Watch Amateurs in Space

Amateurs in Space is a 2016 documentary that follows the journey of a group of Danish non-professional space enthusiasts who attempt to build and launch their own rocket into space. The film is directed by Max Kestner and stars Kristian von Bengtson, Peter Madsen, and Steen Andersen. The documentary begins by introducing the audience to the main characters of the film - Kristian, Peter, and Steen. Kristian is an aerospace engineer who has worked for NASA in the past, while Peter is a self-taught inventor and submarine builder. Steen is a carpenter and amateur rocket enthusiast. The trio has a passion for space exploration and is determined to launch a rocket into space with their own hands.

The film explores the journey of the three men as they work tirelessly to design and build their rocket, which they decide to name Tycho Brahe after the famous Danish astronomer. The process of building the rocket is fraught with challenges, and the men struggle to get the necessary funding to make their dream a reality.

Despite the odds, the team perseveres, and the documentary captures their determination and resourcefulness as they overcome various setbacks. From the rocket's design and construction to testing and launch preparations, the film provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating a spacecraft from scratch.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers use a combination of interviews with the main characters, footage of their work, and animated sequences to explain the rocket's technical details and illustrate the team's progress. The result is a captivating and informative film that manages to make the complexities of rocket science accessible to the layperson.

As the project approaches its final stages, the team faces more challenges. They encounter unexpected technical issues during the rocket's assembly and testing, which threaten to set them back. Additionally, the tight budget and limited resources mean that the team must improvise with whatever materials they can find.

Despite these challenges, the team remains determined, and the documentary builds to an exciting climax as the rocket is finally launched. The launch sequence is captured from multiple angles, including footage from the rocket's onboard cameras, and provides a thrilling conclusion to the story.

In addition to documenting the technical side of the rocket-building process, Amateurs in Space also explores the personal motivations and passions that drive the main characters. The documentary delves into their individual backstories, as well as their shared history and friendship, which creates a touching and relatable portrait of the team.

Overall, Amateurs in Space is an engaging and inspiring documentary that will appeal to anyone with an interest in space exploration or the human spirit of innovation and perseverance. The film offers a rare glimpse into the world of amateur space enthusiasts and provides a unique perspective on the challenges and excitement of trying to reach for the stars.