A Year in Space

Wasted opportunity! The premise of this documentary and of the experiment it is based on, is that there are two twins, identical twins, that are both astronauts working for NASA. A quite fortunate confluence of events that spawns the ideal conditions to perform comparative analysis of life in space and life on earth since a control group identical to the specimen is the most ideal single-subject setup one could desire. But the movie fails us on the most important aspect. It doesn't present us the results. There's no data or information to be gained regarding the specific unique situation here portrayed. Instead, we are shown what an year in space looks like. Definitely interesting, just wasted potential. As a horizontal cut about one of humanity's greatest achievements, it's more fascinating than most of what's produced today. Just be aware that if you've already seen one of the multitudes of tours of the ISS, then you're probably already familiar with a great fraction of the content here presented.

First of all Scott Kelly, who was the astronaut who actually spent the near year in space comes off as compelling and interesting, and the contrast with his twin brother is not so much about the effects of that -- but just how relatively narcissistic Mark is.

In terms of the experience and science Scott is supposed to be the subject, Mark Kelly is simply the control, yet Mark effectively "photobombs" throughout, like he is using this series as a launchpad for his political aspirations. It doesn't belong.

Moreover, and perhaps as part of that phenomena, as others have noted, the actual science, the data, is missing from this series.

I recently watched an episode of "A Year in Space," shown on my local PBS station to mark Scott Kelly's return from the International Space Station. It provides interesting insights into both the breathtaking and the mundane aspects of space exploration.

The program followed Kelly through his year in space, going from his preparation for the stay to his time on the station. It gives particular attention to day to day life on the station, considering the scientific experiments they performed and the importance of fresh food. It also looks at the impact of Kelly's absence on his family, including interviews with his brother and daughter.

This focus on the quotidian aspects of space travel gives viewers keener insight into the space program than programs which focus on technological wonders. In the end, astronauts are humans, albeit highly accomplished ones, like you or me. They have the same biological needs as the average person, and indeed Kelly's mission is threatened by a lack of fresh food after two cargo ships crash.

That said, the show does not neglect the more spectacular aspects of space travel. The show offers some fantastic footage of the aurora Borealis as filmed from space, as well as a moon rise filmed from the space station. It also explores the more exotic threats to the astronauts such as radiation and space junk.

If the series has a flaw, it's that the focus on Scott Kelly as an individual detracts from scientific explanations of various events. For example, it would have been good if there was a more detailed explanation of why two cargo ships in a row collapsed, or more information about the radiation that could potentially harm the astronauts. Nevertheless, it is well worth watching, offering insights into an astronaut's life you won't find elsewhere.