The year is 1924. The great explorer Roald Amundsen is nearing the end of a career that spans three decades, and he is bankrupt. But he is determined to lead one last great expedition: the first expedition to fly to the North Pole and into the unexplored area beyond. 

Amundsen's desire, and need, to win sets in motion a chain of events. Firstly, a crash near the North Pole and a brutal three-and-a-half-week battle for survival on the sea ice. Then, the triumphant flight of the airship Norge from Svalbard over the North Pole to Alaska and the bitter falling out with Umberto Nobile, the man who designed, built and flew the dirigible. And finally, Amundsen's disappearance in a flying boat on 18 June 1928 on the way to search for Nobile and the airship Italia that had crashed near the North Pole. 

Nearly one hundred years later, Amundsen and his crew's graves still haven't been found - the only hope is that the melting ice cap will eventually give up its dead. 

Mark Piesing, journalist, author and writer of the critically-acclaimed book N-4 DOWN: The Hunt for the Arctic Airship Italia joins us to share the story of Roald Amundsen and his last expedition.

Not already a Member?

Join today for a host of exclusive benefits and events, including unlimited free entry to Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, shows at the Peter Harrison Planetarium, and special exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum.

With Membership starting from as little as £50, what are you waiting for? Membership is your time to explore!