Rocket Man: NASA's Welsh Hero
Marking 50 years since the first moon landing, comedian Tudur Owen tells the remarkable story of Tecwyn Roberts - a Welshman who was instrumental in the Apollo missions at NASA.
In this special programme, marking 50 years since the first moon landing, comedian Tudur Owen tells the remarkable story of Tecwyn Roberts - a Welshman who was instrumental in the Apollo missions at NASA. From Anglesey to America, we hear just how important Tecwyn鈥檚 work was in getting man to the moon. Tudur visits the homes and gets exclusive interviews with three of NASA鈥檚 finest engineering legends that worked by Tecwyn鈥檚 side, who are as keen as Tudur in getting Tecwyn the recognition he deserves.
We learn how the young Tecwyn left Anglesey for a life of adventure, crossing the Atlantic for a new life in North America where he worked as an aeronautical engineer. He went on to become the first Flight Dynamics Officer (FIDO) at NASA, before designing the iconic Mission Control in Houston, and the Deep Space Communication Network that made the moon missions possibile. According to his contemporaries, NASA would not have succeeded if it wasn鈥檛 for Tecwyn Roberts.
Despite his life in the States and dedication to the job, Roberts never forgot his roots and came back to visit Wales a few times before his death in 1988. On his gravestone a Welsh dragon and the words 鈥楻haid I mi Ddweud Ffarwel鈥� I must say Farewell鈥�.
This documentary features extraordinary, remastered NASA archive film from the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing one of mankind鈥檚 finest achievements.
Last on
Clips
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The Deep Space Communication Network
Duration: 01:56
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Rocket Man: NASA's Welsh Hero - Trailer
Duration: 00:30
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Director | Mei Williams |
| Producer | Gwenllian Hughes |
Broadcasts
Featured in...
The Race for Space
A collection of programmes celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.