A Horizon special
On 4 October 1957 the space age began as Russia sent Sputnik 1 blasting into orbit to become the world's first artificial satellite.
Twenty-five years later, more than a hundred people have ventured into space. Twelve Americans have walked on the moon, a Russian has spent a year away from earth and a derelict robot probe is speeding towards the stars.
To celebrate the anniversary of Sputnik's launch, tonight's programme recalls the highlights of the space age and reviews the story of space exploration through the words, music and spectacular pictures of the past 25 years.
Videotape editor chris BOOTH Film editor ROY SHARMAN Produced by MAX WHITBY Editor GRAHAM MASSEY
(A new series of Horizon begins next Monday)