"Once Upon A Time in Space" documents the period from the 1980s through to the collapse of the Soviet Union and up to the modern day as humanity's interest in space exploration plays second fiddle to international global political concerns. That includes space shuttles, space stations and new nations emerging to stake a claim as the new frontier reopens for business...
Here's how to watch "Once Upon A Time in Space" online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for FREE
"Once Upon A Time in Space" will premiere on BBC Two at 9 p.m. GMT on Monday, October 27. It will also be available on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast.
• WATCH FREE — BBC Two / BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
This detailed four part look at the recent past bills itself as a glimpse into where we might be heading with billionaires developing space tourism for the uber-wealthy and huge new era superpowers like China and India entering a twenty first century 'Space Race'.
But what lessons are there to be learned from the early Space Shuttle program in the US (and the 'Challenger' disaster)? How did co-operation develop between American and Russian astronauts on the 'Mir' space station after the collapse of the Soviet Union and how close was a fire onboard to bringing that to a premature end?
What role does the International Space Station now play in the global space explortaion and the collaboration between nations? The documentary promises "rare archive footage, present-day visuals and testimony from astronauts, scientists, engineers, billionaires and dreamers" to help answer all those questions.
Read on for those year's nominees and to find out how to watch the "Once Upon A Time in Space" online, on TV and from anywhere.
How to watch 'Once Upon A Time in Space' for FREE in the U.K.
How to watch "Once Upon A Time in Space" from abroad
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "Once Upon A Time in Space" should be available to Brits no matter where they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you find yourself. Our favorite is NordVPN.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're away from the U.K. and want to view a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and watch the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch the "Once Upon A Time in Space" online and on-demand.
How to watch "Once Upon A Time in Space" around the world
Can I watch the 'Once Upon A Time in Space' in the United States?
Unfortunately, "Once Upon A Time in Space" is not available to stream in the U.S.. If that changes you'll find out here first.
However, if you are a Brit in the States for work or on vacation you can catch the show for free much earlier by using a VPN such as NordVPN, choosing U.K. from the list and selecting BBC iPlayer.
How to watch the 'Once Upon A Time in Space' online and on-demand in the U.K.
"Once Upon A Time in Space" will air on BBC Two at 9 p.m. GMT on Monday, October 27. It will also be available on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast.
And, you don't have to miss it if you a Brit exiled abroad because you can unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
Can I watch the 'Once Upon A Time in Space' online or on TV in Canada?
As with the U.S., "Once Upon A Time in Space" is not available to stream in Canada but we're keeping an eye on the situation.
However, if you are a Brit in the Great White North for work or on vacation you can catch the show on your own domestic streaming platform by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
Can I watch 'Once Upon A Time in Space' online in Australia?
At the time of writing there has been no announcement about if or where "Once Upon A Time in Space" will be broadcast in Australia. If that changes you'll read about it here first.
However, if you are a Brit working or on vacation Down Under and you want to catch the show on the BBC you can do so by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
How to watch 'Once Upon A Time in Space' online in New Zealand?
There has been no announcement of a broadcast or streaming partner for "Once Upon A Time in Space" in New Zealand but that should change. Check back for details.
Don't forget, if you are a Brit in NZ for work or vacation you can catch the show on BBC iPlayer by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
'Once Upon A Time in Space' - Need to Know
'Once Upon A Time in Space' - Contributors
- Anna Lee Fisher - NASA astronaut
- Kristin Fisher - Journalist
- And a host of other astronauts, scientists, engineers and billionaires TBA
'Once Upon A Time in Space' - Episode Guide
Season 01 Episode 01: "America First" - In the 1970s, America looks to its state-of-the-art, reusable Space Shuttle to reinvigorate its national space programme and meet the country’s military and commercial demands. For the first time, aspiring astronauts of all genders and racial backgrounds have been encouraged to apply. But in 1986, tragedy strikes when Space Shuttle Challenger explodes shortly after launch, killing all seven astronauts on board. This is the story of the early Space Shuttle program, using immersive interviews with astronauts and their families reveal how they battled segregation, sexism and hard-wired prejudices to secure a ride to space.
S01 E02: "The Russian Thing" - After the fall of the Soviet Union, a crown jewel of communism still survives: the Soviet space station, Mir, a final outpost of a fallen empire. But the country’s space program is fighting for survival, and the US government is concerned that Russian rocket scientists, with their valuable nuclear knowledge, might be recruited by 'rogue states'. America responds to this situation with the Shuttle-Mir Programme: US astronauts train in Russia and live aboard Mir for months at a time. The partnership funnels vital funds to the Russian space agency while giving NASA the long-duration flight experience it needs. But a perilous fire threatens everyone on board, and the crew faces an even greater crisis when a cargo ship collides with Mir, sending it tumbling out of control. Featuring unseen personal archive footage that offers a rare glimpse inside Russia’s Star City, this is an unprecedented look at the nascent co-operation between two superpowers.
S01 E03: "Politics Always Wins" - 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.
S01 E04: "Friends Forever" - 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 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.
How many people have actually been in space to date?
Different bodies have different definitions of "space" (usually either 80km or 100km above Earth) so the number varies but the approximate total of people to have ventured there since Yuri Gagarin 1961 is between 642 and 676.
What else can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
Lots – including "Strictly Come Dancing", "Riot Women", "Mr Nobody Against Putin", "Tár" and plenty more.
More from Tom's Guide
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