Released
05/03/2016
“The Mars Generation” premieres Friday, May 5
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A documentary starring Space Camp launches Friday, May 5, to a global audience of more than 140 million people. The film, which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, examines the science, politics and philosophy behind a journey to Mars and features students attending Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in the summer of 2015.
Emmy Award-winner Michael Barnett directed the full-length project, which is a first-time collaboration between Time and Netflix.
According to a Netflix news release, the documentary “is a comprehensive look at the little known history of mankind's efforts to reach Mars as seen through the eyes of the teens who aspire to be the first ever to set foot on the Red Planet, as well as the leading experts currently pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation in space exploration. The film sheds light on just how close we are to a manned mission to Mars and the incredible impact that such a journey would have on both the scientific advancement and the collective pride of the people of Earth.”
In addition to Space Camp students and staff, a number of notable people appear in the film, including astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, then-NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden and Space X’s Elon Musk, among others.
The Rocket Center is holding a special showing of “The Mars Generation” before the Netflix premiere. This showing is by invitation and takes place Thursday, May 4, at 4:30 p.m. Media wishing to attend should contact Pat Ammons: pat.ammons@spacecamp.com; 256-721-5429.
About U.S. Space & Rocket Center
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is home to Space Camp®, Aviation Challenge® and Space Camp® Robotics, the Apollo 16 capsule, the National Historic Landmark Saturn V rocket and world-class traveling exhibits. USSRC is the Official Visitor Center for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and a showcase for national defense technologies developed at the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal.
To learn more about the exciting programs and activities at the USSRC, go to www.rocketcenter.com.
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