Series synopsis
The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth is a British documentary television series that premiered on BBC Two on February 12, 2024. It ended on February 26, 2024. It stars Miles O'Brien, Tal Ramon, Evelyn Husband and Rodney Rocha.
In 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia breaks apart in the skies above America. The astronauts’ families and Nasa staff share personal stories of the launch, unfolding disaster and fallout.
Premise
In 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia breaks apart in the skies above America. The astronauts’ families and Nasa staff share personal stories of the launch, unfolding disaster and fallout.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Miles O'Brien as Self
- Tal Ramon as Self
- Evelyn Husband as Self
- Rodney Rocha as Self
- Iain Clark as Self
- Laura Husband as Self
- Jon Clark as Self
- Kaycee Anderson as Self
Supporting cast
- Sandy Anderson as Self
- Michael Sarafin as Self
- Mark Kelly as Self
- Robert D. Cabana as Self
- Bob Page as Seld
- Ellen Ochoa as Self
- Sean O'Keefe as Self
- Paul Shack as Self
- Wayne Hale as Self
- Patrick A. Goodman as Self
- Rosalind Hobgood as Self
- Steven Wallace as Self
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 3 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 3 | February 12, 2024 | February 26, 2024 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 As Nasa prepares space shuttle Columbia for its 28th mission, excitement and trepidation build amongst the astronauts and their families. But a month before they are due to launch, Nasa grounds its entire shuttle fleet when cracks are discovered in the fuel lines. |
February 12, 2024 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Nasa engineers spot a piece of debris striking the shuttle during launch. In space, the crew continue their mission, unaware of the concerns, but the clock is ticking to re-entry. |
February 19, 2024 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Sixteen minutes from landing, mission control lose contact with the crew. The fears of some Nasa engineers are coming true. Following the disaster, Nasa comes under pressure to give answers. |
February 26, 2024 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC Two |
|---|---|
| First aired | February 12, 2024 |
| Last aired | February 26, 2024 |
| Runtime | 58 minutes |
| Status | ended |