Watch The Wonderful: Stories From the Space Station

The Wonderful: Stories From the Space Station is a documentary film released in 2021 that takes viewers on a journey through the history of human space exploration. The film focuses specifically on the International Space Station (ISS) and the experiences of astronauts who have lived and worked there. The movie features interviews with several prominent figures in the space community, including former NASA administrator George Abbey, Scott Kelly, Peggy Whitson, and Sergei Krikalev. Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective to the film, with Abbey reflecting on the early days of space exploration and the challenges that NASA faced in getting to the moon, while Kelly, Whitson, and Krikalev offer insights into the day-to-day life of astronauts on the ISS.

One of the most striking aspects of The Wonderful is the sense of wonder and awe that runs throughout the movie. From the opening shots of the ISS floating above the Earth to the glimpses of daily life on the station, the film captures the sense of both beauty and fragility that characterizes life in space. The interviews with astronauts drive home the point that being in space is a transformative experience, one that can lead to profound changes in perspective and worldview.

The film is structured around a series of stories that highlight different aspects of life on the ISS. One story follows Kelly on his year-long mission to the space station, detailing the physical and mental challenges that he faced during his extended stay in orbit. Another story focuses on the science experiments that take place on the station, highlighting the importance of the work being done there in areas ranging from medicine to materials science.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of the Earth from space, as well as footage of astronauts performing spacewalks and conducting experiments on the station. The film does an excellent job of conveying the sheer scale and complexity of the ISS, as well as the daily routines and work that the astronauts perform to keep the station running smoothly.

Another theme that emerges in The Wonderful is the international collaboration that underpins the ISS project. The film features interviews with astronauts from a variety of countries, as well as shots of the flags of the partner nations hanging in the station's modules. Through these scenes, the film emphasizes the importance of working together to achieve a common goal, even in the face of political tensions and differences in culture and language.

Overall, The Wonderful is an inspiring and thought-provoking film that highlights the extraordinary achievements of human space exploration while also emphasizing the fragility and interconnectedness of life on Earth. With engaging interviews, stunning visuals, and a powerful sense of wonder, the film is a must-watch for anyone interested in space exploration or the human spirit.

The Wonderful: Stories From the Space Station is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes.