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"Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois" is a two-part Channel 4 documentary that follows Francis through high-G-force training and zero-gravity tests, under the guidance of British astronaut Tim Peake.
Francis built a following around trainspotting, and this series applies that same unfiltered enthusiasm to astronaut preparation.
Read on for how to watch “Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois” from anywhere with a VPN, plus how to catch up for free on Channel 4 in the UK.
"Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois" is a two-part series on Channel 4.
• WATCH FREE — Channel 4 (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
This documentary tracks a childhood ambition rather than a celebrity publicity exercise. Francis spent his early years at the Science Museum in London, fixated on the Apollo 10 command module. As an engineering graduate, he views trains and rockets as connected obsessions within the same discipline.
The series begins when Francis posts a TikTok appeal for help pursuing astronaut training. Tim Peake responds, setting the whole process in motion.
The show delivers on its physical testing premise. Francis faces a punishing centrifuge session that leaves him unconscious. There's a personal layer, too, with appearances from his girlfriend, Amy, and his therapist, all under Stephen Fry's narration.
Below, I’ll guide you through where it’s streaming, and how a VPN can help you keep watching while you’re abroad.
Watch 'Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois' in the U.K.
Watch 'Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois' from anywhere
If you’re travelling and your usual streaming apps are blocked, a VPN (virtual private network) can help by routing your connection through another country, allowing you to use your existing services as you normally would.
We’ve tested many VPNs, and NordVPN is a strong all-rounder for streaming due to its fast speeds, wide device support, and reliable geo-unblocking. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without making a long-term commitment.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favourite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.S. and want to view a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and watch. Open your streaming service and sign in as normal.
Watch 'Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois' in the U.S.
There is currently no confirmed US platform for "Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois", and it is not listed on major American streaming services at the time of writing.
If you are a UK viewer travelling in the US, you can access Channel 4 as usual by using a VPN like NordVPN to connect to the UK, then streaming via the Channel 4 website or app with your free account.
Watch 'Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois' in Canada
"Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois' currently has no confirmed Canadian broadcaster or streaming service, based on the available information.
If you’re a UK subscriber travelling in Canada, a VPN like NordVPN set to the UK can let you stream Channel 4 with your existing login.
Watch 'Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois' in Australia
There’s no confirmed Australian streaming service for "Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois" yet.
If you’re travelling outside the UK and want to watch via Channel 4, using a VPN like NordVPN connected to a UK server is the usual solution, then stream through the Channel 4 website or app.
'Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois' — episode guide
- Episode 1 (Jan 25, 2026): Francis begins his training journey and faces extreme G-force testing.
- Episode 2 (Feb 1, 2026): The training becomes more personal, with isolation-style challenges, as he rethinks what he really wants from the dream.
'Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois' — FAQs
Is Francis Bourgeois actually going to space?
No, the two-part series centres on his attempt to complete the demanding astronaut training programme required for commercial spaceflight. While he seeks a place on a future mission, the documentary concludes by examining whether he has "what it takes" after facing the physical and mental toll of the tests.
How many episodes are there?
The programme is a two-part documentary special. Both episodes are approximately 47 minutes long.
Who is the narrator?
The series is narrated by Sir Stephen Fry, whose voice guides viewers through Francis's "unlikely odyssey".
Is there a Season 2 planned?
As of late January 2026, Channel 4 has yet to announce a second season. The programme was produced as a self-contained two-part special.
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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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