An Eagle is launched to reconnoiter a promising planet which the Moonbase Alpha crew has dubbed “Terra Nova” – new Earth. The two men aboard the ship return with good news – they’ve found a planet with an Earthlike atmosphere and almost unlimited resources – but just as they make their final approach back to the moon, an electrical discharge envelops the Eagle, incapacitating the crew. The ship is still brought in for a safe landing, with the crew alive but unconscious – and carrying an extra passenger who Dr. Russell says is her husband, missing and presumed dead after his last space mission ended in disaster five years ago. Though he is breathing and seems to be alive, none of the medical instruments indicate life signs. Commander Koenig decides to postpone any further visits to Terra Nova, let alone any colonization operations, until the mystery of Russell’s husband. When the long-lost astronaut awakens, Helena tells him of Koenig’s plans to colonize Terra Nova – and then he lashes out at her with the same energy that almost brought the Eagle down.
written by Art Wallace & Johnny Byrne
directed by Charles Crichton
music by Barry Gray
additional music by Vic ElmsGuest Cast: Richard Johnson (Lee Russell), Prentis Hancock (Paul Morrow), Clifton Jones (David Kano), Zienia Merton (Sandra Benes), Anton Phillips (Dr. Mathias), Nick Tate (Alan Carter), Stuart Damon (Parks)
LogBook entry by Earl Green