that switch there? Not very handy.

"It ought to be moved over to this side."

"It ought to be moved over to this side."

Well, the contractor would do it, you know, just at the whim

Well, the contractor would do it, you know, just at the whim

Well, the contractor would do it, you know, just at the whim

and fancy of an astronaut.

It drove the contractors nuts, and it drove the program

It drove the contractors nuts, and it drove the program

It drove the contractors nuts, and it drove the program

managers even more crazy.

Gus was very involved in the hatch design,

Gus was very involved in the hatch design,

and he insisted that the hatch seal from the inside out so that,

and he insisted that the hatch seal from the inside out so that,

and he insisted that the hatch seal from the inside out so that,

you know, in the event of a leak in orbit, you've always got pressure

you know, in the event of a leak in orbit, you've always got pressure

in the cockpit holding that hatch closed,

in the cockpit holding that hatch closed,

which was, you know, a sound reason.

We all bitched about the hatch. No question.

We all bitched about the hatch. No question.

But it wasn't because of safety, it was because of the difficulty

But it wasn't because of safety, it was because of the difficulty

of using the damn thing.

Time was passing and we had to meet these goals.

Time was passing and we had to meet these goals.

And Apollo was running late. Running slow.

And Apollo was running late. Running slow.

They knew they had a problem.

Everybody was trying to get to the Moon in the decade of the '60s,

Everybody was trying to get to the Moon in the decade of the '60s,

Everybody was trying to get to the Moon in the decade of the '60s,

like President Kennedy had promised.

like President Kennedy had promised.

And so they were cutting corners

And so they were cutting corners

and doing things, probably, to get there faster.

and doing things, probably, to get there faster.

All of us down there are struggling to meet the schedule,

All of us down there are struggling to meet the schedule,

and we were trying to go faster than we could handle.

and we were trying to go faster than we could handle.

I was annoyed at the way what became Apollo One

I was annoyed at the way what became Apollo One

I was annoyed at the way what became Apollo One

came out of the plant at Downing.

came out of the plant at Downing.

It was not finished.

So it was shipped to the Cape with a bunch of spare parts

So it was shipped to the Cape with a bunch of spare parts

and things to finish it out.

And that, of course, caused this whole atmosphere

And that, of course, caused this whole atmosphere

of developing where... I would almost call it a first case

of developing where... I would almost call it a first case

of bad go fever - "go fever" meaning we've got to keep going,

of bad go fever - "go fever" meaning we've got to keep going,

got to keep going, got to keep going.

That evening, I debriefed with Gus.

That evening, I debriefed with Gus.

I said, "If there are any things that go wrong, like a glitch

I said, "If there are any things that go wrong, like a glitch

"in the electronic circuit, some bad sounds, scrub."

"in the electronic circuit, some bad sounds, scrub."

They were frustrated.

They were frustrated.

Frustrated over the things that were happening to the spacecraft.

Frustrated over the things that were happening to the spacecraft.

Frustrated over the things that were happening to the spacecraft.

I mean, I've got a picture of them praying.

I mean, I've got a picture of them praying.

I look forward a great deal to the first flight.

I look forward a great deal to the first flight.

There's a great deal of pride involved in making a first flight.

There's a great deal of pride involved in making a first flight.

There's a great deal of pride involved in making a first flight.

So I think I'm... I'm looking forward to the flight

So I think I'm... I'm looking forward to the flight

with a great deal of anticipation.

There's a lot of unknowns, of course, and a lot of problems

There's a lot of unknowns, of course, and a lot of problems

that could develop or might develop, and they'll have to be solved,

that could develop or might develop, and they'll have to be solved,

and that's what we're there for.

This is our business - to find out if this thing will work for us.

This is our business - to find out if this thing will work for us.

You flew on Mercury, flew on Gemini, and now you're flying on Apollo.

You flew on Mercury, flew on Gemini, and now you're flying on Apollo.

You flew on Mercury, flew on Gemini, and now you're flying on Apollo.

Does the law of averages, so far as the possibility

Does the law of averages, so far as the possibility

of a catastrophic failure, bother you at all, sir?

of a catastrophic failure, bother you at all, sir?

No. You sort of have to put that out of your mind, and...

No. You sort of have to put that out of your mind, and...

..there's always a possibility that, uh...

..you can have a catastrophic failure, of course.

..you can have a catastrophic failure, of course.

It can happen on any fight.

It can happen on the last one as well as the first one, so...

It can happen on the last one as well as the first one, so...

..you just plan as best you can to take care of all of

..you just plan as best you can to take care of all of

these eventualities, and you get a well-trained crew and you go fly.

these eventualities, and you get a well-trained crew and you go fly.

these eventualities, and you get a well-trained crew and you go fly.

The Apollo One test, which we considered to be non-hazardous,

The Apollo One test, which we considered to be non-hazardous,

The Apollo One test, which we considered to be non-hazardous,

ran long because of various problems during the afternoon.

ran long because of various problems during the afternoon.

ran long because of various problems during the afternoon.

And then the comms system was really acting up.

And then the comms system was really acting up.

I was in Mission Control. I was a flight controller.

I was in Mission Control. I was a flight controller.

We had gone round and round and round on the communication issues.

We had gone round and round and round on the communication issues.

We had gone round and round and round on the communication issues.

We could not get a clear voice. We couldn't talk to each other.

We could not get a clear voice. We couldn't talk to each other.

Gus was forever complaining about the countdown

Gus was forever complaining about the countdown

Gus was forever complaining about the countdown

and the communications.

We knew that there was bad workmanship.

We knew that there was bad workmanship.

We knew that the wires were exposed.

We knew that the wires were exposed.

We knew that there was a lot of stuff going on

We knew that there was a lot of stuff going on

We knew that there was a lot of stuff going on

in that spacecraft that we didn't like.

in that spacecraft that we didn't like.

I don't think any of us recognised the seriousness

I don't think any of us recognised the seriousness

of the danger we had put the crew in.

of the danger we had put the crew in.

The whole ball of fire that was inside

The whole ball of fire that was inside

that vessel came out like sheets of flame.

that vessel came out like sheets of flame.

Technicians were burned. Papers were set on fire.

Technicians were burned. Papers were set on fire.

People were rushing in all directions trying to get fire extinguishers.

People were rushing in all directions trying to get fire extinguishers.

Six guys took it in turn two at a time to try and get the hatches off.

Six guys took it in turn two at a time to try and get the hatches off.

Six guys took it in turn two at a time to try and get the hatches off.

In the process, they were burning their hands on the hatches.

In the process, they were burning their hands on the hatches.

Then the fire came up the side and filled the whole room

Then the fire came up the side and filled the whole room

with black smoke.

And then, from then on, it was...

And then, from then on, it was...

..impossible to do anything about it.

..impossible to do anything about it.

I've seen death happen in various ways, but not like that.

I've seen death happen in various ways, but not like that.

I've seen death happen in various ways, but not like that.

Top space agency officials are flying to Cape Kennedy tonight

Top space agency officials are flying to Cape Kennedy tonight

to begin the official investigation into what caused a flash fire

to begin the official investigation into what caused a flash fire

that killed the nation's first three Apollo astronauts earlier tonight.

that killed the nation's first three Apollo astronauts earlier tonight.

Lieutenant Colonel Gus Grissom, 42, Lieutenant Colonel Ed White, 36,

Lieutenant Colonel Gus Grissom, 42, Lieutenant Colonel Ed White, 36,

Lieutenant Colonel Gus Grissom, 42, Lieutenant Colonel Ed White, 36,

and Lieutenant Commander Roger Chaffee, 31,

and Lieutenant Commander Roger Chaffee, 31,

all died in moments, helplessly trapped inside their spacecraft.

all died in moments, helplessly trapped inside their spacecraft.

ON RADIO:..the first three Apollo astronauts earlier tonight.

ON RADIO:..the first three Apollo astronauts earlier tonight.

It was just a news flash on the radio in the car, and I...

It was just a news flash on the radio in the car, and I...

I slammed on the brakes and pulled off to the side just

I slammed on the brakes and pulled off to the side just

before going under the runway, and I just... I had to just sit there...

before going under the runway, and I just... I had to just sit there...

before going under the runway, and I just... I had to just sit there...

..I think, for 15 or 20 minutes before I felt I could,

..I think, for 15 or 20 minutes before I felt I could,

..I think, for 15 or 20 minutes before I felt I could,

I could drive again.

I could drive again.

Uh, I mean, it was such a shock.

Uh, I mean, it was such a shock.

All at once it was shock, disbelief, confusion.

All at once it was shock, disbelief, confusion.

All at once it was shock, disbelief, confusion.

All at once it was shock, disbelief, confusion.

I was more concerned with Mum and Dad and how they were

I was more concerned with Mum and Dad and how they were

I was more concerned with Mum and Dad and how they were

going to react to this.

going to react to this.

Surprisingly, I think Mum handled it very well.

Surprisingly, I think Mum handled it very well.

Dad took it very, very hard.

Dad took it very, very hard.

I don't think he ever quite got over it.

I don't think he ever quite got over it.

Jan Armstrong was in our driveway when we came pulling up

Jan Armstrong was in our driveway when we came pulling up

Jan Armstrong was in our driveway when we came pulling up

and she got Mum, and then they just sent me and Ed to our room,

and she got Mum, and then they just sent me and Ed to our room,

and we were back there, sitting in our rooms.

and we were back there, sitting in our rooms.

We didn't know what was going on.

We didn't know what was going on.

And then I think at some point Mum ended up coming in and I just...

And then I think at some point Mum ended up coming in and I just...

And then I think at some point Mum ended up coming in and I just...

..yeah.

It's...the worst thing you could ever possibly hear.

It's...the worst thing you could ever possibly hear.

That was probably the worst night of my life, without a doubt. For sure.

That was probably the worst night of my life, without a doubt. For sure.

I remember every single second of that day.

I remember every single second of that day.

But I had to tell my kids.

I remember the horses and the carriage bringing the coffin.

I remember the horses and the carriage bringing the coffin.

My grandparents were there, and President Johnson.

My grandparents were there, and President Johnson.

Mum did what my dad had wanted.

Mum did what my dad had wanted.

He wanted to be buried at West Point.

He wanted to be buried at West Point.

That was his wish.

Mum wanted to keep Dad's wish, so we went that way.

Mum wanted to keep Dad's wish, so we went that way.

GUNSHOTS

You had that feeling of guilt.

You had that feeling of remorse.

You had that feeling of, "My God, why did we ever let that happen?"

You had that feeling of, "My God, why did we ever let that happen?"

You had that feeling of, "My God, why did we ever let that happen?"

And there's those three men are gone, and you had to deal with that.

And there's those three men are gone, and you had to deal with that.

And there's those three men are gone, and you had to deal with that.

I was the designated engineer to go into the spacecraft to try to

I was the designated engineer to go into the spacecraft to try to

I was the designated engineer to go into the spacecraft to try to

I was the designated engineer to go into the spacecraft to try to

identify where the source of the ignition was.

identify where the source of the ignition was.

It was a very traumatic situation, but at the same time,

It was a very traumatic situation, but at the same time,

It was a very traumatic situation, but at the same time,

my focus and my concentration was on my job.

my focus and my concentration was on my job.

my focus and my concentration was on my job.

All the leaders in both NASA and North American...

All the leaders in both NASA and North American...

..lost their jobs and they brought in new people.

..lost their jobs and they brought in new people.

They were all tough guys. They took no rubbish from anybody.

They were all tough guys. They took no rubbish from anybody.

They ran a hard shop. They had very little patience

They ran a hard shop. They had very little patience

with people that screwed up or didn't do the job,

with people that screwed up or didn't do the job,

and they really took over the program.

and they really took over the program.

I thought it was unnecessary to move as many people as we did,

I thought it was unnecessary to move as many people as we did,

I thought it was unnecessary to move as many people as we did,

but that's just the way it was.

Politics is tough in a situation like that.

Politics is tough in a situation like that.

In retrospect, we put the story together -

In retrospect, we put the story together -

is that a single spark ignited either Velcro or the T0 netting

is that a single spark ignited either Velcro or the T0 netting

is that a single spark ignited either Velcro or the T0 netting

and in a 100% oxygen environment, instantly was like a fireball

and in a 100% oxygen environment, instantly was like a fireball

and in a 100% oxygen environment, instantly was like a fireball

just going across that spacecraft all the way to the other side.

just going across that spacecraft all the way to the other side.

And it was instantaneous.

NEWSREEL: In Washington, astronauts Borman, McDivitt, Slayton, Schirra,

NEWSREEL: In Washington, astronauts Borman, McDivitt, Slayton, Schirra,

and Shepard attend a congressional subcommittee hearing

and Shepard attend a congressional subcommittee hearing

probing the Apollo capsule disaster. The questions...

probing the Apollo capsule disaster. The questions...

We went through a lot of trial.

NASA, unfortunately, as a bunch of civilians,

NASA, unfortunately, as a bunch of civilians,

didn't know how to take off the black armband.

didn't know how to take off the black armband.

And military people moan inside, cry inside, bleed inside

And military people moan inside, cry inside, bleed inside

And military people moan inside, cry inside, bleed inside

about losing a compatriot.

But they wore the black armband to the funeral, and that's it.

But they wore the black armband to the funeral, and that's it.

It's gone.

NASA wore the black armband for a year

NASA wore the black armband for a year

and we kept saying, "Look, take the band off.

"We got to get back to work."

Gus... Gus would be the first person to say, "Let's get on with it."

Gus... Gus would be the first person to say, "Let's get on with it."

We were right up against it.

I mean, the idea that we could recover from that kind of accident

I mean, the idea that we could recover from that kind of accident

I mean, the idea that we could recover from that kind of accident

and all of the work that had to be done

and all of the work that had to be done

rebuilding things and still make the end of the decade?

rebuilding things and still make the end of the decade?

rebuilding things and still make the end of the decade?

Phew, man, that was... It was really tight.

Phew, man, that was... It was really tight.

EXPLOSION

In a year that was really bad in the United States, in 1968 -

In a year that was really bad in the United States, in 1968 -

In a year that was really bad in the United States, in 1968 -

the riots, Vietnam was going downhill -

the riots, Vietnam was going downhill -

there was so much negativity in the world.

there was so much negativity in the world.

ENGINE ROARS

ENGINE ROARS

Everything had to work right. And miraculously, it did.

Everything had to work right. And miraculously, it did.

Everything had to work right. And miraculously, it did.

Everything had to work right. And miraculously, it did.

And then in December of '68, Borman, Lovell, and Anders

And then in December of '68, Borman, Lovell, and Anders

took off to the Moon.

To go from Earth orbit to the Moon, it was a big jump.

To go from Earth orbit to the Moon, it was a big jump.

That was just... Just amazing.

That was just... Just amazing.

And then 11 came along.

And then 11 came along.

ARMSTRONG: It's one small step for man...

ARMSTRONG: It's one small step for man...

..one giant leap for mankind.

..one giant leap for mankind.

How exciting that was.

How exciting that was.

I can remember that like it was yesterday.

I can remember that like it was yesterday.

I can remember that like it was yesterday.

CHEERING

INAUDIBLE

I took great pride in the fact that we did land on the Moon.

I took great pride in the fact that we did land on the Moon.

I think that's what Gus would have wanted...

I think that's what Gus would have wanted...

..to do it in the time frame that Kennedy asked.

..to do it in the time frame that Kennedy asked.

I think that probably without the sacrifice of Apollo One,

I think that probably without the sacrifice of Apollo One,

I think that probably without the sacrifice of Apollo One,

we would have never made it to the Moon in a decade.

we would have never made it to the Moon in a decade.

It was an incredible time.

It was an incredible time.

We were doing it for ourselves...

We were doing it for ourselves...

..we were doing it for our fellow crewmen

..we were doing it for our fellow crewmen

who weren't around any more to do it.

who weren't around any more to do it.

We were doing it for humanity.

We were doing it for humanity.

As the missions went on after Apollo 11,

As the missions went on after Apollo 11,

we became more focussed on real exploration.

we became more focussed on real exploration.

And Dave Scott was a very thoughtful guy.

And Dave Scott was a very thoughtful guy.

He left a tribute on the surface to the fallen astronauts,

He left a tribute on the surface to the fallen astronauts,

He left a tribute on the surface to the fallen astronauts,

which included the Apollo One crew.

which included the Apollo One crew.

RADIO:T-Minus five, four, three, two, one.

RADIO:T-Minus five, four, three, two, one.

RADIO:T-Minus five, four, three, two, one.

Booster ignition and lift-off of Discovery.

Booster ignition and lift-off of Discovery.

The shuttle program.

It was the most fantastic flying machine you'd ever seen.

It was the most fantastic flying machine you'd ever seen.

We have main engine start.

Four, three, two, one and lift-off.

Four, three, two, one and lift-off.

Four, three, two, one and lift-off.

Lift-off of the 25th Space Shuttle mission

Lift-off of the 25th Space Shuttle mission

and it has cleared the tower.

But NASA, they made some really bad errors.

But NASA, they made some really bad errors.

EXPLOSION

Challenger was one.

Columbia was another one.

You are putting your life on the line because you believe

You are putting your life on the line because you believe

in what it is you're doing.

I mean, being at the forefront of exploration

I mean, being at the forefront of exploration

I mean, being at the forefront of exploration

is something that you're willing to pay a price for.

is something that you're willing to pay a price for.

is something that you're willing to pay a price for.

Here we have all 25 astronauts recognised on our wall.

Here we have all 25 astronauts recognised on our wall.

Here we have all 25 astronauts recognised on our wall.

I'd like to take a special moment to recognise every one.

I'd like to take a special moment to recognise every one.

NASA, in a very difficult way, has had to learn

NASA, in a very difficult way, has had to learn

NASA, in a very difficult way, has had to learn

some very tough lessons in how you deal with disasters,

some very tough lessons in how you deal with disasters,

and they're doing it quite well now.

Hopefully they'll never have to do it again,

Hopefully they'll never have to do it again,

but they have a strong commitment to supporting the families.

but they have a strong commitment to supporting the families.

but they have a strong commitment to supporting the families.

Roger B Chaffee.

Roger B Chaffee.

BELL RINGS

Virgil "Gus" Grissom.

Virgil "Gus" Grissom.

BELL RINGS

Edward H White II.

Edward H White II.

BELL RINGS

We feel like we're a part of the NASA family, and ultimately,

We feel like we're a part of the NASA family, and ultimately,

we see our mission as helping them fulfil their mission,

we see our mission as helping them fulfil their mission,

which is human exploration, which was the dream

which is human exploration, which was the dream

of those astronauts who'd perished.

I'm glad that they've got the memorial.

I'm glad that they've got the memorial.

It's just something to look at and say,

It's just something to look at and say,

"Hey, he's remembered," and that's important.

"Hey, he's remembered," and that's important.

"Hey, he's remembered," and that's important.

People want to remember him.

He was the first American to walk in space.

He was the first American to walk in space.

Getting over it has been something we've been able to do together.

Getting over it has been something we've been able to do together.

Getting over it has been something we've been able to do together.

Bonnie has helped me and I've helped her

Bonnie has helped me and I've helped her

all that time, you know.

Sometimes I see my dad in my dreams, and they're always positive

Sometimes I see my dad in my dreams, and they're always positive

Sometimes I see my dad in my dreams, and they're always positive

and urging me forward in my life, which I appreciate

and urging me forward in my life, which I appreciate

and urging me forward in my life, which I appreciate

that he does that every so often.

I remember having dreams that he would walk through

I remember having dreams that he would walk through

the front door and, you know, say, "Hey, I'm home."

the front door and, you know, say, "Hey, I'm home."

And he'd just have maybe a bandage on his face

And he'd just have maybe a bandage on his face

or on his hand or something.

And yeah, I had those dreams quite frequently.

And yeah, I had those dreams quite frequently.

You know they're around watching you and guarding. They're angels.

You know they're around watching you and guarding. They're angels.

You know they're around watching you and guarding. They're angels.

You know they're around watching you and guarding. They're angels.

It's the light of life.

They light one for Gus, one for Ed and one for my dad.

They light one for Gus, one for Ed and one for my dad.

And I think that's just shining their light when they, um,

And I think that's just shining their light when they, um,

And I think that's just shining their light when they, um,

when those candles are lit.

The last time I was there, I looked up at the sky

The last time I was there, I looked up at the sky

and there were three stars...

..lined up.

And it was really, really special.

And it was really, really special.

BUGLER PLAYS

BUGLER PLAYS

The Apollo fire is still a very significant event in people's minds.

The Apollo fire is still a very significant event in people's minds.

When you look at the history of the space program,

When you look at the history of the space program,

the loss of those three guys is, will always be, significant.

the loss of those three guys is, will always be, significant.

I don't think the three of them died in vain.

I don't think the three of them died in vain.

I think they were the stepping stones

I think they were the stepping stones

for the rest of the people to go to the Moon.

for the rest of the people to go to the Moon.

And now we have Artemis going back to the Moon,

And now we have Artemis going back to the Moon,

this is all a great continuation.

this is all a great continuation.

Ladies and gentlemen, your Artemis Two crew!

Ladies and gentlemen, your Artemis Two crew!

CHEERS AND APPLAUSE

We're all family, and it's a family of astronauts.

We're all family, and it's a family of astronauts.

Now a family not just of white Christian men,

Now a family not just of white Christian men,

Now a family not just of white Christian men,

but a lot of diversity.

Men, women, people from all over the world.

Men, women, people from all over the world.

Earth life is moving out into the universe

Earth life is moving out into the universe

and Artemis is that next big step.

and Artemis is that next big step.

This next step will be better than what we did.

This next step will be better than what we did.

Better tools, better technology.

The lessons we learnt on Apollo One

The lessons we learnt on Apollo One

have been with us ever since, and I think every time

have been with us ever since, and I think every time

have been with us ever since, and I think every time

that spacecraft launches, we'll know it's got a little bit of

that spacecraft launches, we'll know it's got a little bit of

Apollo One in it.

Apollo One in it.

ENGINES ROAR

ENGINES ROAR

# Though the days are long

# Though the days are long

# Twilight sings a song

# Twilight sings a song

# Of the happiness that used to be

# Of the happiness that used to be

# Of the happiness that used to be

# I'll see you in my dreams

# I'll see you in my dreams

# I'll see you in my dreams

# Hold you in my dream. #

# Hold you in my dream. #

# Hold you in my dream. #

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