NASA's Aeronautics and Space Reports for 1968 features 12 monthly reports (#38 through #49) that cover a wide variety of topics. Each of the reports is around 4 1/2 minutes long, with a longer recap in the December report.
Social & External
Over forty years ago man first set foot on a body other than Earth, a milestone event in human history shared by millions back home on television. From the first grainy black and white TV pictures of Apollo 7 to the glorious color finale of Apollo 17, this is the incredible tale of mankind's greatest adventure and how it was shared with the world.
Sally Ride's groundbreaking journey as the first American woman in space concealed a deeply personal story. Her life partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, unveils their covert 27-year romance and its accompanying sacrifices.
On January 28, 1986, NASA Challenger mission STS-51-L ended in tragedy when the shuttle exploded 73 seconds after takeoff. On board was physicist Ronald E. McNair, the second African American to enter space. But first, he was a kid with big dreams in Lake City, South Carolina.
1969's Apollo 11 mission to the moon is highlighted in this tribute to the history of the United States' space program.
Europe and the United States are working together on an unprecedented journey to learn more about the impact of the Sun on our planet, to really know what its atmosphere is like and how it affects our environment; since solar radiation increasingly affects our lives and telecommunications.
Apollo 12 was the second lunar landing mission, coming just 4 months after the triumph of Apollo 11. Designed to exercise a pinpoint landing and more robust exploration of the area, the Apollo 12 mission set down in the Ocean of Storms about 200 meters from the Surveyor III probe, which landed in April, 1967. Featuring the jovial crew of Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon and Alan Bean, the Apollo 12 mission launched into a thunderstorm and was struck by lightning shortly after liftoff. Despite concern for the health of the spacecraft, Apollo 12 was checked out in Earth orbit and proceeded on a successful mission and exploration of the moon.
The mission of Apollo 13 was slated to be the third manned lunar landing mission, to the Fra Mauro region of the moon. Just two days out an oxygen explosion not only cancelled any hope of landing on the moon, but left the crew in mortal peril.
In January of 1971 the fourth manned mission to the moon was launched from Kennedy Space Center. Targeted at Fra Mauro highlands, astronauts Shephard and Mitchell would explore the surface, while Stu Roosa orbited above in the command module.
In July and early August of 1971, NASA embarked on an ambitious and challenging lunar mission - the journey of Apollo 15 to the Hadley-Apennine region.The first of the "J" lunar missions, Apollo 15 took the first Lunar Rover to the surface, allowing the crew to explore the beautiful region of Mt. Hadley and Hadley Rille over 3 days. New science was conducted in orbit as well, with the addition of an array of photographic and scientific instruments in the Apollo CSM.
The fifth successful lunar landing mission, Apollo 16 was the second of NASA’s “J” lunar missions. With extended lunar stay times and the greater mobility afforded by the lunar rover, the final three Apollo lunar landing missions greatly expanded man’s first program of lunar exploration. John Young, Charlie Duke, and Ken Mattingly executed a spectacular mission to the Descartes highlands. The landing site lies in the central lunar highlands in hilly, grooved and furrowed lurain. The mission was the first to a lunar highlands area – quite different from any location previously visited. Young and Duke explored the site during 3 EVAs, while Mattingly conducted an extensive program of scientific observation from lunar orbit.
Material surrounding the development of the Apollo Manned Lunar Landing Project. These rare programs provide a unique glimpse into the development of the program at Johnson Space Center in the mid 1960's. The programs tend to be project, operational and spacecraft specific.
In May 1961 the United States launched astronaut Alan Shephard on a 15 minute sub-orbital flight to begin America's manned spaceflight program.
Imagine it is 1964, and you arrive in Houston for your new position in Mission Control for Project Gemini. For orientation it is movie time! These wonderful rare films take you through Gemini systems...
Ten separate programs detailing the individual technological challenges and how they were overcome to reach the moon. Produced for NASA by M.I.T., they are an extraordinary detailed account of how man first left the Earth to travel to the moon and return safely home.
Chronicle of the first manned Apollo mission, including complete TV transmissions and onboard film. Coming just 21 months after the tragedy of the APollo 1 fire, the mission of Apollo 7 was a groundbreaking achievement on the way to the moon. No other spacecraft, on its initial flight test, had accomplished so much and performed so flawlessly.
On the road to the moon, the mission of Apollo 9 stands as an important gateway in experience and procedures - leading directly to the confidence gained to place a man on the moon less than a half a year later. The first manned mission of the CSM and LM together, astronauts left the safety of the command module and separated in a craft not able to return to Earth. Working through rendezvous and docking procedures, including burn procedures which would later be used to help Apollo 13 return to Earth, the voyage of Apollo 9 was a spectacular achievement in the history of spaceflight.
The mission of Apollo 10 sent astronauts Stafford, Cernan and Young, veterans all, on a dress rehearsal for the lunar landing. Except for the final descent, the mission would work out all the steps necessary for the Apollo 11 mission just two months later. Just the second time men had flown to the vicinity of the moon, the mission stands as an achievement in its own right.
In January 1986 the Space Shuttle program was hitting full stride, with 24 successful launches and a full year of missions planned. Then on January 28th the U.S. space program suffered its first flight loss of life with the disintegration of the shuttle just 73 seconds after launch.
An overview to the history of launch vehicles in the United States. Everything from Goddard to the V-2 to Vanguard and Explorer I, to Atlas and Titan, even the Saturns and Space Shuttle. Also rare Air Force documentaries, on Vandenberg, the X-17, SAC, and the Thor. Footage of many launches and explosions, with expert commentary by propulsion engineer Dave Mohr.
Eleven Progress reports produced by the Manned Spacecraft Center (later the Johnson Space Center) in Houston. They cover January 1, 1964 through July, 1969. Offering unique insights into the operations behind the Gemini and Apollo programs, they are filled with rare footage documenting the 1960's at the center.
The life and career of an actor, artist, and icon. His own journey through his own camera.
The inspirational true story of Opportunity, a rover that was sent to Mars for a 90-day mission but ended up surviving for 15 years. Follow Opportunity’s groundbreaking journey on Mars and the remarkable bond forged between a robot and her humans millions of miles away.
An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.
Those who knew iconic funnyman John Candy best share his story, in their own words, through never-before-seen archival footage, imagery, and interviews.
Through deeply personal interviews with her siblings and an examination of the photographs, letters, and belongings left behind, Mariska assembles a new portrait of her mother Jayne Mansfield, an extraordinary and complex woman.
A documentary about the life and films of director John Ford.
A tribute to Chadwick Boseman, celebrating his life and legacy.
The Making-of James Cameron's Avatar. It shows interesting parts of the work on the set.
Explore the evolution of Buzz Lightyear from toy to human in the making of Pixar’s Lightyear. Dive into the origin and cultural impact of everyone’s favorite Space Ranger, the art of designing a new “human Buzz,” and the challenges faced by the Lightyear crew along the way.
RETURN tells the story of a retired Green Beret who embarks on a healing journey from Montana to Vietnam. There he retraces his steps, shares his wartime experiences with his son, treats his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and seeks out the mountain tribespeople he once lived with and fought alongside as a Special Forces officer.
Investigators reveal how Boeing’s alleged priority of profit over safety could have contributed to two catastrophic crashes within months of each other.
Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a 7 year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.
Alexander McQueen's rags-to-riches story is a modern-day fairy tale, laced with the gothic. Mirroring the savage beauty, boldness and vivacity of his design, this documentary is an intimate revelation of McQueen's own world, both tortured and inspired, which celebrates a radical and mesmerizing genius of profound influence.
Brilliant, long in-the-works story of the life and art of the world's greatest comedian and the cinema's first genius, Charlie Chaplin. Produced, written and directed by renowned film critic Richard Schickel.
A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.
Just two years away from turning 30, participants in Michael Apted's documentary series are facing serious questions of identity and purpose, wondering whether they've found their place in the world.
The life and career of one of comedy's most inimitable modern voices, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried.
After another 7 year wait, director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born children from Seven Up! and 7 Plus Seven. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.
Martin Scorsese's documentary intertwines footage from The Band's incredible farewell tour with probing backstage interviews and featured performances by Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, and other rock legends.