Wouldn’t it be amazing to view the Earth from Space? On April 12th, 1961, Yuri Gargarin (a Soviet cosmonaut) became the first human to journey into outer space, launching to orbit aboard the Vostok 3KA-3 (Vostok 1). He saw more in 108 minutes, than most people do in their entire lifetime. In a unique collaboration with the European Space Agency, and the Expedition 26/27 crew of the International Space Station, British Independent production company; The Attic Room, has created a new film of what Gagarin first witnessed fifty years ago. Please view the trailer below:
In this new multi-language DVD & Blu-Ray (expected to be ready in 2012), the film tells the story of humanity’s first spaceflight (which took place over 50 years ago). Although the film archive of Gagarin’s (see pic of him below) training, preparations, and subsequent world tour is extensive, footage of the actual Vostok 1 flight hardly exists. In 2010, (Director/Producer) Christopher Riley came up with the idea to film Yuri’s original view of the Earth from space through the International Space Station’s new giant-windowed cupola.
The International Space Station (ISS) orbits the Earth once every 90 minutes, but it does not always follow the same route that Gagarin took. To find out when filming opportunities might occur, the European Space Agency (ESA) teamed Chris up with German orbital mechanical engineer, Gerald Ziegler. Ziegler discovered that the ISS covered similar ground to Gagarin’s Vostok 1 spaceship approximately every week. To complicate things further, the filmmakers needed to film at exactly the same time of day that Gagarin made his flight: passing over Gagarin’s launch site, near the Aral Sea, at 06:07 UT and into the nightside of Earth over the Pacific Ocean at 06:37, before emerging into sunlight again over the Southern Atlantic (see picture below) at 07:10 UT and passing across the African continent and the Middle East, returning to the ground at 07:55 UT, just north of the Caspian Sea.
What’s truly amazing?
“First Orbit” is the most watched long form film release in YouTube history (over 3.3 million viewings), screened publicly at over 1600 venues in more than 130 countries, and has now been translated by the fans into more than 30 languages. And due to popular demand they are now releasing a multi-language version of the film on DVD and Blu-Ray in 2012.
My Thoughts
I have always been fascinated with space travel, and for anyone who has the same passion, then I would highly suggest watching the video on YouTube. This incredible film, which has been translated for fans all over the world, is simply breath taking. To view the Earth from outer space is beautiful, and peaceful in so many ways. Its hard to believe that over 50 years ago, was when it all happened.
To learn more about the film, you can visit their website, watch the video on YouTube, like them on Facebook, and/or follow on Twitter. Be on the lookout this March 2012, for a GIVEAWAY to WIN a copy of the DVD & Blu-Ray from Frugal Fabulous Finds!
Post published by Melissa Roach, our Product Review & Giveaway Specialist.
Melissa is a Full Time Mom & Blogger HERE (please check out her blog!)
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