Episode Overview
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Mir space station stands as a relic of a bygone time, while Russia’s space program faces significant challenges. The United States grows concerned that Russian rocket scientists, possessing valuable nuclear knowledge, might be lured by hostile nations. To address this, the Shuttle-Mir Program is initiated, allowing American astronauts to train in Russia and stay on Mir, which not only provides vital funding for Russia’s space agency but also grants NASA important experience in long-duration missions. However, tragedy strikes when a catastrophic fire breaks out, followed by a cargo ship collision that throws Mir into chaos. Utilizing rare personal footage from Russia’s Star City, this narrative showcases the early collaboration between two superpowers.