Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois Press pack

Trainspotter Francis Bourgeois chases a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut in this heartfelt and surprising space mission. Francis is not your typical astronaut candidate. A viral sensation known for his joyful trainspotting videos, Francis has captured the hearts of millions with his childlike enthusiasm and love for all things mechanical. But long before he fell for locomotives, Francis had another love: space. 

Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois airs Sun 25 Jan and Sun 1 Feb at 18:50 on Channel 4.

PRESS PACK CONTENTS

• PREVIEW – If you want to watch the show please email Harpreet Gill hgill@channel4.co.uk
• IMAGES – https://mediaassets.channel4.com/share/4F0C397D-10D2-41CF-B655009F5474A3E0/
• INTERVIEW WITH FRANCIS –  Below
• BILLINGS – Below
• CLIPS –  Below
• CREDIT – Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois airs Sun 25 Jan and Sun 1 Feb at 18:50 on Channel 4

BILLINGS

Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois Ep 1 – Airs on Sun 25 Jan at 18:50 on Channel 4

Trainspotter Francis Bourgeois chases a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut in this heartfelt and surprising space mission. Francis is not your typical astronaut candidate. A viral sensation known for his joyful trainspotting videos, Francis has captured the hearts of millions with his childlike enthusiasm and love for all things mechanical. But long before he fell for locomotives, Francis had another love: space. In this special two-part series, Francis leaves his comfort zone behind as he endures g-force training under the guidance of British astronaut Tim Peake. He then travels to the USA to pursue a place on Axiom Space's astronaut training programme, where he undertakes a demanding and deeply personal test of his physical and mental limits. Francis reveals his space dream to his girlfriend Amy as he launches a TikTok callout for help. After experiencing real astronaut g-forces in a human centrifuge, the reality of training proves far tougher than Francis expected. Determined not to give up, he begins to train like a real astronaut.

Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois Ep 2 – Airs on Sun 1 Feb at 18:50 on Channel 4

Francis Bourgeois has always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. But as training intensifies, the true cost of chasing that dream begins to reveal itself. At a cutting-edge space medicine centre, Francis must deal with simulated astronaut emergencies. He experiences isolation training that mirrors the loneliness of the Moon, and contemplates whether his desire to go further is really worth it. These aren’t just tests of strength – they’re tests of self. A surprise detour reignites his original passion for engineering - Visiting Union Pacific’s legendary Big Boy, the world’s largest steam locomotive, and witnessing a hot fire rocket engine test. Francis reconnects with the curiosity and love of machines that first fuelled his journey. But when an unexpected offer comes his way, Francis is faced with the most daunting question yet: does he really want to go further… or has he already gone too far?

CLIPS

Episode 1 clips 

1. Pre-titles (2mins 22 secs)

Play video

2. Story set up – can a trainspotter become an astronaut? (1min 29 secs)
3. Are there tall astronauts? (26 secs)
4. Tik Tok Tim Peake (1min 34 secs)
5. Hyperbaric chamber (1min 15 secs)
6. Karaoke & Stephen Fry Outro (2mins 25 sec)

Episode 2 clips

1. Pre-Titles (1min 35secs)

2. Rocket Engine Launch (1min 21 secs)