Documentary backdrop image for Space Men (2016)

Documentary backdrop image for Space Men (2016)

201655 minPGdocumentary

Space Exploration

Space Men

201655 minPGdocumentary

A small group of balloonists ventured into the near-vacuum of high altitudes in the 1950s and early '60s, testing human limits before NASA's Mercury 7.

Space Exploration

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Synopsis

A small group of balloonists ventured into the near-vacuum of high altitudes in the 1950s and early '60s, testing human limits before NASA's Mercury 7.

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Amanda Pollakdirector

Amanda Pollakwriter

Michael Murphy

Michael Murphycast

Burkhard Bilgercast

Scott Carpenter

Scott Carpentercast

Synopsis

High-altitude balloonists in the 1950s and early '60s pushed the boundaries of human capability long before NASA's Mercury 7 missions. These pioneers ventured into the near-vacuum of the stratosphere, facing extreme temperatures and low pressure. Their experiments tested the limits of human physiology and ingenuity in a lethal environment. While their contributions have faded from public memory, their work laid essential groundwork for future space exploration. The film recounts their daring feats and the challenges they overcame.

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