Commemorating NASA’s 50th birthday, Discovery Channel presents the dramatic story of the space agency’s pioneering, awe-inspiring missions.

From the early quest of the Mercury programme to put a man in space, to the historic moon landings and the first untethered space walk by Bruce McCandless, watch these historic events as the world has never witnessed them before.

For 50 years America has led the world in space exploration, yet the boundless void that begins just 62 miles above us has been visited by no more than 500 people.

Featuring vintage footage filmed by the astronauts themselves, shown in HD for the first time, this series reveals the incredible story of humankind’s greatest adventures as they happened, told by the people who were actually there.

EPISODE GUIDE:

Episode 1: Ordinary Supermen

NASA, formed in 1958, one year after the launch of Sputnik, is leading the search for test pilots who have what it takes to enter the unknown of outer space. The seven men chosen to fly the Mercury capsule each know what it means to risk their lives. On average, one test pilot a week is dying in an air crash – but the danger of riding in a rocket will not faze these men.

But the first American in space will face a number of unanswered questions: Will a man in space be able to swallow food or drink? Will he go insane? Will he die from radiation exposure?

Faced with fierce Soviet competition, the race is on to answer these and many other important questions. President Kennedy dares America to get to the Moon within 10 years, and early missions are critical steps in a process that will culminate in the ultimate goal of putting a man on the Moon.

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