posted 09-13-2005 01:53 PM
There were two good programs on UK BBC-4 channel last night. I stumbled across them late last night after channel hopping!They may well have been on either BBC-2 or BBC-1 in the not too distant past but they were both good.
The first one was a kind of documentary that looked at the exploration of the solar system by unmanned space probes (Luna. Pioneers, Vikings, Voyagers and so on)
The BBC then linked in video extracts taken from their Space Odyssey docu-drama of the planet under scrutiny by the real robotic craft (eg Viking on Mars with Space Oddessey video).
The othe program paid homage to Britain's role as the third Space Race competitor that 'fizzled' out due to lack of government initaitive and funding. Vieweres were presented with extracts from old films of the development of the RR RZ2 engines, the Blue Streak missile, Black Arrow and its satellite, views of Spadeadam and the Isle of Wight engine/missile test stands.
There were several interview with ex-engineers from Blue Streak, Black Arrow and RZ2 development.
Phill
spaceuk