Once Upon a Time in Space

In 1996, NASA unveils its largest-ever team of astronauts: 44 individuals tasked with the colossal undertaking of building the International Space Station, piece by piece, in orbit. While the ISS is a symbol of global unity, its financial demands are straining Russia's already struggling economy. Russia's own beloved Mir space station is paying the price. Facing the high cost of maintenance, Mir's days are numbered - unless money can be found to save it.

With astronauts from over 14 different countries sharing their experiences - and the same spectacular view of Earth - aboard the ISS, a special sense of belonging and connection develops for many aboard the ISS. With the Space Shuttle program finally closing down, America must pay the Russians for seats on their Soyuz rockets in order to send their astronauts to the ISS. But after Russia annexes Crimea in 2014, and then launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, serious questions are being asked about the morality of collaborating with Putin's Russia on any new space project, with the ISS journeying towards the end of its life.