This short film was made for Space Center Houston, the visitor area of NASA's Johnson Space Center, in Clear Lake City, Texas, just outside of Houston. It was repeated every hour during opening times. It follows the lives of several astronaut candidates, from the moment they first receive the call that they've been accepted, through training, simulations, and on to their first actual space shuttle flight. It seems to be fairly authentic, although some scenes have obviously been staged (or re-enacted) for the film - but that doesn't detract from it's power. The various astronauts do all of the narration, so you get a very personal view.
I bought a VHS copy in the gift shop over 10 years ago, when the space shuttle program was still active, but I haven't been back to Space Center Houston since then. With the shuttle program canceled, the film is a little bit dated, so I wouldn't be surprised if they no longer show it. But it is still quite an enjoyable film.
I bought a VHS copy in the gift shop over 10 years ago, when the space shuttle program was still active, but I haven't been back to Space Center Houston since then. With the shuttle program canceled, the film is a little bit dated, so I wouldn't be surprised if they no longer show it. But it is still quite an enjoyable film.
