The first two series of the iconic 1950s science fiction trilogy, set in the unimaginably far-flung future of the late 20th century

Written by veteran radio producer Charles Chilton, Journey into Space kept Light Programme listeners enraptured between 1953 and 1958. Almost eight million people tuned in to the interstellar adventures of Jet Morgan and his intrepid crew, making it the last UK radio drama serial to beat television in the ratings. This audio collection contains the complete Series 1 and 2 of the groundbreaking trilogy, complete with extra-terrestrial sound effects and atmospheric music.

Operation Luna – It’s 1965, and with the world watching, the rocket ship Luna blasts off for the Moon. On board are Captain Andrew ‘Jet’ Morgan, ship’s doctor Daniel ‘Doc’ Matthews, engineer Stephen ‘Mitch’ Mitchell and radio operator Lemuel ‘Lemmy’ Barnet. As they prepare to set foot on the lunar surface, Lemmy hears strange music – and on landing, they soon realise that they are not alone. Something is out there – something alien… This futuristic 13-part serial stars Andrew Faulds, Guy Kingsley-Poynter, David Williams and Alfie Bass.

The Red Planet – Set six years after the events of Operation Luna, this thrilling 20-part serial finds Jet and his crew aboard the flagship Discovery, leading a mission to explore Mars. But their journey is plagued by disturbing events, and what they find on the red planet’s dusky surface will challenge their sanity and threaten their survival – and that of Earth itself… Starring Andrew Faulds, Guy Kingsley-Poynter, Bruce Beeby and David Kossoff.

Production credits

Written and produced by Charles Chilton

Music composed and orchestra conducted by Van Phillips

Operation Luna

Jet Morgan – Andrew Faulds

Lemmy Barnett – Alfie Bass

Doc – Guy Kingsley-Poynter

Mitch – David Williams

Other parts played by John Cazabon, Alan Keith, David Jacobs, Duncan McIntyre and Deryck Guyler

The original 1953 recordings of this series were erased. It was re-recorded and first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme, 26 March-18 June 1958

The Red Planet

Jet Morgan – Andrew Faulds

Lemmy – David Kossoff

Doc – Guy Kingsley-Poynter

Mitch – Bruce Beeby

Other parts played by David Jacobs, Anthony Marriott, Miriam Karlin, John Cazabon, Madi Hedd and Don Sharp

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme, 6 September 1954-17 January 1955