Once Upon a Time in Space

S01E03 Politics Always Wins

In 1996, NASA introduces its most extensive astronaut team yet, consisting of 44 members dedicated to the monumental project of assembling the International Space Station in orbit, one module at a time. Although the ISS represents a beacon of international collaboration, the financial burden is taking a toll on Russia's faltering economy. The nation's cherished Mir space station is suffering as a result. With maintenance costs escalating, Mir's future hangs in the balance unless funding can be secured to preserve it.