Day: March 12, 2015

All New 3D Film ‘Journey To Space,’ narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart, Launches at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex 

New Movie Showcases NASA’s Bold Plans for Deep Space Exploration, Highlighting Accomplishments of Space Shuttle, International Space Station and Brave Astronaut Explorers

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has launched a new 3D space film, “Journey To Space,” showcasing NASA’s bold plans for the future, including landing astronauts on Mars and capturing asteroids – painting a clear picture for viewers that “NASA’s next era will be its greatest yet.”

Through extensive interviews with astronauts Chris Ferguson, commander of the final shuttle mission, and Serena Aunon, a new astronaut chosen for future flights, as well as narration by film and television legend Sir Patrick Stewart, the film gives a sweeping overview of NASA’s past space accomplishments, current activities and future plans. Using spectacular space footage, this inspirational new film puts into historical context the magnificent contributions made by the Space Shuttle Program and its astronauts, such as deploying and repairing the Hubble Space Telescope and assembling the International Space Station. Together, the space shuttle and ISS programs have taught humankind how to live, build and conduct science in space, setting the stage for the deep space exploration missions to come.

The film concludes with a realistic scenario of how astronauts will actually get to Mars, live there, and then return home after a two-and-a-half-year mission. During this incredible 3D journey, guests will meet the icons of deep space exploration: the Orion crew capsule; Olympus, an inflatable transportation habitat that will provide astronauts the work area and living space necessary for long-duration missions; and the powerful Space Launch System rocket that will launch Orion and its crew. SLS also will carry the Mars landers and ascent vehicles to get astronauts to the surface of Mars and back up to the Orion spacecraft for their return trip to Earth.

More than recounting NASA’s past, present and future, “Journey To Space” captures the spirit of human exploration and describes how it is at the core of human DNA. It also highlights the enormous risks associated with human spaceflight, accentuating the bravery of all space travelers.

“Through breathtaking imagery shot on the ground and in space, as well as personal accounts from past and current astronauts, ‘Journey To Space’ lays out in clear detail the bright future of America’s space program and NASA’s new mission to explore Mars and beyond,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “We invite the public to join us in viewing this powerful film that celebrates the incredible accomplishments of the space shuttle program, particularly the International Space Station, that have served as a springboard for deep space exploration.”

Produced specifically for IMAX^®, giant screen and other specialty theaters, the 3D film provides the optimal way to see this larger-than-life NASA story. The images projected onto the Visitor Complex’s 5-story screens are in the highest resolution possible for theatrical viewing, which will help audiences feel like they are truly a part of the action.

“Journey To Space” is one of two space films currently shown at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Both “Journey to Space” and the IMAX^® film “Hubble 3D” are included in the price of admission and are free for annual pass holders.

“Hubble 3D,” follows the crew of STS-125 Atlantis as they embark on the space shuttle’s final mission and very last chance to save the ailing Hubble Space Telescope. Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, the film not only shows celestial images of stars, nebulas and galaxies, it also showcases the incredible moments as space walkers climbed into the bowels of the school-bus-sized telescope to replace its cameras – an activity they likened to performing brain surgery wearing oven mitts – all while spending hour after hour in partial darkness and temperatures reaching 200 degrees below zero.

“Journey To Space” is co-produced and co-distributed by K2 Films, Inc. and Giant Screen Films and will be released in IMAX, giant screen and other specialty theaters in 2D and 3D.