While working as the Washington producer for the legendary MacNeil/Lehrer Report, Jo Franklin became frustrated by the coverage of Space events and she set out to make a difference. The result was an epic 4 part PBS special series backed by a grant from Boeing called “The Great Space Race.”
For many years this four hour set of videos had been a high volume seller at the National Air and Space Museum and now Ms. Franklin is considering adding an updated 5th part covering the exciting latest developments in the Space Industry.
The original four part series is available for purchase directly from Sea Castle Films and Ms. Franklin has generously agreed to allow The Space Studies Institute to show on our YouTube Channel Part 4 “The Next Civilization” featuring Gerard K. O’Neill, Freeman Dyson and many other SSI friends and alumni.
With all of the revolutionary achievements coming out of NewSpace – and MatureSpace – these days it would be great to see an in depth update to this classic series. We encourage you to watch this excellent video and please give it a thumbs up to show your interest in the project.
For information on ordering the complete original series or individual hours Ms. Franklin offers that you can contact Seacastlefilms AT gmail.com.

News and reviews of the original release of Jo Franklin’s The Great Space Race:
The Philadelphia Inquirer May 1986 via Philly.com. Pbs Series Plumbs The Depths Of Space
United Press International. Exploring the great space race
Los Angeles Times. ‘The Great Space Race’: A Brand-new Ballgame