Part 1 of a three-part history of the space race. First up: America's struggle to catch up with the Soviet Union and the enormous stakes in the quest to reach the moon. Included: the breathtaking failures and successes of the developing U.S. space program.

Part 2 of 3 details what it took to beat the Soviet Union to the moon in the space race. In the turbulent and troubled '60s, the U.S. space program faced tragedy with Apollo 1, but made a triumphant comeback with Apollo 8.

Conclusion. The triumph of the first moon landing, witnessed by the largest TV audience in history. But dreams of space dramatically intersect with dreams of democracy, raising questions of national priorities and national identity.