Watch Apollo: Back to the Moon

Apollo: Back to the Moon aired on National Geographic Channel in 2019, and was a two-hour television special about the United States' first attempts to land a man on the moon. The show, produced by Bigger Bang Communications, included interviews with former astronauts, historians, and scientists, as well as never-before-seen footage from NASA's archives.

One of the stars of the show was Bill Anders, who was the lunar module pilot for the Apollo 8 mission in 1968. He was the first person to see the Earth rise from the Moon's surface, and in the show, shared his reflections on that momentous occasion. Anders was joined by Jay Barbree, a veteran journalist who covered the space race for NBC News, and Jack Clemons, who was a flight controller for the Apollo missions.

The program explored the history of the Apollo missions, starting with President John F. Kennedy's famous speech in 1961, in which he challenged the country to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. We saw how NASA rapidly developed new technology and pushed the boundaries of human achievement to make the Apollo missions possible, while facing setbacks and tragedies along the way.

The show also delved into the political context of the space race, highlighting the Cold War tensions between the US and the Soviet Union, and how the moon landing was seen as a symbol of American superiority. We heard from historians who argued that the Apollo missions were not only a technological feat, but also a moral and spiritual one, as they united people around the world in awe and wonder.

Throughout the show, we were treated to stunning visuals, including CGI recreations of the lunar landings and never-before-seen video footage of the Apollo astronauts in space. We also saw how the Apollo missions inspired artists and writers, with interviews from figures such as Apollo 11's Michael Collins and U2's Bono, who discussed the impact of the moon landing on their own lives and work.

Perhaps most interestingly, the show explored the question of whether we will ever return to the moon. We heard from scientists and NASA officials who argued that the moon could be an important resource for future space exploration, providing a base from which to launch further missions into our solar system. However, we also heard from those who questioned the value of returning to the moon, arguing that we should focus instead on exploring other planets and moons that we know less about.

Overall, Apollo: Back to the Moon was an engaging and informative program that celebrated one of humanity's greatest achievements while also asking thought-provoking questions about our future in space. The star power of its hosts and guests, combined with its stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, made for a captivating viewing experience that will inspire anyone with an interest in science, history, or the human spirit.

Apollo: Back to the Moon is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between July 1, 2019 and on National Geographic Channel