One Small Step
Nine years ago today, Neil Arm -strong stepped on to the moon. But behind this achievement lay many factors that were much more down to earth. The American and Russian scientists had vied with each other in public demonstrations of technological superiority. The expense was formidable. There was an unnecessary tragedy which ironically led to the ultimate American victory.
This film charts the story of the race from the first bleeps of Sputnik to the ' giant leap for mankind' watched live by 600-million television viewers around the world, probably the greatest communal event of all time. But what was the purpose of it all? Was it the truly scientific quest that it was claimed to be, or was it a political and cultural event? Narrator PAUL VAUGHAN
Written and produced for wcra Boston by GRAHAM CHEDD
Adapted for Horizon by SARAH CARR Series editor SIMON CAMBELL-JONES