Watch Hunting the Edge of Space

Hunting the Edge of Space is an engrossing and informative documentary series that explores the human quest to reach higher altitudes and explore the outer realms of our universe. Hosted by acclaimed actor Jay O. Sanders, the series takes viewers on a thrilling journey from the edge of Earth's atmosphere and into the cosmic void, delving into the history and science behind humankind's most exciting and daring endeavors.

Spanning a total of four episodes, Hunting the Edge of Space covers an extensive range of topics, from the earliest attempts to fly to the perilous journeys of modern-day astronauts. Each episode is packed with engaging historical anecdotes, fascinating scientific insights, and awe-inspiring visuals that bring the story of space exploration to life, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.

The first episode of Hunting the Edge of Space, titled "The Longest Journey," explores how the desire to fly has been a part of human civilization since the very beginning. From the myth of Icarus to the early hot-air balloons of the Montgolfier brothers, the episode charts the early stages of human flight and delves into the scientific principles that allowed these early pioneers to achieve liftoff. Sanders takes viewers on a journey through history, exploring early experiments with gliders and the daring feats of early aviators like Otto Lilienthal who influenced the development of modern-day aircraft.

The second episode, "The Next Frontier," focuses on the upper reaches of our atmosphere and the challenges of sending humans into space. From the first manned flights of Yuri Gagarin and Alan Shepard to the extraordinary feats of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and the Apollo program, the episode explores how astronauts have pushed the boundaries of human endurance to explore the mysteries of the cosmos. Sanders speaks with modern-day astronauts to get a firsthand account of their experiences and explores the development of cutting-edge space technology that has made space exploration possible.

The third episode, "The Race to Space," covers the Cold War-era space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. From the launch of Sputnik to the historic Moon landing of Apollo 11, the episode delves into the intense political and technological competition that drove both nations to achieve new heights in space exploration. Sanders interviews key figures from the era, including astronauts, scientists, and political figures, to provide a comprehensive account of this pivotal period in human history.

The final episode, "The End of the Beginning," looks at the current state of space exploration and the future of human travel beyond our planet. Sanders examines the work being done by NASA and other organizations to develop new space technologies, including robotic probes and reusable rockets that could revolutionize our ability to explore the cosmos. He speaks with scientists and engineers about the potential of future missions to distant planets and the development of space tourism, and looks ahead to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for humanity's quest to discover what lies beyond our world.

Overall, Hunting the Edge of Space is an enthralling and illuminating documentary series that provides viewers with a comprehensive look at the history and science behind human space exploration. With stunning visuals, engaging commentary, and a wealth of fascinating stories, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in the incredible feats of engineering and human courage that have allowed us to reach for the stars.

Hunting the Edge of Space is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between April 6, 2010 and on PBS Documentaries