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A Rising Star ?

Old 27th January 2026 | 09:54
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From: Biffins Bridge
A Rising Star ?

I do the occasional STEM lecture on Space / Astronomy (if you are in the West Country, PM me for details of my next gig in February). As there was little else worth watching on tv, I caught "Mission To Space" with Francis Bourgeois. I have worked on preserved steam and diesel lines so have come across his train videos on YouTube. He is an interesting character who is undoubtedly on the spectrum as they say, but to an extent where the JWST would have difficulty in capturing an image. It's quite something to get excited to the point of tears when a train appears.

With that in mind, I started watching his programme on Channel 4 with some trepidation. It was an absolute belter ! Francis' approach to investigating the mechanics and properties of space hardware drew some odd expressions, take note of the facial reactions of his hosts however his obvious deep intelligence and utter fascination of the world around him is highly infectious.

Well done to all who helped him including the legend that is Tim Peake. I think we have a new talent in town, go for it Francis !

Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois; Skyscraper Live; Confessions Of A Killer | Critics | Broadcast
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Old 27th January 2026 | 10:01
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It's on my watch list.
Also, last night I caught an old Horizon program first broadcast in 1966 about the Gemini missions and the plans for the Apollo/Saturn V. Frank Boreman featured heavily. Still available on the iPlayer, BBC4
http://Man in Space: www.bbc.co.uk/i...ia @bbciplayer
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Old 27th January 2026 | 11:28
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From: Biffins Bridge
One of my STEM talks is about Apollo 8 where Frank Borman was rather unwell. The poor chap was violently ill from both ends simultaneously which caused Lovell and Anders to chase around the inside of the capsule to recover what was floating freely.

I'm covering Artemis 2 in a short talk tomorrow night where I'll describe the differences between it and Apollo 8. The props will include the globe from my primary school classroom that was there during the Apollo missions, a chocolate orange and a surprisingly long length of paracord. That moon up there is very small and very far away, some 9.6 times the circumference of the earth by distance and the Sahara in terms of size.

You will enjoy the programme, keep an eye on the facial expressions of Francis' hosts. One or two YouTube videos will prepare you. He's a smashing kid, just a bit more enthusiastic than most shall we say. I hope the programme leads to greater things.

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Old 27th January 2026 | 11:44
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My daughters (20s now) still think the guy is an absolute legend and I am inclined to agree
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Old 27th January 2026 | 21:24
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Originally Posted by MostlyHarmless
My daughters (20s now) still think the guy is an absolute legend and I am inclined to agree
Seen him a couple of times and, for sure, your user name suits him perfectly, nevertheless not entirely convinced, however, given the OP...
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