From the Earth to the Moon: A Retrospective Podcast on The Apollo Program

Doug & Peter

In 10 years, NASA went from limited prospects to six Apollo moon landings. 12 episodes — framed by the famous HBO miniseries — answer the question: How? read less

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Interview About the New Book Based on this Podcast

Interview About the New Book Based on this Podcast

From the Earth to the Moon: The Miniseries Companion, on Kindle Also on apple books and many other ebook platforms -- Links below. If you enjoyed this podcast, you will love our new book project! Think you've read everything there is about the moon flights? Think again! In 1998, the landmark television miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon" was first broadcast. In 12 episodes, it told the daring story of Project Apollo-NASA's program to put humans on the moon. This book provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of each episode of the miniseries and covers Apollo from start to finish, and then some! More than a simple episode guide, this companion reviews the choices the filmmakers made regarding the actors, special effects, and historical accuracy. This book shows readers what each episode got right, got wrong, and what they didn't tell you about each of these historic missions. Providing readers with a completely novel and unique approach to Project Apollo, this companion to the miniseries is packed with information. Covers all manned Apollo missions, the creation of the lunar module, the Apollo 1 fire and aftermath, the personal and professional highs and lows of the astronauts and key NASA personnel, including Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, Pete Conrad, Al Worden, Donn Eisele, Wernher von Braun, Deke Slayton, Alan Shepard, James Webb, and others. Also includes descriptions of the author's personal interactions with some of the Apollo astronauts. Bonus: Includes an in-depth interview with Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon, the book that was the basis for the entire miniseries. Also includes 35 stunning images. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CSY8GPC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=from+the+earth+to+the+moon+companion&qid=1594497858&sr=8-1 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-the-earth-to-the-moon-douglas-adler/1137330462?ean=2940164506070 https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/from-the-earth-to-the-moon-the-miniseries-companion https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1523218640 https://www.scribd.com/book/468933487/From-the-Earth-to-the-Moon-The-Miniseries-Companion https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=3531855 https://www.vivlio.fr/ebooks/from-the-earth-to-the-moon-the-miniseries-companion-9781393198383_9781393198383_10020.html

Episodes

Interview About the New Book Based on this Podcast

Interview About the New Book Based on this Podcast

From the Earth to the Moon: The Miniseries Companion, on Kindle Also on apple books and many other ebook platforms -- Links below. If you enjoyed this podcast, you will love our new book project! Think you've read everything there is about the moon flights? Think again! In 1998, the landmark television miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon" was first broadcast. In 12 episodes, it told the daring story of Project Apollo-NASA's program to put humans on the moon. This book provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of each episode of the miniseries and covers Apollo from start to finish, and then some! More than a simple episode guide, this companion reviews the choices the filmmakers made regarding the actors, special effects, and historical accuracy. This book shows readers what each episode got right, got wrong, and what they didn't tell you about each of these historic missions. Providing readers with a completely novel and unique approach to Project Apollo, this companion to the miniseries is packed with information. Covers all manned Apollo missions, the creation of the lunar module, the Apollo 1 fire and aftermath, the personal and professional highs and lows of the astronauts and key NASA personnel, including Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, Pete Conrad, Al Worden, Donn Eisele, Wernher von Braun, Deke Slayton, Alan Shepard, James Webb, and others. Also includes descriptions of the author's personal interactions with some of the Apollo astronauts. Bonus: Includes an in-depth interview with Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon, the book that was the basis for the entire miniseries. Also includes 35 stunning images. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CSY8GPC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=from+the+earth+to+the+moon+companion&qid=1594497858&sr=8-1 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-the-earth-to-the-moon-douglas-adler/1137330462?ean=2940164506070 https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/from-the-earth-to-the-moon-the-miniseries-companion https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1523218640 https://www.scribd.com/book/468933487/From-the-Earth-to-the-Moon-The-Miniseries-Companion https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=3531855 https://www.vivlio.fr/ebooks/from-the-earth-to-the-moon-the-miniseries-companion-9781393198383_9781393198383_10020.html

New Book Based on this Podcast!

New Book Based on this Podcast!

From the Earth to the Moon: The Miniseries Companion, on Kindle Also on apple books and many other ebook platforms! If you enjoyed this podcast, you will love our new book project! Think you've read everything there is about the moon flights? Think again! In 1998, the landmark television miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon" was first broadcast. In 12 episodes, it told the daring story of Project Apollo-NASA's program to put humans on the moon. This book provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of each episode of the miniseries and covers Apollo from start to finish, and then some! More than a simple episode guide, this companion reviews the choices the filmmakers made regarding the actors, special effects, and historical accuracy. This book shows readers what each episode got right, got wrong, and what they didn't tell you about each of these historic missions. Providing readers with a completely novel and unique approach to Project Apollo, this companion to the miniseries is packed with information. Covers all manned Apollo missions, the creation of the lunar module, the Apollo 1 fire and aftermath, the personal and professional highs and lows of the astronauts and key NASA personnel, including Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, Pete Conrad, Al Worden, Donn Eisele, Wernher von Braun, Deke Slayton, Alan Shepard, James Webb, and others. Also includes descriptions of the author's personal interactions with some of the Apollo astronauts. Bonus: Includes an in-depth interview with Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon, the book that was the basis for the entire miniseries. Also includes 35 stunning images. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CSY8GPC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=from+the+earth+to+the+moon+companion&qid=1594497858&sr=8-1 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-the-earth-to-the-moon-douglas-adler/1137330462?ean=2940164506070 https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/from-the-earth-to-the-moon-the-miniseries-companion https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1523218640 https://www.scribd.com/book/468933487/From-the-Earth-to-the-Moon-The-Miniseries-Companion https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=3531855 https://www.vivlio.fr/ebooks/from-the-earth-to-the-moon-the-miniseries-companion-9781393198383_9781393198383_10020.html

Bonus 4: The Right Stuff (1983)

Bonus 4: The Right Stuff (1983)

The Right Stuff (1983), Directed by Philip Kaufman. Hey Ridley, you got any Beemans? Crossposted from our other podcast, Popcorn Drink Combo.

Bonus 3: First Man (2018), Neil Armstrong Feature Film.

Bonus 3: First Man (2018), Neil Armstrong Feature Film.

First Man (2018), Directed by Damien Chazelle. An intimate look at the inscrutable astronaut's Right Stuff'.

Bonus 2: Apollo 13 (1995), Ron Howard, Tom Hanks.

Bonus 2: Apollo 13 (1995), Ron Howard, Tom Hanks.

Our take on Ron Howard's blockbuster feature film, Apollo 13 (1995), Starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Gary Sinise. Bonus episode, crossposted from our other podcast, Popcorn Drink Combo. Apollo 13 (1995) film Wikipedia page.

Bonus 1: Apollo 11 Documentary, CNN Films (2019)

Bonus 1: Apollo 11 Documentary, CNN Films (2019)

Our take on CNN Films' Apollo 11 documentary, 2019. Bonus episode, crossposted from our other podcast, Popcorn Drink Combo. Apollo 11, CNN Films Link

Ep 12: Le Voyage Dans La Lune

Ep 12: Le Voyage Dans La Lune

The story of the final lunar mission, Apollo 17, is told as a pseudo-documentary set several decades after the fact. Simulated interviews of various characters such as Emmett Seaborn and flight director Christopher C. Kraft Jr., in old-age makeup, are included. The documentary is interspersed with the story of early French film maker Georges Méliès' creation of his vision of a trip to the Moon, the 1902 Le Voyage dans la Lune. Scenes from the original film are merged with the recreation of its filming. Episode 12 links: Le Voyage Dans La Lune (1902, B& W, complete) Le Voyage Dans La Lune (1902, hand coloured, complete) Nice documentary on Apollo 17 Apollo 17 LM Ascent Stage liftoff from moon Apollo Lunar Surface Journal Apollo 17 page Jack Schmitt Interview Trailer for “The Last Man on the Moon” documentary about Gene Cernan Gene Cernan interview

Ep 11: The Original Wives' Club

Ep 11: The Original Wives' Club

Shows the Apollo program from the point of view of the nine wives of NASA's second group of astronauts, from 1962 beyond the end of the program. The burdens placed on them include maintaining a home while presenting a positive image to the news media, shielding their husbands from any family concerns which could affect their position in the flight rotation or ability to return to Earth safely, and comforting each other in the face of tragedy as Elliot See and Ed White are killed. The episode is anchored by the Apollo 16 mission, during which recently married Ken Mattingly loses his wedding ring in the Command Module, and Lunar Module pilot Charles Duke finds it while Mattingly is performing a walk in deep space. Episode 11 links: Long article about Jan Armstrong Telegraph article about Astronaut Wives Club Interesting blog post about astronaut wives Life Magazine article about Marilyn Lovell Pat White obituary from The New York Times (Sept 8, 1983)

Ep 10: Galileo Was Right

Ep 10: Galileo Was Right

Scientist astronaut Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, a geologist, persuades his mentor, professor Lee Silver, to train the Apollo astronauts in selecting appropriate rock samples to collect through field experience, rather than the boring classroom lectures NASA has been using. Silver takes the four Apollo 15 prime and backup landing crew members (David Scott, James Irwin, Richard F. Gordon, Jr., and Schmitt) to the southwestern desert, while lunar geologist Farouk El-Baz trains the Command Module pilots (Alfred Worden and Vance D. Brand) in high-altitude recognition of geological features using airplane flights over Hawaii. Schmitt is disappointed to learn his own Apollo 18 flight will be cancelled, but he still believes the training of the other astronauts is vital. It pays off when Scott and Irwin find the "Genesis Rock", originally believed to come from the Moon's primordial crust. The title refers to Scott's reproduction of an experiment proving Galileo's hypothesis that gravity will cause bodies of differing masses to fall at the same rate in a vacuum, by dropping a hammer and a feather. Episode 10 links: Jim Irwin Saluting the Flag British animated short about Apollo 15 FTETTM Hammer and Feather scene Real Hammer and Feather on Moon Apollo 15 EVA 1 complete TV transmission Al Worden talking about 15, good and bad, including stamp incident Apollo 15 In the Mountains of the Moon (saw this in elementary school-still well done!)

Ep 9: For Miles and Miles

Ep 9: For Miles and Miles

In 1964, while riding high on his fame as America's first man in space and his expected command of the first Gemini mission, Alan Shepard is suddenly struck with Ménière's disease, characterized by vertigo and nausea. Flight operations director Deke Slayton must ground him, but offers him the job of chief astronaut, effectively making Shepard Slayton's assistant as supervisor of all the astronauts. A few years later, a surgeon tries an experimental surgery which cures Shepard's symptoms, and he is returned to the flight rotation, commanding Apollo 14 in early 1971, which accomplishes Apollo 13's failed Fra Mauro landing. Shepard brings a six-iron golf club head on board, which he fastens to a soil-collecting tool handle and uses to hit a ball "for miles and miles". Episode 9 links: Hacking the Lunar Module FTETTM Landing scene with computer hack FTETTM Apollo 14 golf scene Apollo 14 onboard camera footage-very nice Apollo 14 Landing PDI to Touchdown Flag on moon on Apollo 14 (corrected speed, very clear)

Ep 8: We Interrupt This Program

Ep 8: We Interrupt This Program

This episode covers the perilous flight of Apollo 13 entirely from the ground point of view; the astronauts are only heard on radio. Veteran TV spaceflight reporter Emmett Seaborn (Lane Smith) is summoned to broadcast the breaking news of the in-flight failure, as young reporter Brett Hutchings (Jay Mohr) is pulled off of sports to help with the coverage. As the crisis unfolds, Seaborn finds himself at odds with Hutchings' style of sensationalizing its impact on the astronauts' families, and criticizing NASA. Seaborn starts to feel he is being marginalized when the network decides to leave Hutchings on location in Houston, while sending him back to headquarters to provide only background coverage. The last straw falls when, after the successful recovery of the astronauts, Hutchings horns in on his traditional post-flight interview with flight controller Gene Kranz. Seaborn leaves dejectedly, not to be seen again until the flight of Apollo 17 in the final episode. Episode 8 links: Apollo 13 news of measles exposure Apollo 13 Launch Jules Bergman Apollo 13 Special Report: Initial Coverage of Explosion 28 Videos in series showing Apollo 13 media coverage Apollo 13 Splashdown

Ep 7: That's All There Is

Ep 7: That's All There Is

The story of the Apollo 12 second lunar landing mission is told by Lunar Module Pilot Alan Bean. Bean, the last member of NASA Astronaut Group 3 to fly in space, narrates his experience with the tightly-knit, all-Navy crew commanded by Gemini veteran Pete Conrad, and accepts with humor and grace his responsibility for the failure of the first color TV camera on the lunar surface, and for almost fracturing his own skull by failing to properly secure the Command Module's TV camera before splashdown. Episode 7 links: Apollo 12 Launch SCE to AUX from Vintage Space Surveyor 3 NASA Footage Apollo 12 PDI to Touchdown from Apollo Flight Journal FTETTM Apollo 12 Landing Scene Apollo 12 First Steps on Moon (Conrad says “Whoopie…” at 15:26) Al Bean Breaks the TV Camera (Original) Apollo 12 Onboard Camera Film Footage Apollo 12 Checklists from Vintage Space Apollo 12 Checklists from Apollo Lunar Surface Journal High Res, all pages, all images

Ep 6: Mare Tranquilitatis

Ep 6: Mare Tranquilitatis

A dramatization of the Apollo 11 first Moon landing in Mare Tranquillitatis ("Sea of Tranquility") is interspersed with flashback sequences of Emmett Seaborn's television interview with the crew of Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module pilot Buzz Aldrin, and Command Module pilot Michael Collins. Episode 6 links: Apollo 11 Pre-Flight Press Conference Apollo 11 Launch Apollo 11 PDI to Touchdown from Apollo Flight Journal FTETTM Apollo 11 Landing Scene FTETTM Buzz Aldrin Communion on the moon scene Apollo 11 EVA Apollo 11 16mm Film Footage

Returns to 1961, and NASA engineer John Houbolt's lonely fight to convince management that the easiest way to land men on the Moon will be to use a separate landing craft employing lunar orbit rendezvous. It then traces the design and development of the Lunar Module by a team led by Grumman engineer Tom Kelly. Covers the selection and training of the first crew to fly it, James McDivitt and Rusty Schweickart (along with Command Module pilot David Scott), and culminates with their first flight of Spider in Earth orbit on Apollo 9. The Apollo 10 lunar "dress rehearsal" is briefly mentioned. Episode 5 links: Overview of Lunar Orbit Rendezvous Excellent Video on John Houbolt and Lunar Orbit Rendezvous Grumman Documentary on Lunar Module Development Interview with Engineer Tom Kelly about the Lunar Module Apollo 9 Launch Apollo 9 EVA Apollo 9 LM Spider in Flight FTETTM Spider in flight scene Bonus: Apollo 10 Onboard Film Footage

Depicts Apollo 8's historic first manned lunar flight, as the redemption of an otherwise strife-torn year filled with political assassinations, war, and unrest. Documentary footage of the turbulent political events are interspersed with the drama, which is mostly filmed in black and white except for scenes aboard the spacecraft and some color newsreel footage. The fears of mission commander Frank Borman's wife Susan of the possibility of her husband dying in a spacecraft trapped in lunar orbit are highlighted. Includes the Apollo 8 Genesis reading. Episode 4 links: Apollo 8 Launch (CBS) Apollo 8 Launch with Flight Director’s Loop Apollo 8 TV Transmissions (first one) Apollo 8 Christmas Eve Broadcast Earthrise Photo by Bill Anders (High Res) FTETTM Genesis scene

Ep 3: We Have Cleared the Tower

Ep 3: We Have Cleared the Tower

Portrays the Apollo program's recovery to manned flight after the Apollo 1 tragedy, from the perspective of a fictional documentary team covering the flight of Apollo 7. This flight is commanded by strong-willed Mercury veteran Wally Schirra, who is focused on safety after the death of his colleague Grissom. Pad Leader Guenter Wendt, another zealous guardian of astronaut safety, is featured by the documentary team. Episode 3 links: Apollo 7 Launch Apollo 7 Launch, different angles, higher quality Apollo 7 “Mutiny” via Vintage Space Apollo 7 Splashdown and Recovery Nice Apollo 7 Feature

Ep 2: Apollo One

Ep 2: Apollo One

Portrays the tragedy of the Apollo 1 fire from the perspective of its subsequent investigation by NASA and the US Congress. Its effects on key individuals are shown, including Harrison Storms of North American Aviation, Joseph Shea of NASA, astronaut Frank Borman charged with supporting NASA's investigation, and the widows of Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee. Episode 2 links: Apollo 1 Fire News Broadcast Apollo 1 Newsreel Frank Borman speaking about Apollo 1 Fire Apollo 1 Congressional Hearing Newsreel FTETTM Apollo 1 fire scene

Ep 1: Can We Do This?

Ep 1: Can We Do This?

Covers the early years of the United States' "Space Race" with the Soviet Union, including the creation of NASA and the decision to send men to the Moon. Provides an overview of the Mercuryand Gemini programs, concentrating on reconstructions of Alan Shepard's pioneering Freedom 7 Mercury flight; Ed White's first US spacewalk on Gemini 4, the near-disastrous in-flight failure during Neil Armstrong's and David Scott's Gemini 8 mission; and the successful completion of Gemini with Buzz Aldrin's perfection of extravehicular activity on Gemini 12. Episode 1 Links: Freedom 7 Real Launch Freedom 7 From the earth to the moon Alan Shepard Received Distinguished Service Medal from President Kennedy (note JFK dropping it before presentation to Shepard) Gemini 8 Real Agena Docking and Abort Gemini 8 From the Earth to the Moon scene Gemini 12 real EVA Gemini 12 From the Earth to the Moon scene