NASA’s Artemis II mission is gearing up for launch on February 6, marking humanity’s return to lunar space after more than 50 years. This exciting moment could inspire filmmakers to delve into space stories. We asked 11 astronauts to share their favorite space movies, and here’s what they told us.
‘The Martian’ showcases the struggle of an astronaut, played by Matt Damon, stranded on Mars. He must use his knowledge of botany and engineering to survive, with help from NASA. Clayton C. Anderson, a former astronaut, highlighted the teamwork depicted in the film. “It shows the dedication of NASA’s workers,” he said. Dr. Kate Rubins praised the science in the film, noting that growing food in space is essential for survival. “Resourcefulness is critical during missions,” she explained.
‘Apollo 13’ tells the true story of a near-disastrous moon mission. Nicole Stott, another retired astronaut, emphasized its realistic portrayal of teamwork and problem-solving. Michael Massimino appreciated how the film honored NASA’s Mission Control staff. Chris Hadfield noted that it captured the high-stakes nature of space travel, stating that Ron Howard crafted an intense, genuine atmosphere. Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger still finds herself holding her breath during tense scenes.
‘Galaxy Quest’, a sci-fi comedy, stands out for its humor and camaraderie. Garrett Reisman found it captures the joy of exploration while poking fun at the genre. Stott also values films that highlight relationships over technical details, saying they resonate with her experiences.
‘The Right Stuff’ celebrates the early days of the space program through the Mercury astronauts. Michael Massimino credits this film with reigniting his dream of becoming an astronaut. Its portrayal of courage and ambition reflects the spirit of those early pioneers.
‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ remains iconic for its groundbreaking visuals. Leroy Chiao praised Stanley Kubrick’s ability to create realistic space scenes. He suggests reading the book first for better understanding, as the film can be complex but rewarding.
‘Interstellar’, directed by Christopher Nolan, explores a future where Earth faces a climate crisis. Josh Cassada and Dr. Sylvain Costes applauded its blend of science and emotion. “Time becomes a precious resource,” Costes noted, while Michael Wong admired the film’s portrayal of humanity’s quest for survival.
‘Apollo 11’, a documentary featuring rare IMAX footage of the historic moon landing, was highlighted by Terry Virts. He described the experience of watching the launch as thrilling, even more so than his own space flights.
These films not only entertain but also reflect the reality and wonder of space travel, showcasing human ingenuity, teamwork, and the boundless spirit of exploration. As we prepare for more missions, these stories remind us that the journey into the unknown is a collective human endeavor.
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