Project Gemini: Bridge to the Moon

In 1965, the Cold War was at its height, and the race to moon became a venue to prove which superpower was technologically stronger, and what political philosophy would prevail. The Soviet Union was ahead of the United States in space exploration until Project Gemini. The Russians had already conducted a successful space walk, had sent the first female cosmonaut into orbit, and held the record for the longest time in space. But within 18 months, Project Gemini completely turned the tables on the Soviets and catapulted the United States ahead in the race to be the first nation to walk on the moon. Over the course of ten missions, Project Gemini served to invent, develop and test equipment, systems and procedures, making the later Apollo missions possible. Project Gemini: Bridge to the Moon is an intriguing documentary that explores the crucial development of space technology, much of which is still used today. Using rare archival footage and interviews with astronauts from the project, the program gives an insider's look at one of the most important undertakings in American history.

• documentary