When did the documentary James May on the Moon first air?
The documentary James May on the Moon first aired on BBC Two on the 21st of June 2009. It later appeared on BBC America in the United States on the 10th of November 2009.
Questions about James May on the Moon
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who are the three astronauts interviewed in James May on the Moon?
James May conducted interviews with Harrison Schmitt, Alan Bean, and Charlie Duke to discuss their experiences walking on the moon. These conversations formed the core human element of the program by providing direct testimony from those who had traveled beyond our atmosphere.
What physical training did James May undergo for his space journey?
May underwent physical training designed to simulate weightlessness and G-forces similar to a Saturn V rocket launch. The process required him to endure significant physical stress to bridge the gap between modern viewers and historical astronauts.
Which aircraft carried James May high into the stratosphere during the filming?
A Lockheed U-2 spy plane carried May high into the stratosphere with instructor pilot Major John Cabigas. This specific aircraft allowed access to heights unreachable by commercial jets while offering a unique perspective on the boundary between sky and space.
What is the title of the prequel series documenting James May's preparation?
The preparation for the high-altitude flight appeared in a separate BBC Four documentary series titled James May at the Edge of Space. That series documented the steps taken before the actual U-2 flight occurred and provided context for the main event seen in the primary documentary.