The first in a new series of six film documentaries about People of today. Lost in Space
In February 1984, high in space, two satellites were launched from the Shuttle Challenger - and lost.
It was an expensive mistake. Tonight's film is a unique account of what went on behind the scenes, at NASA and in space, during a desperate rescue - Mission
51A - a rescue that seemed to be going well until Mission Control heard the fateful words 'Houston - Discovery, we have a problem'. Faces drain, Managers huddle in clamouring groups, insurers gaze on helplessly, secretaries cry, while the Flight Director puts on a brave smile and hopes he has resourceful astronauts. NASA launched the satellite in a blaze of new technology, but when all went wrong it was two men and a spanner who had to go to the rescue.
Film cameraman DAVE GRAY Film editors
DAVID ELLIOTT , JIM DUFFY
Series producer EDWARD MIRZOEFF Producer PAUL WATSON 0 FEATURE: page 3 * CEEFAX SUBTITLES