1 00:00:01,007 --> 00:00:05,398 (MISSION CONTROL) Pegasus, proceed with checklist for trans-Venus injection. 2 00:00:05,567 --> 00:00:08,035 (YVAN) Copy that. 3 00:00:08,207 --> 00:00:12,917 (NARRATOR) It is our destiny to explore the far frontiers of space. 4 00:00:13,167 --> 00:00:16,159 Last century we took the first steps to the moon. 5 00:00:18,287 --> 00:00:22,599 Imagine we were ready to take the next giant leap. 6 00:00:22,767 --> 00:00:26,521 This is the story of a manned voyage to the planets. 7 00:00:26,687 --> 00:00:30,521 Humanity's greatest challenge and ultimate adventure. 8 00:00:31,847 --> 00:00:38,525 (MISSION CONTROL) Event timer countdown. Five, four, three, two, one. 9 00:01:28,247 --> 00:01:31,444 (NARRATOR) This eight-billion-mile tour of our solar system 10 00:01:31,607 --> 00:01:34,599 is based on science fact, not fiction. 11 00:01:35,647 --> 00:01:40,641 Using data from over 40 years of unmanned probes and human space flight, 12 00:01:40,807 --> 00:01:46,518 it is a vision of how technology could take us on a search for the origins of our own planet 13 00:01:46,687 --> 00:01:49,440 and signs of extraterrestrial life. 14 00:01:53,767 --> 00:01:56,839 No single nation could take on a project this vast. 15 00:01:59,967 --> 00:02:03,676 A manned mission to the planets is a global endeavour, 16 00:02:03,847 --> 00:02:08,318 but the dreams of billions lie in the hands of just five astronauts. 17 00:02:09,527 --> 00:02:14,043 They represent a wide range of disciplines - engineering, medicine, 18 00:02:14,207 --> 00:02:16,926 geology and aeronautics. 19 00:02:18,927 --> 00:02:22,886 These five are scientists as well as astronauts 20 00:02:23,047 --> 00:02:27,245 and they've been training for this mission most of their adult lives. 21 00:02:36,967 --> 00:02:41,916 The mission will begin with Venus. It's our nearest neighbour, but nothing like Earth. 22 00:02:42,687 --> 00:02:46,475 Venus is the most hostile planet in the solar system. 23 00:02:46,647 --> 00:02:50,242 Two of the crew will attempt to land on its burning surface. 24 00:02:51,007 --> 00:02:55,080 Huge electrostatic storms, winds of over 200 miles an hour. 25 00:02:55,247 --> 00:03:00,241 Clouds of hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid. It gets so hot on the surface, it never rains. 26 00:03:00,407 --> 00:03:02,967 (T0M) They'll be flying into hell. 27 00:03:03,847 --> 00:03:10,116 Venus is permanently covered with cloud, so they will be the first humans to see the surface. 28 00:03:10,287 --> 00:03:13,882 Venus is covered in lava plains and it's comparatively recent. 29 00:03:14,047 --> 00:03:18,086 The thing is we've never seen any eruptions so...what's going on? 30 00:03:19,287 --> 00:03:23,803 No ordinary spacesuit can withstand the soaring temperatures and crushing pressures. 31 00:03:23,967 --> 00:03:27,164 This titanium suit has been tested in a blast furnace. 32 00:03:27,327 --> 00:03:30,603 On Venus, it will only function for about one hour. 33 00:03:30,767 --> 00:03:36,319 (YVAN) It's a bit like going to Rome and getting only two seconds in the Sistine Chapel. 34 00:03:36,487 --> 00:03:39,638 When I get down there, I won't have time for big speeches. 35 00:03:39,807 --> 00:03:44,164 I'll have to leave that to politicians. I'm going there to pick up rocks. 36 00:03:47,127 --> 00:03:51,245 They will be out of Earth's gravity and their muscles will be weakened. 37 00:03:51,887 --> 00:03:55,675 Grigorev will need all his strength once he's on the surface. 38 00:03:57,247 --> 00:04:01,035 0n Venus, the gravity's like Earth's so it'll come as quite a shock. 39 00:04:01,207 --> 00:04:06,361 We've got an exercise regime on the way there to help, but the suit weighs 100 kilos. 40 00:04:06,527 --> 00:04:08,279 (BLEEPING) 41 00:04:16,367 --> 00:04:19,086 The crew will pursue their mission objective. 42 00:04:19,247 --> 00:04:23,445 the search for any signs of life even in the acid storms of Venus. 43 00:04:24,167 --> 00:04:27,159 There's a thin layer about 45 kilometres up. 44 00:04:27,327 --> 00:04:32,196 The temperatures and pressures there are just low enough for microbes to live off the sulphur. 45 00:04:32,367 --> 00:04:36,565 No one thought they'd find life in the hot sulphur springs here on Earth. 46 00:04:36,727 --> 00:04:40,003 If life is tough enough to make it there, why not Venus? 47 00:04:42,127 --> 00:04:45,119 (MISSION CONTROL) We have lift-off. 48 00:04:53,087 --> 00:04:57,285 (NARRATOR) This is Pegasus, one mile of nuclear-powered spacecraft, 49 00:04:57,447 --> 00:05:01,918 home for the next six years, an oasis of life in the vacuum of space. 50 00:05:03,687 --> 00:05:08,841 Everyone understands the risks. There's no guarantee any of them will make it home. 51 00:05:09,487 --> 00:05:13,275 (MISSION CONTROL) You have a go for trans-Venus injection. 52 00:05:25,087 --> 00:05:26,805 Godspeed, Pegasus. 53 00:05:32,247 --> 00:05:35,444 (NARRATOR) The five astronauts rely on thousands back on Earth. 54 00:05:35,607 --> 00:05:38,440 The tip of the iceberg - Mission Control. 55 00:05:39,127 --> 00:05:44,201 This nerve centre is vital to the success and survival of the crew. 56 00:05:44,367 --> 00:05:47,359 Flight Director is in overall control. 57 00:05:48,247 --> 00:05:52,081 Flight Dynamics Officer, or FiDO, handles all manoeuvres. 58 00:05:53,687 --> 00:05:56,679 Flight Surgeon assesses crew health and the risks 59 00:05:56,847 --> 00:06:01,841 as the astronauts perform experiments designed by the Science Director. 60 00:06:02,607 --> 00:06:06,646 All Mission Control advice is relayed to Pegasus through Capcom. 61 00:06:08,047 --> 00:06:09,765 Pegasus, you are go... 62 00:06:09,927 --> 00:06:12,919 Six weeks from Earth and Pegasus is in Venus orbit, 63 00:06:13,087 --> 00:06:15,999 ready to send the lander Orpheus into the inferno. 64 00:06:32,207 --> 00:06:35,756 (TOM) Fantastic sight, Larry. You ought to be here, man. 65 00:06:36,767 --> 00:06:39,486 (LARRY) I'm eating my heart out, Tom. 66 00:06:45,007 --> 00:06:48,602 (T0M) Pegasus standing by for 0rpheus pad on descent. 67 00:06:51,327 --> 00:06:55,639 (MAN) Surface temperatures can melt lead and pressures could crush a submarine. 68 00:06:55,807 --> 00:06:58,605 The lander's designed to last for two hours. 69 00:06:58,767 --> 00:07:01,725 (TOM) Orpheus bay is open. 70 00:07:01,887 --> 00:07:07,280 You have to treat Venus like a bank job. Get in, do your experiments fast and get out. 71 00:07:08,807 --> 00:07:13,358 - You have the parameters for the descent, over. - Coming up. 72 00:07:14,087 --> 00:07:20,083 Grigorev and Lessard will be the first humans on Venus, but not the first visitors from Earth. 73 00:07:22,567 --> 00:07:28,278 The Soviets landed eight probes on Venus from the '60s up until the '80s - the Venera series. 74 00:07:28,447 --> 00:07:31,757 They withstood the heat and pressure long enough 75 00:07:31,927 --> 00:07:35,556 to transmit our first pictures back from another planet. 76 00:07:36,327 --> 00:07:42,243 The last one touched down in 1982, Venera 14. The Russians are keen to find out what's left. 77 00:07:44,487 --> 00:07:50,483 (YVAN) My grandfather worked on Venera 14. For him, it was a complete disaster. 78 00:07:50,647 --> 00:07:55,767 The camera ejected its lens cap and it landed exactly where the soil sample was due to go in. 79 00:07:55,927 --> 00:08:00,921 It blocked it, so they got one wonderful picture before the camera insides melted, 80 00:08:01,087 --> 00:08:03,157 but they couldn't touch the surface. 81 00:08:03,847 --> 00:08:07,317 (ZOË) Auto-sense sequencer up. We're ready for release. 82 00:08:07,487 --> 00:08:13,323 (CAPCOM) Orpheus, go front dock. 83 00:08:13,487 --> 00:08:17,480 (NINA) I see a good set. They're out at five metres per second. 84 00:08:18,127 --> 00:08:21,881 (T0M) APU's looking good. (NINA) Altitude is nominal. 85 00:08:22,927 --> 00:08:24,918 (CAPCOM) Looking good, Orpheus. 86 00:08:25,087 --> 00:08:28,796 (NINA) They'll be hitting the atmosphere in one minute. 87 00:08:31,687 --> 00:08:35,362 (JOHN) Max G due in 10 seconds. (NINA) Loss of signal in 5. 88 00:08:42,047 --> 00:08:46,802 25,000 kilometres per hour. Heat shield 1,800 centigrade. 89 00:08:51,527 --> 00:08:54,121 Switching to Venus com sat 4. 90 00:08:57,167 --> 00:08:58,998 (TOM) Orpheus Pegasus. 91 00:09:00,607 --> 00:09:03,405 0rpheus Pegasus, over. 92 00:09:04,967 --> 00:09:06,764 Orpheus Pegasus. 93 00:09:08,487 --> 00:09:10,478 Orpheus Pegasus, over. 94 00:09:10,647 --> 00:09:14,242 - FiD0, when are you expecting tracking? - Two minutes ago, Flight. 95 00:09:14,407 --> 00:09:16,443 Orpheus Pegasus. 96 00:09:22,647 --> 00:09:24,842 Orpheus Pegasus. 97 00:09:27,287 --> 00:09:31,599 - Is the high gain antenna on? - (CRACKLY TRANSMISSI0N FR0M 0RPHEUS) 98 00:09:31,767 --> 00:09:33,644 (CHEERING) 99 00:09:35,927 --> 00:09:38,725 (BABBLE 0F V0ICES) 100 00:09:38,887 --> 00:09:41,117 Successful flight chute deployed. 101 00:09:43,887 --> 00:09:47,004 Post-guidance systems are good. 102 00:09:47,167 --> 00:09:50,603 Wind speeds are up, 0rpheus. You are drifting west. 103 00:09:50,767 --> 00:09:54,726 Thin margin. Compensating east. Been told there's flashes. 104 00:09:54,887 --> 00:10:00,120 - Yeah, roger that. We saw that one from here. - Higher sulphur than expected. 105 00:10:00,287 --> 00:10:02,005 Something could've erupted. 106 00:10:05,007 --> 00:10:06,998 Hey, I can see the surface. 107 00:10:09,247 --> 00:10:13,957 I can see it's beneath us - exactly like the radar images. 108 00:10:17,127 --> 00:10:20,005 Three metres minus half. 109 00:10:23,127 --> 00:10:25,083 Forward one, down half. 110 00:10:30,007 --> 00:10:32,601 - How's the cabin pressure? - Pressure's good. 111 00:10:32,767 --> 00:10:37,204 (ZOË) Abort override off. (TOM) Looks good. You got a stay for Venus. 112 00:10:37,367 --> 00:10:39,403 (ZOË) Orpheus has arrived in HadesI 113 00:10:39,567 --> 00:10:41,956 (CHEERING) 114 00:10:57,887 --> 00:11:01,084 (THUNDER) 115 00:11:03,327 --> 00:11:06,524 (THUNDER) 116 00:11:08,287 --> 00:11:12,997 (TOM) We have visual on Venera 14. (NINA) Radar's giving 236 metres. 117 00:11:13,167 --> 00:11:15,761 (JOHN) Looks further. Unbelievable distortion. 118 00:11:33,207 --> 00:11:34,959 (CRACKLING THUNDER) 119 00:11:37,767 --> 00:11:39,519 (ZOË) Lost the camera. 120 00:11:39,687 --> 00:11:44,761 - It's imploded under the pressure. - Did we get his first step? Any words? 121 00:11:47,087 --> 00:11:50,079 (YVAN) Looking at the surface camera on one. 122 00:12:02,247 --> 00:12:07,799 (YVAN) Are you getting this, 0rpheus? It's like a dull day in Moscow down here. 123 00:12:07,967 --> 00:12:11,437 Strange flat light everywhere. 0range. 124 00:12:14,327 --> 00:12:16,682 (Z0Ë) Beautiful. Don't stop. 125 00:12:16,847 --> 00:12:20,886 (YVAN) I can't tell where the sun is. There are no shadows. 126 00:12:21,047 --> 00:12:24,039 - (THUNDER) - (CAPCOM) Pegasus Control. 127 00:12:24,207 --> 00:12:29,361 We are enjoying the show, but be advised, you're four minutes behind the timeline. 128 00:12:30,087 --> 00:12:34,399 - (NINA) Seismic sensors are recording activity. - It's just Yvan's footsteps. 129 00:12:35,927 --> 00:12:38,646 His heart rate is higher than the simulations. 130 00:12:38,807 --> 00:12:43,881 He will have to take it more slowly. There may not be time for all the experiments. 131 00:12:46,047 --> 00:12:48,845 (YVAN) 0K... (GASPS F0R BREATH) 132 00:12:49,007 --> 00:12:51,999 Seismic sensor network is set. 133 00:12:52,167 --> 00:12:54,522 - (THUNDER) - This is a grim place. 134 00:12:55,847 --> 00:12:57,838 It's difficult to judge distance. 135 00:13:00,207 --> 00:13:04,120 And the atmosphere is so dense, it's like walking through water. 136 00:13:04,287 --> 00:13:06,517 (EXPL0SI0N) 137 00:13:12,767 --> 00:13:17,158 (TOM) Orpheus Pegasus, tell him to forget the camera. He's gotta move on. 138 00:13:17,327 --> 00:13:19,318 Orpheus, do you copy? 139 00:13:19,487 --> 00:13:24,356 Got a warning light. We're trying to get a visual on that. Got a computer shutdown. 140 00:13:24,887 --> 00:13:27,606 Yvan, you're behind. Suggest you move on. 141 00:13:31,367 --> 00:13:36,157 (ZOË) I've got one or two issues in here, too. Let's not overstay our welcome. 142 00:13:36,327 --> 00:13:41,526 (YVAN GASPS) Yes, some welcome. 0K...let's see if Venera's done any better. 143 00:13:42,487 --> 00:13:47,322 (TOM) Orpheus, it's time to pace himself. That's a 450-metre round trip. 144 00:13:49,487 --> 00:13:51,921 Must be at least 50 metres. 145 00:13:53,527 --> 00:14:00,080 It's difficult to see through this heat haze... but it looks like she's still in one piece. 146 00:14:01,087 --> 00:14:06,639 Just past the 28-minute mark. Suit temperature is higher than planned. Heart rate is still up. 147 00:14:08,047 --> 00:14:11,881 Some surface corrosion. I can see a little dust. 148 00:14:12,047 --> 00:14:13,799 (THUNDER) 149 00:14:13,967 --> 00:14:18,245 - (YVAN PANTS) It's a little bit pitted. - Do we have any commonality... 150 00:14:18,407 --> 00:14:22,798 (YVAN) The Russian robot, she's beaten Venus. (GASPS FOR BREATH) 151 00:14:33,327 --> 00:14:39,163 Robots may be tougher than us... but we don't make the same mistakes. 152 00:14:47,527 --> 00:14:50,997 (ZOË) Recommend we drop the second weather experiment. 153 00:14:51,807 --> 00:14:54,196 John's in agreement, so roger that. 154 00:14:55,007 --> 00:14:59,319 (ZOË) Call that a wrap on Venera, Yvan. Just rapid return to Orpheus. 155 00:14:59,487 --> 00:15:01,523 All right. 156 00:15:01,687 --> 00:15:04,645 (YVAN BREATHES HEAVILY) 157 00:15:05,487 --> 00:15:10,880 It's uphill back to 0rpheus and his heart rate's already too high. He needs a breather. 158 00:15:11,407 --> 00:15:16,606 - The gravity's killing him. He needs a break. - Forget it, John, he's gotta keep moving. 159 00:15:16,767 --> 00:15:22,319 - I've got an update on your ascent pattern. - He's suffering from overheating. 160 00:15:23,007 --> 00:15:29,276 - He's four minutes over-budget. - Let's work out exactly what it is she's venting. 161 00:15:29,447 --> 00:15:33,918 - Ascent pattern coming up. - (YVAN GASPS) 162 00:15:34,087 --> 00:15:36,203 My air has almost run out. 163 00:15:37,087 --> 00:15:41,558 - Cabin temperature 22 degrees, up 4. - (TOM) Zoë, prepare for launch. 164 00:15:41,727 --> 00:15:45,402 - (W0MAN) Heart rate 186. - Downloading a diagnostic routine. 165 00:15:45,567 --> 00:15:47,762 Suit temperature 32 degrees. 166 00:15:47,927 --> 00:15:51,840 - (Z0Ë) Yvan, we've got to go. Just lost... - (BEEPING) 167 00:15:54,207 --> 00:15:56,243 (ZOË) No, it's back. 168 00:16:05,807 --> 00:16:09,686 - Cabin pressure holding. - (NINA) What is the weather doing? 169 00:16:11,367 --> 00:16:14,279 - Nina? - We've just lost camera 3. 170 00:16:14,447 --> 00:16:17,086 (ZOË) He's inside. (NINA) Super coolers are off. 171 00:16:17,247 --> 00:16:20,080 (JOHN) Temperature falling. 150 degrees... 172 00:16:20,247 --> 00:16:24,240 - ...70 degrees...20 degrees... - (YVAN) Can we turn the air-con off? 173 00:16:24,407 --> 00:16:28,366 (ZOË) Contact for pressure. Abort stage set and move onto ascent. 174 00:16:30,647 --> 00:16:34,606 - Ready for launch. - (KLAX0N BLARES) 175 00:16:37,127 --> 00:16:39,925 (KLAX0N BLARES) 176 00:16:50,047 --> 00:16:52,322 - Lift-off. - (YVAN SPEAKS RUSSIAN) 177 00:17:01,927 --> 00:17:03,724 0ne minute till max cue. 178 00:17:14,127 --> 00:17:17,119 (ZOË) We're gonna pitch and yaw now. 179 00:17:18,927 --> 00:17:23,284 (ZOË) OK, she's all yours. (TOM) Five metres and closing. 180 00:17:25,127 --> 00:17:26,845 Two metres. 181 00:17:27,767 --> 00:17:32,887 - (YVAN) Still in one piece? - Pegasus is doing fine, Yvan. Welcome home. 182 00:17:41,207 --> 00:17:44,005 (NARRATOR) Having survived the hellhole that is Venus, 183 00:17:44,167 --> 00:17:47,398 the crew of Pegasus has experienced at first hand 184 00:17:47,567 --> 00:17:50,286 a grim warning for our own planet. 185 00:18:08,727 --> 00:18:11,446 (J0HN) You can really see that haze layer. 186 00:18:12,527 --> 00:18:15,917 (T0M) Hard to believe it could ever have been like Earth. 187 00:18:24,167 --> 00:18:27,876 When people ignore greenhouse gases here, they should look at Venus. 188 00:18:28,047 --> 00:18:33,838 The carbon dioxide there - from volcanoes, not pollution - created a runaway greenhouse effect 189 00:18:34,007 --> 00:18:37,602 that sent temperatures soaring over 400 centigrade. 190 00:18:40,007 --> 00:18:44,797 Mars window is open, reactor temperature nominal, cryogens of 36 psi. 191 00:18:44,967 --> 00:18:47,879 Pre-combustion chamber at pressure. All systems are go. 192 00:18:48,887 --> 00:18:51,606 Capcom, give the go-ahead for the burn. 193 00:18:53,487 --> 00:18:56,877 (TOM) Event timer countdown to trans-Mars injection. 194 00:18:57,047 --> 00:19:01,962 Five, four, three, two, one. 195 00:19:05,407 --> 00:19:07,204 We have ignition. 196 00:19:09,447 --> 00:19:11,324 (NARRATOR) Throughout human history, 197 00:19:11,487 --> 00:19:14,638 one planet has gripped our imagination more than any other. 198 00:19:14,807 --> 00:19:18,800 The one place in our solar system most likely to support life. 199 00:19:20,647 --> 00:19:22,126 Mars. 200 00:19:25,047 --> 00:19:28,483 Hi. Pegasus commander Tom Kirby here. 201 00:19:28,647 --> 00:19:32,435 Halfway to Mars and time for our regular Q and A. 202 00:19:32,607 --> 00:19:37,078 This week's topic is our interplanetary home Pegasus. 203 00:19:37,247 --> 00:19:42,082 We've got the email address on the screen, so keep those questions coming. 204 00:19:43,407 --> 00:19:47,195 OK, first question is. How big is Pegasus? 205 00:19:47,367 --> 00:19:51,485 Well...you could fit in twelve football fields end to end, 206 00:19:51,647 --> 00:19:54,445 so pretty big. 207 00:19:54,607 --> 00:19:58,805 Why do you have a Frisbee stuck on the end of your spaceship? 208 00:19:58,967 --> 00:20:02,880 We call that the disk and that's our main shield against the sun 209 00:20:03,047 --> 00:20:08,405 and the planetary atmospheres we sometimes have to fly through to slow ourselves down. 210 00:20:08,567 --> 00:20:13,516 It's also where our nuclear engines are so, all in all, a very important Frisbee. 211 00:20:14,847 --> 00:20:21,286 Some questions about the instrument panels here in the cockpit. Why don't we take a look? 212 00:20:24,367 --> 00:20:28,838 Looks impressive, huh? Well, I'll let you in on a little secret. 213 00:20:29,007 --> 00:20:31,999 (WHISPERS) Most of these are duplicates in case of short-outs, 214 00:20:32,167 --> 00:20:36,843 but don't tell anybody because we think it makes us look coolI 215 00:20:37,007 --> 00:20:38,645 (LAUGHTER) 216 00:20:39,287 --> 00:20:42,085 - Let's go downstairs and see some sights. - (MUSIC) 217 00:20:42,247 --> 00:20:46,206 Kill that music, JohnI OK, here we are in the crew area. 218 00:20:46,367 --> 00:20:50,076 What about those Venus samples, Nina? Any little green men yet? 219 00:20:50,247 --> 00:20:54,240 No, not yet, but I have found some interesting chemicals 220 00:20:54,407 --> 00:20:59,003 that might have been left by living organisms. I'll keep you posted, 0K? 221 00:20:59,167 --> 00:21:04,036 John, we got a lot of questions about the water. Is everything recycled? 222 00:21:04,207 --> 00:21:08,917 Yes, viewers, I've been drinking his urine for the last six months! 223 00:21:11,927 --> 00:21:14,487 - Mmm! - (MUSIC) # All the crazies 224 00:21:14,647 --> 00:21:19,801 # Try to space me and I don't know... # 225 00:21:19,967 --> 00:21:25,087 (T0M) Zero G is a lot of fun, but too much of it's very bad for your health. 226 00:21:26,967 --> 00:21:29,322 These rotating modules 227 00:21:29,487 --> 00:21:33,446 provide us with some gravity to help keep us in shape. 228 00:21:34,927 --> 00:21:40,320 This is 0.5G, to be precise, which is half Earth gravity, 229 00:21:40,487 --> 00:21:45,277 and here we have Zoë Lessard making up for the time she spends in zero G 230 00:21:45,447 --> 00:21:48,280 by exercising three hours a day. 231 00:21:49,007 --> 00:21:52,397 - Let's take a look in Zoë's sleeping module. - No, Tom! 232 00:21:52,567 --> 00:21:55,286 0h, my Lord, someone's broken in! 233 00:21:58,527 --> 00:22:02,839 It's not just a mission to the planets. We're exploring the human body. 234 00:22:03,007 --> 00:22:08,365 No one knows how it'll respond to six years in space - physically, psychologically. 235 00:22:08,527 --> 00:22:10,882 It's new territory. 236 00:22:11,727 --> 00:22:17,802 (T0M) Six years is a long time if you consider time more important than what you do with it. 237 00:22:19,767 --> 00:22:26,366 (NINA) I have spent more time with these guys than anyone. We're more a family than a crew. 238 00:22:26,527 --> 00:22:31,726 I don't see it as giving up anything. I just won the lottery. It's you lot I feel sorry for. 239 00:22:33,487 --> 00:22:38,436 (NARRATOR) More probes have been sent here than any other planet, but Mars has a jinx. 240 00:22:38,607 --> 00:22:40,962 Over half of them failed. 241 00:22:58,687 --> 00:23:02,077 Pegasus Control, you can tell Nina she has a go for EVA. 242 00:23:02,247 --> 00:23:08,436 (FLIGHT) She should be out on the arm by now. What was her heart rate when she left Pegasus? 243 00:23:09,687 --> 00:23:13,600 (NARRATOR) Before sending a lander to Mars, Pegasus needs to refuel. 244 00:23:14,407 --> 00:23:18,241 (NINA) I have a visual on the fuel port. You can slow the arm now. 245 00:23:18,407 --> 00:23:20,637 (TOM) You got it. 246 00:23:21,727 --> 00:23:23,206 (TOM) 10 metres. 247 00:23:24,927 --> 00:23:28,522 (NARRATOR) Carrying enough fuel for the whole tour would be impossible, 248 00:23:28,687 --> 00:23:33,715 so giant tanks of hydrogen have been placed at strategic locations along the route. 249 00:23:36,087 --> 00:23:38,760 (TOM) One or two notches left should do it. 250 00:23:38,927 --> 00:23:45,116 (NINA) OK, right...straight forward... one metre and closing. 251 00:23:50,047 --> 00:23:54,643 It may look effortless, but it takes a lot out of you, doing an EVA. 252 00:23:54,807 --> 00:23:58,925 We have to keep a close eye on it. It's not exciting, it's hard work. 253 00:24:01,367 --> 00:24:05,076 I keep looking down and expecting to see Earth. 254 00:24:05,247 --> 00:24:07,841 It's a fantastic-looking planet. 255 00:24:10,487 --> 00:24:13,843 John, I can see our landing site crystal clear. 256 00:24:22,407 --> 00:24:26,764 (TOM) I don't see any X function at all. (NINA) Coming up on three metres. 257 00:24:26,927 --> 00:24:29,282 - It's doing fine. - (YVAN) Looking good, Aries. 258 00:24:31,327 --> 00:24:34,319 (NARRATOR) Three astronauts will pilot the lander Aries 259 00:24:34,487 --> 00:24:37,285 in a descent with its own particular dangers. 260 00:24:37,967 --> 00:24:42,279 Instead of a hundred times the atmosphere of Earth, on Mars it's 100th, 261 00:24:42,447 --> 00:24:46,998 which presents its own unique set of problems when you wanna try and land. 262 00:24:47,167 --> 00:24:49,886 There's not a whole lot to slow you down. 263 00:24:50,047 --> 00:24:53,642 (DIST0RTED, GARBLED V0ICES) 264 00:24:57,287 --> 00:25:00,996 (TOM) How ya doin' back there? Everyone still with us? 265 00:25:04,087 --> 00:25:07,443 (JOHN) 10 metres...down at two. 266 00:25:13,407 --> 00:25:17,002 (TOM) Lost visual on the ground. There's a lot of dust. 267 00:25:20,447 --> 00:25:22,642 (TOM) All right, I got it. 268 00:25:26,567 --> 00:25:30,276 Stand by for touchdown. Three metres, down at one. 269 00:25:31,367 --> 00:25:32,720 One metre. 270 00:25:34,647 --> 00:25:37,036 - Contact. - (CHEERING) 271 00:25:50,447 --> 00:25:55,441 (TOM) Pressure on. Check yours. 272 00:25:55,607 --> 00:26:00,476 - (JOHN) Pressure integrity check. - 500 pep gauge to 4.0 on the forward dumbbell. 273 00:26:02,287 --> 00:26:04,482 And she's opened and latched. 274 00:26:04,647 --> 00:26:10,165 The hatch is open...and Kirby is on the porch. 275 00:26:31,967 --> 00:26:34,765 (TOM) We stand at the edge of a new frontier 276 00:26:35,607 --> 00:26:39,964 and we vow that we shall not see it governed by a hostile flag of conquest... 277 00:26:40,887 --> 00:26:45,278 ..but by a banner of freedom and peace. 278 00:26:47,247 --> 00:26:51,923 My footprints are crisp and the dust clings to my boots. 279 00:26:53,047 --> 00:26:56,517 Wind's picking up. Dust is increasing at your 10 o'clock position. 280 00:26:56,687 --> 00:27:01,636 (T0M) The sky's a kind of butterscotch colour. (NINA) There's dust devil activity. 281 00:27:01,807 --> 00:27:04,401 - Which way is it heading? - I don't know. 282 00:27:04,567 --> 00:27:08,446 - (TOM) Guess I'll stay here, then. - Pegasus, we've got a problem. 283 00:27:08,607 --> 00:27:11,599 (NINA) Scrub the EVA. (ZOË) Get Tom inside. 284 00:27:11,767 --> 00:27:13,962 (T0M) Seal the hatch, John. 285 00:27:24,727 --> 00:27:26,922 Will you look at that! 286 00:27:33,127 --> 00:27:35,721 (H0WLING WIND ) 287 00:27:36,127 --> 00:27:39,085 (INAUDIBLE TRANSMISSI0N FR0M NINA) 288 00:27:40,687 --> 00:27:42,678 (NINA) Are you OK? 289 00:27:46,727 --> 00:27:50,720 (T0M) Say again, Aries. You sound a little breathless in there. 290 00:27:50,887 --> 00:27:54,038 - (NINA) Are you OK? - Think so. 291 00:27:54,207 --> 00:27:58,598 (ZOË) Control want Tom inside now. I don't care how you break it to him. 292 00:27:58,767 --> 00:28:02,965 - That's what I call a Martian welcome! - Want to run through a few suit checks? 293 00:28:03,127 --> 00:28:08,520 (TOM) I think that's a good idea. Why not? (JOHN) It's not as tough as it looks. 294 00:28:11,927 --> 00:28:14,964 Martian dust is easily sucked up into a dust devil. 295 00:28:15,127 --> 00:28:18,517 Luckily, the Martian atmosphere is a pale imitation of ours. 296 00:28:18,687 --> 00:28:21,485 Pressures rarely climb above 100th of Earth's. 297 00:28:21,647 --> 00:28:24,719 Although it may look like a whirlwind, it's a breeze. 298 00:28:24,887 --> 00:28:27,082 (T0M) I could get used to this. 299 00:28:27,247 --> 00:28:30,444 (NINA) Eight weeks will be over before we know it. 300 00:28:30,607 --> 00:28:33,963 (NARRATOR) The astronauts set up camp close to Valles Marineris, 301 00:28:34,127 --> 00:28:38,120 a vast canyon which could unlock the mystery to life on Mars. 302 00:28:38,287 --> 00:28:41,996 (MAN) Geologists are going crazy over those sulphate salts. 303 00:28:42,167 --> 00:28:47,924 Valles Marineris is basically a vast tear in the Martian crust. It's over 4,000km long. 304 00:28:48,087 --> 00:28:52,717 It runs so far round the planet that one end is in daylight while the other is in dark. 305 00:28:52,887 --> 00:28:57,085 (Z0Ë) There's a big temperature difference between the day and the night, 306 00:28:57,247 --> 00:29:02,685 so strong winds surge up through the canyon from the west, which brings up a lot of dust. 307 00:29:02,847 --> 00:29:07,875 That could be a problem. Nobody wants to work in zero visibility next to a 7km drop. 308 00:29:08,527 --> 00:29:12,122 (NARRATOR) This is where they hope to achieve their mission objective. 309 00:29:12,287 --> 00:29:16,280 Not just evidence of life, but maybe life itself. 310 00:29:16,447 --> 00:29:20,486 (NINA) There's evidence water once flowed on Mars. Most of it's long gone. 311 00:29:20,647 --> 00:29:25,243 But in the lowest parts, it might still be there a metre below the surface. 312 00:29:25,407 --> 00:29:28,399 0n Earth, everywhere we find liquid water, we find life. 313 00:29:29,007 --> 00:29:35,003 This is MEP-14. It's our drilling robot. It gets to the floor of Marineris by balloon. 314 00:29:35,167 --> 00:29:38,637 A HydroSensor at this end sniffs out the water, 315 00:29:38,807 --> 00:29:42,402 then a drilling probe this end goes in for the sample. 316 00:29:42,567 --> 00:29:47,561 Then another balloon brings it back up on the surface with evidence of life on Mars. 317 00:29:48,527 --> 00:29:52,759 (J0HN) Two feet. This is definitely better. It's more controllable. 318 00:29:52,927 --> 00:29:55,919 I'm gonna patent this. The Mars bunny hop! 319 00:29:56,087 --> 00:30:00,558 (NINA) John, give it a rest! I'm trying to do a presentation here. 320 00:30:00,727 --> 00:30:04,322 Big day today. We're conducting a robot descent 321 00:30:04,487 --> 00:30:10,960 the seven vertical kilometres down to the floor of Valles Marineris to search for liquid water. 322 00:30:11,127 --> 00:30:14,164 Charlie here has volunteered. 323 00:30:14,887 --> 00:30:16,878 Ah, here's our ride. 324 00:30:20,407 --> 00:30:23,126 Someone order a cab? 325 00:30:23,287 --> 00:30:27,280 (NINA) Shall we dust off first? (J0HN) Yes, let's not mess up this vehicle. 326 00:30:27,447 --> 00:30:30,564 - No names, Kirby! - We're on a dusty planet, guys! 327 00:30:33,047 --> 00:30:35,117 (NARRATOR) Dust devils are harmless, 328 00:30:35,287 --> 00:30:38,757 but global storms have wrecked previous robotic missions. 329 00:30:38,927 --> 00:30:42,317 Pegasus will be keeping a close eye on the surface. 330 00:30:56,327 --> 00:31:00,081 - You're very quiet back there. - (NINA) 0h, John! 331 00:31:00,247 --> 00:31:04,525 (P0P MUSIC PLAYS) 332 00:31:11,647 --> 00:31:15,879 - (NINA) Take it easy, John. - (P0P MUSIC C0NTINUES) 333 00:31:31,567 --> 00:31:35,355 (J0HN) I think I see the edge. (T0M) Famous last words! 334 00:31:37,047 --> 00:31:41,040 - Let's park up here. We can walk the rest. - Keep the handbrakes on. 335 00:31:41,207 --> 00:31:42,959 (T0M) Yeah, yeah, yeah. 336 00:31:58,327 --> 00:32:01,876 - God! - (J0HN) Yep. 337 00:32:02,047 --> 00:32:04,038 (NINA) Look at those layers. 338 00:32:04,207 --> 00:32:07,119 Millions of years of Martian history. 339 00:32:07,287 --> 00:32:10,484 (J0HN) Makes the Grand Canyon look like a scratch. 340 00:32:29,887 --> 00:32:34,039 (TOM) How do you read, Pegasus? (YVAN) Loud and clear. Pictures are great. 341 00:32:34,207 --> 00:32:37,199 Zoë's going a nice shade of green up here. 342 00:32:37,367 --> 00:32:41,679 Tell her, if it's any consolation, we're gonna name these cliffs after her. 343 00:32:41,847 --> 00:32:44,441 She says that makes all the difference! 344 00:32:44,607 --> 00:32:48,202 - Tell 'em to get back to work! - Did you read that? 345 00:32:48,367 --> 00:32:54,317 4,000 kilometres long, seven kilometres deep. It's a geological heaven and I'm not going! 346 00:32:54,487 --> 00:32:58,560 But, still, I don't think there'll be any clouds. I'll have a ringside seat. 347 00:32:59,527 --> 00:33:02,678 (TOM) Ready for descent. (ZOË) Copy that, Tom... 348 00:33:02,847 --> 00:33:04,917 (NARRATOR) 150 million miles away, 349 00:33:05,087 --> 00:33:10,115 Mission Control monitors another serious health hazard - the sun. 350 00:33:10,287 --> 00:33:14,838 We have a solar weather warning. Hazard class. We should get them under cover. 351 00:33:15,007 --> 00:33:18,397 Capcom, tell them there's a solar flare heading their way... 352 00:33:18,567 --> 00:33:21,400 (NARRATOR) Solar flares send storms of charged particles 353 00:33:21,567 --> 00:33:23,762 blasting across the solar system. 354 00:33:23,927 --> 00:33:28,876 Unlike Earth, Mars has no magnetic field to deflect the lethal radiation. 355 00:33:30,007 --> 00:33:33,397 It'll take 10 minutes for the warning to reach the astronauts 356 00:33:33,567 --> 00:33:37,480 and another 90 minutes before they can reach shelter. 357 00:33:38,687 --> 00:33:42,441 (T0M) Beautiful day, isn't it? (J0HN) Roger that. 358 00:33:43,727 --> 00:33:49,359 (CAPCOM) You have a solar flare heading your way. ETA four minutes behind this message. 359 00:33:49,527 --> 00:33:53,042 - (ALARM BLEEPS) - Affect immediate evacuation of the cockpit. 360 00:33:53,727 --> 00:33:57,322 Tell Tom to abort the EVA. Get back to Aries. 361 00:33:57,487 --> 00:34:01,685 Surgeon wants dosimeter readings before the solar storm reaches you. 362 00:34:01,847 --> 00:34:05,203 - That's two minutes behind this message. - (ALARM BLEEPS) 363 00:34:12,767 --> 00:34:15,486 (NINA) Can't this heap go any faster? 364 00:34:27,887 --> 00:34:32,802 (J0HN) 25 hours. Radiation levels are falling. 365 00:34:32,967 --> 00:34:36,596 - Won't be much longer. - (GEIGER C0UNTER CRACKLES) 366 00:34:37,287 --> 00:34:41,280 (JOHN) Looks just the same out there. You wouldn't think it was lethal. 367 00:34:41,447 --> 00:34:45,235 (GEIGER C0UNTER CRACKLES) 368 00:34:45,407 --> 00:34:47,602 Nothing. 369 00:34:52,047 --> 00:34:56,245 - I've never felt more awake in my life. - (GEIGER C0UNTER CRACKLES) 370 00:35:01,887 --> 00:35:03,684 (NINA) Good luck, Charlie. 371 00:35:03,847 --> 00:35:08,238 (NARRATOR) Once the solar storm passes, the astronauts pick up where they left off 372 00:35:08,407 --> 00:35:11,604 at the cliffs of Valles Marineris. 373 00:35:11,767 --> 00:35:15,362 (NINA) Wind speed 9.5 metres per second. 374 00:35:15,527 --> 00:35:17,643 080 degrees. 375 00:35:18,607 --> 00:35:23,806 (NARRATOR) It will take six hours for their robot Charlie to reach the floor of the canyon. 376 00:35:23,967 --> 00:35:27,357 (NINA) Altitude 6520, down at 12. 377 00:35:29,167 --> 00:35:32,955 (J0HN) Looks like he's drifting up the alluvial fans. 378 00:35:33,127 --> 00:35:35,561 (NINA) Confirm lateral drift. 379 00:35:35,727 --> 00:35:39,436 (T0M) 0K, John enough pictures already. Let's get some rocks. 380 00:35:49,167 --> 00:35:55,959 I wish I could see Mars without a visor in front of my face. I wish I could...just taste it. 381 00:35:57,047 --> 00:36:02,075 From what I understand, John, what you'd taste is your saliva boiling on your tongue. 382 00:36:04,327 --> 00:36:06,318 0K, I've got another... 383 00:36:06,487 --> 00:36:13,325 (NINA) We're getting some false positives here. 0ur second bore hole is dry. Moving on. 384 00:36:13,487 --> 00:36:15,762 ..fine-grained, fairly solid... 385 00:36:15,927 --> 00:36:19,124 (NINA) Drilling bore hole number three. 386 00:36:19,287 --> 00:36:24,236 (J0HN) Probably dust. Perfect kidney-shaped crystals. I wish I could get the dust off it. 387 00:36:24,407 --> 00:36:27,717 (TOM) Distinct metallic lustre, millimetre-sized crystals... 388 00:36:27,887 --> 00:36:31,118 (ZOË) Aries Pegasus. (TOM) Reading you. Go ahead. 389 00:36:31,287 --> 00:36:34,836 (ZOË) Storm brewing in the western end of Marineris heading east. 390 00:36:37,367 --> 00:36:40,564 - How big? - Most of it's still on the night side. 391 00:36:40,727 --> 00:36:45,926 I think it's a canyon storm, not a global event, but it's got potential to reach you. 392 00:36:46,087 --> 00:36:47,884 OK, roger that. 393 00:36:48,047 --> 00:36:51,039 - (BLEEPING) - (NINA) Charlie's drinking! 394 00:36:51,207 --> 00:36:52,845 (BLEEPING) 395 00:36:53,007 --> 00:36:55,919 (J0HN) Water on the third bore hole. 396 00:36:56,087 --> 00:36:58,317 - (ZOË) What's your status? - We did it! 397 00:36:58,487 --> 00:37:01,206 We're just wrapping things up. 398 00:37:01,367 --> 00:37:06,760 - How long till we get it back? - Four hours. Anchors released. 399 00:37:08,487 --> 00:37:12,958 (J0HN) Do we wait? (NINA) We might not get another chance. 400 00:37:13,127 --> 00:37:18,520 (T0M) That is a big storm. Look, the wind's blowing Charlie off course. 401 00:37:18,687 --> 00:37:22,521 (J0HN) This planet is jinxed. (NINA) What are we standing here for? 402 00:37:22,687 --> 00:37:25,838 (Z0Ë) You shouldn't be travelling when this hits you. 403 00:37:26,647 --> 00:37:30,845 This isn't a dust devil, it's a storm. It'll wreck your guidance systems. 404 00:37:31,567 --> 00:37:34,843 Copy that. We have a visual on Charlie. 405 00:37:38,847 --> 00:37:42,237 (ZOË) It's well over 10 metres per second advancing east. 406 00:37:42,407 --> 00:37:45,956 - We're collecting the water sample from Charlie. - Gotcha! 407 00:37:46,487 --> 00:37:50,799 (ZOË) It's obscuring our view. Expect some com interference. 408 00:37:52,167 --> 00:37:55,000 Aries Pegasus, what's your position? 409 00:37:55,167 --> 00:37:59,365 (T0M) Just parked up. You should've let me drive! 410 00:37:59,527 --> 00:38:02,724 (NINA) Can't see a thing. Where's the ladder? 411 00:38:02,887 --> 00:38:06,926 (ZOË) Hope you enjoyed the ride. The forecast says you are grounded. 412 00:38:11,847 --> 00:38:18,764 (YVAN) This is your local weather forecast for the next two days, and it's dust and more dust. 413 00:38:18,927 --> 00:38:23,364 Count yourselves lucky it wasn't a global storm. You'd be stuck inside until spring. 414 00:38:29,167 --> 00:38:30,759 (T0M) What a mess. 415 00:38:39,247 --> 00:38:42,842 (LL0YD ) People say why not do the whole mission with robots? 416 00:38:43,007 --> 00:38:46,761 Without people to wipe their solar panels, those robots would be dead. 417 00:38:46,927 --> 00:38:50,715 They're great for certain tasks, but you can't program initiative. 418 00:38:50,887 --> 00:38:56,041 They don't respond to that glint on the horizon or subtle change in rock colour. 419 00:38:56,207 --> 00:38:58,767 You can't beat eyes, a hand and a hammer. 420 00:38:59,447 --> 00:39:04,043 (J0HN) 0K, this is cricket now. (T0M) Season one in the Martian league. 421 00:39:04,207 --> 00:39:06,198 Hang on, hang on! 422 00:39:08,247 --> 00:39:11,239 - 0h, come on! - 0K, bring it on! 423 00:39:11,407 --> 00:39:14,797 I call this my Martian curve ball. 424 00:39:14,967 --> 00:39:16,764 (GRUNTS) Pretty good! 425 00:39:16,927 --> 00:39:20,237 - What do you call that, huh? Home run! - Wow! 426 00:39:24,847 --> 00:39:29,637 (YVAN) No need for any gyro conversation. You're cleared for take-off. 427 00:39:43,487 --> 00:39:48,083 (NARRATOR) Of all the planets, Mars is the most likely to support a human colony, 428 00:39:48,247 --> 00:39:53,605 but without a magnetic field, they'll have to find another way of protecting against solar flares. 429 00:39:54,447 --> 00:39:56,438 (ZOË) Radar gives 90 metres. 430 00:39:56,607 --> 00:39:59,599 (TOM) Stand by for pitch and yaw. Over to you, Zoë, 431 00:40:00,407 --> 00:40:02,716 (ZOË) One metre and closing. 432 00:40:06,487 --> 00:40:09,843 Soft dock and...hard dock. 433 00:40:12,327 --> 00:40:16,764 (NARRATOR) Mankind's first tour of the inner solar system is complete. 434 00:40:18,967 --> 00:40:24,280 Now the crew of Pegasus prepare to journey on towards Jupiter and the outer solar system. 435 00:40:25,967 --> 00:40:30,563 The fastest route is to fly by the sun and use its enormous gravity 436 00:40:30,727 --> 00:40:33,799 to accelerate them to 300 kilometres per second. 437 00:40:34,967 --> 00:40:39,563 We're not doing this fly-by just to pick up speed. It's a unique opportunity. 438 00:40:39,727 --> 00:40:42,719 We'll be analysing a star closer than ever before. 439 00:40:42,887 --> 00:40:46,038 It's one of the last unexplored regions of the solar system. 440 00:40:46,887 --> 00:40:49,879 From Earth, we can only see the surface, the photosphere. 441 00:40:50,047 --> 00:40:53,756 Pegasus will pass through the outer atmosphere, the corona. 442 00:40:53,927 --> 00:40:59,285 - We'll get our first samples from a star. - (J0HN) Readings follow. Tom has 230... 443 00:40:59,447 --> 00:41:04,760 (NARRATOR) During the solar fly-by, Pegasus needs extra protection, her own magnetic field, 444 00:41:04,927 --> 00:41:11,002 to repel the sun's lethal high-energy particles, but nothing can protect the crew 445 00:41:11,167 --> 00:41:15,558 if they encounter the awesome power of a solar flare this close to the sun. 446 00:41:15,727 --> 00:41:18,321 What about these flares? 447 00:41:18,487 --> 00:41:24,198 Even at solar minimum, we're bound to get some. The magnetic shield won't help us against that. 448 00:41:24,367 --> 00:41:29,361 - How about if the field generator fails? - If that fails, it's a loss of crew. 449 00:41:33,407 --> 00:41:37,400 We've looked into every aspect of energy management on this... 450 00:41:37,567 --> 00:41:41,845 (NARRATOR) It's not just during the fly-by they have to worry about solar radiation. 451 00:41:42,007 --> 00:41:46,637 It's a constant risk once they leave the protection of Earth's magnetic field. 452 00:41:54,887 --> 00:42:00,120 (J0HN) 0ver the course of the mission, we get the equivalent of eight chest x-rays a day. 453 00:42:00,287 --> 00:42:04,758 These dosimeters will change colour if our own personal levels get too high. 454 00:42:05,487 --> 00:42:10,481 These bubble tubes let us know how much radiation is passing through the cabin here. 455 00:42:10,647 --> 00:42:15,277 A bubble forms each time a charged particle hits the gel. 456 00:42:15,447 --> 00:42:20,441 Some radiation will get through. We minimise the effects with special dietary supplements. 457 00:42:20,607 --> 00:42:26,955 (CAPC0M) We have the descent path through from Santa Claus at the North Pole and he's... 458 00:42:27,607 --> 00:42:32,727 Hi, Claire. I've been taking another look at our cumulative doses. 459 00:42:33,687 --> 00:42:38,238 Looks like some of the radiation got through the shield and into the flight deck. 460 00:42:38,407 --> 00:42:44,960 I've increased my supplements and taken blood samples for analysis. I'd love to hear your view. 461 00:42:45,127 --> 00:42:50,724 (MAN) Merry Christmas, Pegasus. I hope Santa gives you everything you ask for. Control out. 462 00:42:55,767 --> 00:42:58,839 (NARRATOR) Pegasus will pass the sun's closest planet, 463 00:42:59,007 --> 00:43:01,567 but there will be no landing on Mercury. 464 00:43:08,407 --> 00:43:13,117 It's not lack of interest. There's a big metallic core and a mysterious magnetic field. 465 00:43:13,287 --> 00:43:18,998 Its surface temperature goes from around 420 degrees centigrade to minus 170 at night. 466 00:43:19,167 --> 00:43:22,876 So even that close to the sun, there could be ice at the poles, 467 00:43:23,047 --> 00:43:29,043 but if we landed there we'd lose so much speed, it'd put another year on the mission, so next time. 468 00:43:32,927 --> 00:43:36,920 Generating a magnetic field powerful enough to shield them against the sun, 469 00:43:37,087 --> 00:43:42,844 even at a distance of five millions miles, means diverting power from all non-essential systems. 470 00:43:43,847 --> 00:43:47,635 Centrifuge is offline. 0.5G. 471 00:43:49,047 --> 00:43:52,164 0.3G. Zero G. 472 00:43:59,607 --> 00:44:04,078 - What was the final word on the air-con? - Sorry, we gotta power it down. 473 00:44:09,087 --> 00:44:11,806 (TOM) OK, let's batten down the hatches. 474 00:44:23,327 --> 00:44:25,921 (YVAN) Swing round to the negative X axis. 475 00:44:26,087 --> 00:44:29,079 (NARRATOR) As Pegasus nears the point of closest approach, 476 00:44:29,247 --> 00:44:33,240 she rotates 180 degrees and uses her disk as extra protection. 477 00:44:33,407 --> 00:44:37,116 (TOM) Coming up on 40 degrees. (YVAN) Shadow in 10 seconds. 478 00:44:37,287 --> 00:44:39,562 (NARRATOR) Of all the bodies Pegasus will encounter, 479 00:44:39,727 --> 00:44:41,718 none are more important than the sun. 480 00:44:41,887 --> 00:44:43,878 All life depends on it. 481 00:44:47,327 --> 00:44:49,318 (TOM) We have totality. 482 00:44:50,927 --> 00:44:53,395 Magnetic field is going up. 483 00:45:05,247 --> 00:45:09,399 - Aurora Pegasalis. - (J0HN) 0ur very own northern lights. 484 00:45:13,447 --> 00:45:18,646 (FLIGHT) 0K, this was the last call to abort the fly-by. Let's have your assessments. 485 00:45:18,807 --> 00:45:22,720 We have the final report in - flare activity's expected to remain low 486 00:45:22,887 --> 00:45:26,641 with less than 1% chance of proton events at the closest approach. 487 00:45:26,807 --> 00:45:31,642 Flight, all systems are nominal. Shield temperature is 2,300 degrees. 488 00:45:36,207 --> 00:45:38,596 (SIZZLING) 489 00:45:40,687 --> 00:45:43,485 God said, ''Let there be light.'' 490 00:45:45,847 --> 00:45:49,760 Good luck, guys. It's been a pleasure working with you. 491 00:45:57,807 --> 00:46:01,197 (C0NTINU0US STATIC) 492 00:46:01,367 --> 00:46:04,757 (LL0YD ) They're in the outer atmosphere of the sun. 493 00:46:08,647 --> 00:46:11,366 I'm not hearing them any more, Flight. 494 00:46:12,447 --> 00:46:14,165 Surgeon? 495 00:46:15,567 --> 00:46:18,365 Still getting a strong bio-sensory read-out. 496 00:46:19,447 --> 00:46:21,438 (BLEEPING) 497 00:46:22,887 --> 00:46:26,721 Flight, space assets and ground stations are reporting flare activity. 498 00:46:26,887 --> 00:46:29,082 - Which quadrant? - Checking. 499 00:46:29,247 --> 00:46:32,000 Do they have a class yet? 500 00:46:32,167 --> 00:46:35,159 Predicting...S1 class. 501 00:46:36,647 --> 00:46:38,239 Quadrant? 502 00:46:43,047 --> 00:46:44,844 That's... 503 00:46:45,887 --> 00:46:50,642 ..west. Confirmed. Might disrupt our com a little, that's all. 504 00:46:58,247 --> 00:47:01,239 (MAN) Due to re-acquire signal in three hours. 505 00:47:04,527 --> 00:47:07,519 (C0NTINU0US STATIC) 506 00:47:08,687 --> 00:47:12,475 (STATIC WITH T0M'S V0ICE) 507 00:47:15,007 --> 00:47:19,603 (L0UD STATIC WITH T0M'S V0ICE UNDERNEATH) 508 00:47:23,767 --> 00:47:27,646 Trajectory confirmed. Flight, we need mid-course corrections for Jupiter. 509 00:47:27,807 --> 00:47:30,879 But it's acceptable. 510 00:47:31,047 --> 00:47:33,641 (STATIC C0NTINUES) 511 00:47:38,607 --> 00:47:44,284 (TOM) Our dosimeters are mostly in the green. John Pearson's edged into the amber. 512 00:47:44,447 --> 00:47:48,281 Cameras had a tough time and seven computers shut down. 513 00:47:49,127 --> 00:47:54,918 Even with the hatches down, it felt a little too close for comfort in here...but what a sight! 514 00:47:55,087 --> 00:47:59,205 We saw rivers of plasma beneath the photosphere. 515 00:47:59,687 --> 00:48:04,636 We got an outstanding view of the magnetic loop fields. It was incredible. 516 00:48:13,647 --> 00:48:18,846 We also detected some sun quakes, I guess triggered by that flare to the west. 517 00:48:19,007 --> 00:48:22,317 We're glad to have missed that little piece of weather! 518 00:48:24,807 --> 00:48:28,004 (YVAN) Magnetic field generator offline. 519 00:48:35,167 --> 00:48:38,159 Centrifuges online. 0.2. 520 00:48:39,927 --> 00:48:43,124 0.5...full G. 521 00:48:44,007 --> 00:48:49,035 The sun has accelerated Pegasus towards Jupiter, the biggest planet in the solar system, 522 00:48:49,207 --> 00:48:53,166 seven months and 470 million miles away. 523 00:48:53,327 --> 00:48:56,478 (ALL) # Happy birthday to you 524 00:48:57,127 --> 00:48:59,846 # Happy birthday to you 525 00:49:00,607 --> 00:49:04,282 # Happy birthday, dear John 526 00:49:04,447 --> 00:49:08,156 # Happy birthday to you # 527 00:49:08,327 --> 00:49:10,045 (CHEERING) 528 00:49:11,887 --> 00:49:18,725 I thought it was just a shaving rash, but it's been around for, what, two weeks. 529 00:49:20,127 --> 00:49:21,845 Eczema. 530 00:49:24,767 --> 00:49:29,761 Before reaching Jupiter, Pegasus has to run the gauntlet of the Asteroid Belt - 531 00:49:30,687 --> 00:49:34,236 over a million rocks, some the size of small moons. 532 00:49:35,487 --> 00:49:39,526 Most are uncharted and any one of them could end the mission. 533 00:49:39,687 --> 00:49:42,884 (KLAX0N BLARES) 534 00:49:51,607 --> 00:49:53,199 55 minutes. 535 00:49:53,367 --> 00:49:56,165 - Do we need a correction? - Yvan's running the numbers. 536 00:49:56,327 --> 00:49:59,319 - What did Control say? - We'll know in 38 minutes. 537 00:49:59,487 --> 00:50:02,684 - How big is it? - 224 billion tons. 538 00:50:02,847 --> 00:50:04,963 It's gonna pass within one kilometre. 539 00:50:06,167 --> 00:50:09,716 - Sounds like a course correction. - Let's see what Control say. 540 00:50:09,887 --> 00:50:13,402 Closest approach is 10km. That's a completely reliable figure. 541 00:50:13,567 --> 00:50:17,765 - Why the discrepancy? - The alarm initiated after two locks on the target. 542 00:50:17,927 --> 00:50:24,082 Not enough for a reliable projection. We based ours on more data than they've got up there. 543 00:50:24,247 --> 00:50:28,798 They get a fantastic fly-by and we can steal some more science. 544 00:50:28,967 --> 00:50:32,880 Consider the psychological effects of throwing a close fly-by at them. 545 00:50:33,047 --> 00:50:38,041 - They've done this a thousand times in sims! - We need to get back to them, Flight. 546 00:50:43,407 --> 00:50:45,398 Tell them to maintain course. 547 00:50:49,927 --> 00:50:56,560 Pegasus Control, we've got a ''no trajectory change'' on that alarm. Repeat ''no change''. 548 00:50:59,687 --> 00:51:04,078 We've got a ''no trajectory change'' on that alarm. Repeat ''no...'' 549 00:51:04,247 --> 00:51:07,205 (RHYTHMIC BLEEPING) 550 00:51:10,207 --> 00:51:12,926 (NINA) Got it. (J0HN) It's a binary. 551 00:51:13,087 --> 00:51:17,285 (Z0Ë) How close is it gonna pass? (YVAN) Main body, 4km long... 552 00:51:17,447 --> 00:51:19,915 - How close? Yvan? - 0ne kilometre. 553 00:51:20,087 --> 00:51:23,363 - (YVAN SPEAKS RUSSIAN) - Who says 10km, then? 554 00:51:23,527 --> 00:51:27,520 - They've got more data. - They're not staring at it in the face! 555 00:51:27,687 --> 00:51:31,157 - Have we got time to run another simulation? - (T0M) No! 556 00:51:32,487 --> 00:51:35,285 - Aren't we gonna discuss this? - We just did. 557 00:51:35,447 --> 00:51:37,517 (BLEEPING INTENSIFIES) 558 00:51:40,727 --> 00:51:43,480 (RAPID BLEEPS) 559 00:51:46,927 --> 00:51:49,760 (RAPID BLEEPS) 560 00:51:55,607 --> 00:51:58,405 - (BLEEPING INTENSIFIES) - Here they come. 561 00:52:05,407 --> 00:52:09,195 (YVAN) Better go out and check the paintwork! (J0HN) Are we insured? 562 00:52:09,367 --> 00:52:13,838 (Z0Ë) Let's switch the com off for half an hour. Let THEM sweat! 563 00:52:14,007 --> 00:52:18,080 - (W0MAN) 15 kilometres...5 kilometres! - (HUSHED GASPS) 564 00:52:19,167 --> 00:52:21,965 I'll be damned. 920 metres. 565 00:52:24,527 --> 00:52:28,645 - Would that be a completely reliable figure (?) - (SH0CKED MURMURS) 566 00:52:48,887 --> 00:52:52,118 Thank you for the fly-by. We got a good view. 567 00:52:53,047 --> 00:52:57,006 - Incroyable! - It was a C type binary. 568 00:52:57,167 --> 00:53:01,922 We've named the twins Hubris and Catastrophe. Let's hope they never head YOUR way. 569 00:53:10,087 --> 00:53:11,839 (NINA) Airlock door is open. 570 00:53:12,007 --> 00:53:13,804 (NARRATOR) This far from the sun, 571 00:53:13,967 --> 00:53:17,960 the solar panels on Pegasus become useless and need to be jettisoned. 572 00:53:18,127 --> 00:53:23,042 One has jammed and the crew will have to release it manually. 573 00:53:23,207 --> 00:53:27,678 - (T0M) I've got a visual on you, Nina. - It's so nice to stretch my legsI 574 00:53:27,847 --> 00:53:32,967 - I was starting to feel like a sardine. - We need to check for meteorite damage. 575 00:53:33,607 --> 00:53:36,679 (YVAN) Hey, it's dark out here. 576 00:53:37,967 --> 00:53:42,563 - Bloody tools! - (NINA) Let me help. It's probably the battery. 577 00:53:42,727 --> 00:53:44,524 Stand by. 578 00:53:45,967 --> 00:53:50,324 (YVAN) I've got some meteorite impact from our transit through the Asteroid Belt. 579 00:53:52,367 --> 00:53:56,076 - (NINA) This is the last retention pin. - Release. 580 00:54:03,567 --> 00:54:06,957 (NINA) I feel like we're pulling the wings off a butterfly. 581 00:54:07,127 --> 00:54:10,517 (YVAN) Dead weight. They've done their job. 582 00:54:18,527 --> 00:54:22,520 (ZOË) We are 22 million miles from Jupiter. She's visible with the naked eye. 583 00:54:22,687 --> 00:54:26,475 You can see cloud bands, but her magnetic field is way bigger. 584 00:54:26,647 --> 00:54:30,799 Yvan, how big is Jupiter's magnetic field? 585 00:54:30,967 --> 00:54:36,325 It's the largest object in the solar system. Bigger than the sun. Stretches all the way to Saturn. 586 00:54:36,487 --> 00:54:38,478 Why is it so dangerous? 587 00:54:38,647 --> 00:54:42,606 Any charged particles that get trapped in a magnetic field like that 588 00:54:42,767 --> 00:54:44,758 get accelerated to lethal speeds. 589 00:54:45,487 --> 00:54:48,957 Someone wants to know, is it true you can hear Jupiter? 590 00:54:49,127 --> 00:54:51,357 Yeah, it gives out radio waves. 591 00:54:51,527 --> 00:54:54,917 (RHYTHMIC WH00SHING) 592 00:54:55,087 --> 00:54:56,918 Jupiter FM. 593 00:54:57,087 --> 00:54:59,078 Music while you cook. 594 00:54:59,247 --> 00:55:01,442 (WH00SHING) 595 00:55:01,607 --> 00:55:03,802 (V0LUME INCREASES) 596 00:55:06,647 --> 00:55:08,638 (J0HN PANTING) 597 00:55:10,167 --> 00:55:13,159 (BREATHLESS PANTING) 598 00:55:17,407 --> 00:55:22,322 The radiation isn't as strong as the sun's, but they'll be exposed a lot longer 599 00:55:22,487 --> 00:55:25,206 so they'll need their magnetic shield again. 600 00:55:25,367 --> 00:55:28,837 (INTERVIEWER) Could you expand on that? How dangerous is it? 601 00:55:29,007 --> 00:55:32,522 I'll feel a lot better when they're on their way to Saturn. 602 00:55:42,527 --> 00:55:46,361 (NARRATOR) Pegasus is approaching Jupiter at 80km per second. 603 00:55:46,527 --> 00:55:51,760 To begin the slowdown into orbit, she turns her disk to Jupiter and fires her main engines. 604 00:55:52,847 --> 00:55:57,045 To complete the brake, Pegasus will crash into Jupiter's upper atmosphere, 605 00:55:57,207 --> 00:55:59,641 using friction to slow down. 606 00:56:03,527 --> 00:56:05,518 (TOM) We have ignition. 607 00:56:10,087 --> 00:56:15,161 The G forces during this manoeuvre represent the greatest physical stress for the astronauts 608 00:56:15,327 --> 00:56:18,364 and formed the most critical part of their training. 609 00:56:18,527 --> 00:56:20,677 (J0HN) G suits to inflate. 610 00:56:20,847 --> 00:56:26,240 Slowing down to Jupiter orbit is the most stress we'll get in the whole six years. 611 00:56:27,287 --> 00:56:30,643 We've got a bet going for who passes out last. 612 00:56:30,807 --> 00:56:33,605 (HIGH-PITCHED WHIRRING) 613 00:56:44,007 --> 00:56:45,804 How you doing? 614 00:56:56,527 --> 00:57:00,122 (J0HN) Tom's been disqualified. He's taught himself this little trick. 615 00:57:00,287 --> 00:57:03,120 He can faint with his eyes open. 616 00:57:05,447 --> 00:57:08,041 It took us a while to work out how he took 15Gs. 617 00:57:10,687 --> 00:57:13,884 Pegasus, you're due to enter Jovian atmosphere in two minutes. 618 00:57:14,487 --> 00:57:18,685 Looking at a maximum of 8G. Good luck, guys. 619 00:57:22,327 --> 00:57:24,124 (TOM) 0.5G. 620 00:57:25,287 --> 00:57:26,640 1G. 621 00:57:28,887 --> 00:57:30,878 2G. 622 00:57:38,087 --> 00:57:42,444 (YVAN) Going into free-flow position. That's a continuing flow. 623 00:57:42,607 --> 00:57:44,757 - (C0UGHS) - Still rising. 624 00:57:45,727 --> 00:57:47,524 4G. 625 00:57:47,687 --> 00:57:50,759 Pressure rising. 626 00:57:56,407 --> 00:57:58,967 This isn't right! 627 00:58:01,127 --> 00:58:04,403 (TOM) 7G. 628 00:58:06,207 --> 00:58:08,562 8G. 629 00:58:10,007 --> 00:58:13,079 - 9GI - That's impossible! 630 00:58:15,727 --> 00:58:17,126 We're losing the shields.