Francis Bourgeois Tackles Astronaut Training In Channel 4 Series

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, Channel 4 premiered a documentary that’s as quirky and heartfelt as its star: Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois. The two-part series follows Francis Bourgeois, a 25-year-old engineering graduate and social media sensation, as he swaps his beloved train platforms for the high-adrenaline world of astronaut training. For fans and the merely curious, the show is available to stream for free on Channel 4’s on-demand platform, making it accessible to viewers across a wide range of devices—from smart TVs and streaming boxes to mobile phones and computers. And if you’re outside the UK, a VPN and a free Channel 4 account are all you need to join the ride.

But who exactly is Francis Bourgeois? Known to millions for his ecstatic trainspotting videos on TikTok and Instagram, Francis (whose real name is Luke Nicolson) embodies a kind of unfiltered joy that’s become rare in the age of curated online personas. As Express reports, he’s addressed doubts about his authenticity, explaining, “I’ve seen that people have been doubting my authenticity and that I am actually a train-spotter, mainly because of images from when I was younger. I’d like to take you back to that time.” He recounted how, in high school, he tried to fit in by changing his look and even sold his model train set to pay for a gym membership. But during lockdown, he found his way back: “Lockdown happened, my hair grew out and I reclaimed my love for trains through my videos. And honestly, running down platforms and chasing trains really feels like the shackles are off and I feel finally free.”

His pseudonym, Francis Bourgeois, was chosen for privacy, inspired by the artist Louise Bourgeois and his fondness for France and French trains. Despite the playful air of mystery, what shines through is his genuine passion for engineering and transport—a trait that’s endeared him to followers of all ages.

So, what happens when a trainspotter with a knack for infectious enthusiasm attempts to tackle astronaut training? The documentary, produced by Shine TV in association with Untold Studios, sets out to answer just that. In Episode 1, which aired on January 25, viewers watch as Francis embarks on astronaut-style training with a leading commercial spaceflight company. Under the watchful eye of retired astronaut Tim Peake at the RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine, Francis faces one of the most daunting physical challenges: the G-force centrifuge. As The Guardian describes, he admits to Peake that he “habitually loses vision if he stands up too quickly.” The result is predictably dramatic—Francis passes out almost immediately once the centrifuge spins up. Mission, at least for the day, aborted.

But the show doesn’t stop at physical tests. Francis is put through a battery of astronaut challenges in both the UK and the US, visiting major space training facilities and commercial spaceflight programs. At the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, he’s tested for resistance to hypoxia—a condition where oxygen levels in the body drop dangerously low, a real risk for astronauts. His resistance? Negligible, according to The Guardian. Next up, a zero-gravity flight designed to mimic the weightlessness of space. The scene, set up with emotional music and anticipation, quickly turns slapstick as Francis becomes violently sick, the remnants of a large egg-based breakfast ending up on his face instead of in a sick bag. It’s a moment that’s both comic and oddly endearing, showcasing the documentary’s commitment to authenticity over glamour.

Throughout the series, Francis’s journey is punctuated by moments of self-doubt and vulnerability. In emergency response training aboard a simulated space station, he panics and fails to save the “patient.” The program even explores the emotional toll of space travel—how astronauts cope with leaving loved ones behind. One particularly awkward therapy session sees Francis discussing his cat, while the therapist looks on, perhaps wondering how she ended up in this episode.

Yet, for all its sometimes cringe-worthy moments, the documentary never feels cruel. As The Times notes, “Even when he was looking or sounding silly, this was never cruel.” Francis’s lack of vanity and willingness to embrace the absurdity of his situation set him apart. At one low point, he heads to a bar to drown his sorrows—not in whiskey, but in a virgin Mary, asking the bartender to “leave the bottle” of Worcestershire sauce. It’s a scene that’s both self-aware and charmingly innocent.

What truly resonates, though, is the support Francis receives from his fans and the genuine connections he forges with those he meets. The series highlights his relationship with his girlfriend, Amy, left behind in the UK but always in his thoughts as training grows more intense and isolating. The show also takes a turn in its final act, as Francis discovers a new passion: space engineering. In conversations with engineers building the next generation of orbital equipment, he finds a kindred spirit. “It’s like you’re singing to me!” he exclaims as they discuss valves and pressure systems—a moment that feels like a homecoming for the self-described engineering geek.

While some critics, like those at The Guardian, argue that the documentary’s central conceit—can a trainspotter become an astronaut?—is stretched a bit thin over 90 minutes, they also acknowledge the program’s emotional payoff. The voiceover, delivered with gusto by Sir Stephen Fry, adds a touch of grandeur to Francis’s unlikely odyssey. And for all the staged challenges and awkward silences, what lingers is the sense that Francis Bourgeois’s journey is less about reaching space and more about rediscovering his purpose on Earth.

For viewers interested in science and engineering, the series offers a clear-eyed look at the rigors of astronaut training, from the physical demands to the psychological hurdles. It’s suitable for most ages, with an educational and inspirational tone throughout. And if you’re wondering about the technical details: episodes can be downloaded for offline viewing via Channel 4 Plus, and the streaming service supports nearly every device imaginable.

In the end, Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois is not just a tale of ambition and resilience. It’s a celebration of curiosity, authenticity, and the joy of chasing dreams—whether those dreams take you to the stars or back to the buffet car. Francis may not have made it to orbit, but he’s certainly landed in the hearts of viewers everywhere.