A free film to download and share created to celebrate the first 50 years of human spaceflight
April 12th 1961 - Yuri Gagarin is about to see what no other person has seen in the history of humanity - the Earth from space. In the next 108 minutes he'll see more than most people do in a lifetime. What sights awaited the first cosmonaut silently gliding over the world below? What was it like to view the oceans and continents sailing by from such a height? In a unique collaboration with the European Space Agency, and the Expedition 26/27 crew of the International Space Station, we have created a new film of what Gagarin first witnessed fifty years ago.
By matching the orbital path of the Space Station, as closely as possible, to that of Gagarin's Vostok 1 spaceship and filming the same vistas of the Earth through the new giant cupola window, astronaut Paolo Nespoli, and documentary film maker Christopher Riley, have captured a new digital high definition view of the Earth below, half a century after Gagarin first witnessed it.
Weaving these new views together with historic recordings of Gagarin from the time, and an original score by composer Philip Sheppard, we have created a spellbinding film to share with people around the world on this historic anniversary.
More information on the film can be found on the official First Orbit
website.
Watch the Trailer
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Global Premiere - 12 April 2011
Update: First Orbit will now be globally premiered on the internet on April 12. KiwiSpace will also be providing a mirror in New Zealand to provide speedy downloads.
The Yuri's Night network will also be showing the film at over 120 parties around the world that day. If you would like to watch it at one of these events then please contact the organizers directly through the Yuri's Night clickable map below. And if there isn't a party near you then why not not make a date with the First Orbit YouTube channel and organize your own party. You can register the event on the Yuri's Night website by clicking here.
If you are planning a big event then please visit the First Orbit web site for details of how you can download the film in advance to be part of the global premiere on the April 12.
KiwiSpace is also working to organise some gala screenings of the movie at locations around the country. Stay tuned for details.
About KiwiSpace
KiwiSpace Foundation is a new non-profit organisation seeking to make space accessible to New Zealanders.
We aim to showcase the benefits and opportunities that space applications provide NZ; to highlight the many opportunities for New Zealanders to work in global space community; and enhance our national space capabilities and education programmes.
If you're a space enthusiast, sign up for our newsletter or become a member.