In this installment of our award-winning documentary series, we take a look at the future of space travel and the Bay Area's critical role in sending man to the moon.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, we take you onboard the USS Hornet, now berthed in Alameda. In 1969, the Hornet was asssigned to recover the three astronauts, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin. Hear stories from the sailors that took part in Apollo 11's splashdown, including the rigorous training they underwent and how the crew was forced to change course hours before the splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.



Before Apollo, before Silicon Valley, there was NASA Ames. In the 1950s, Ames' researchers made an historic breakthrough which was key to bringing astronauts and cargo safely back to earth. Also, learn about the history of Ames through the stories of one of its oldest employees, 94-year-old Jack Boyd.



Former NASA astronauts Steve Smith, Tammy Jernigan and Jeff Wisoff share stories of their missions. From spacewalking to going to the bathroom, the astronauts share their most memorable moments, what was hardest thing to do in space and what earth looks like from space.

This episode also features NASA Ames Center Director Eugene Tu, SETI co-founder Jill Tarter, SETI scientist Nathalie Cabrol and historian Bob Fish.



"Bay Area Revelations: Exploring Space" debuts Saturday, July 20 at 8 p.m.. An encore presentation airs Sunday, July 21 at 3 p.m..