Celebrating the Lasting Legacy of the International Space Station (ISS), NOVA presents a two-part exploration titled Operation Space Station, airing on November 5 and November 12, 2025. This captivating documentary, produced by Blink Films for GBH in collaboration with France Télévisions, is crafted by Oscar-winning writer and director Oscar Chan. The film utilizes cinematic recreations and advanced CGI, paired with over a quarter-century of NASA archival footage, to narrate the comprehensive story of this extraordinary human achievement.
The official description highlights that Operation Space Station offers an immersive experience, allowing viewers to step inside the cramped modules and embark on spacewalks. This documentary vividly captures the claustrophobia, wonder, and split-second decisions that define life aboard humanity's most remote outpost. According to Chris Schmidt, NOVA's Co-Executive Producer, “What's remarkable about the stories that 'Operation Space Station' tells is the way they remind us that the potential for disaster is a constant companion for the astronauts. Time and again, through innovative ideas and productive collaboration, they averted disaster." Over 25 years of continuous habitation aboard the ISS has resulted in a remarkable record: not a single life has been lost, showcasing the courage and dedication of every astronaut and engineer involved.
The film is described as comprehensive, emotional, and cinematic, offering a genuine inside look at how humanity can thrive under extreme conditions. The first chapter, titled High-Risk Build, delves into the construction process of the ISS and reflects on the astounding engineering achievement it represents. As outlined in NOVA's synopsis, every step of this ambitious project was conducted against the backdrop of a merciless vacuum, dangerous radiation, and extreme temperatures, showcasing the remarkable resilience of those involved.
The second chapter, Science and Survival, brings to light the unexpected challenges that the crew faced once the ISS was complete. Astronauts share harrowing memories of danger and heroism, including the incident where astronaut Luca Parmitano's helmet filled with water during a spacewalk and a software glitch that caused the entire station to spin out of control. These stories not only highlight the technical difficulties encountered but also emphasize the human spirit's capacity to tackle seemingly impossible problems.
Beyond exploring its past and present, the docuseries casts a gaze toward the ISS's future, which is set to conclude in 2030 when it will be de-orbited into the Pacific Ocean. Executive Producer Dan Chambers notes, “When you see the challenges that these astronauts had to overcome, you realize how thin the margin for error really is.” The documentary captures more than just technical failures; it showcases individuals solving complex issues in one of the harshest environments known to humanity, utilizing physics, chemistry, and sheer willpower.
Operation Space Station serves as a powerful reminder of human ingenuity and the indomitable spirit of exploration. By blending cutting-edge technology with real-life accounts, NOVA invites viewers to appreciate the extraordinary journey of the ISS and the dedicated individuals who have made it a beacon of hope and knowledge for future generations.
