Once Upon a Time in Space

Once Upon a Time in Space will tell the human story of space exploration using unique, unexpected archive, present-day footage and first-hand testimony from around the world.

On the 14 December 1972, Eugene Cernan became the eleventh person to walk on the Moon. Leaving the lunar surface, he proclaimed, ‘We shall return'. These remain the last words to have been spoken on the Moon. In the decades since, the moon has become alien once again to direct human contact. However, that's all about to change.

Humans are once again looking up and heading out, back into space… and we're taking our power struggles with us. China, Russia, America, India, Saudi Arabia and Japan are all investing heavily in lunar exploration, jostling for power and influence amongst the stars. A new Space Race has begun.

The series will connect the past with the present and examine what the consequences are for the future of humankind as we once again head into space. It will hear compelling new testimony from pioneering astronauts, visionary scientists, remarkable engineers, daring space tourists, maverick billionaires, romantic dreamers and astro-theorists spellbound by the wonder of possibility.

Show Info

Web channel: United Kingdom BBC iPlayer (2025 - now)
Average Runtime: 61 minutes
Status: Running
Show Type: Documentary
Episodes ordered: 4 episodes

Official site: www.bbc.co.uk

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Previous Episode

Friends Forever

Episode 1x04; Oct 27, 2025

Far from their home planet, the astronauts aboard the ISS face the emotional realities of isolation, while their relationships are tested when war breaks out on Earth.

Previous Episodes

Episode NameAirdateTrailer
1x04: Friends ForeverOct 27, 2025
1x03: Politics Always WinsOct 27, 2025
1x02: The Russian ThingOct 27, 2025
View full episode list »

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