Space News
space history and artifacts articles

Messages
space history discussion forums

Sightings
worldwide astronaut appearances

Resources
selected space history documents

  collectSPACE: Messages
  Free Space
  Who Wants to be an Astronaut? (Discovery)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
profile | register | preferences | faq | search

next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Who Wants to be an Astronaut? (Discovery)
Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 46541
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 05-18-2021 10:48 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Discovery Channel release
Discovery Orders All-New Competition Series 'Who Wants To Be An Astronaut?'

Searches For Everyday People To Travel Into Space

Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered what it would be like to travel to space? Today, Discovery announced it has ordered "Who Wants to be an Astronaut?" (working title), produced by Boat Rocker Studios through Matador Content and BoomTown Content. This one-of-a-kind series offers ordinary people the chance to do something extraordinary – travel from Earth into space where they'll live aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for eight days.

The 8-part competition series, set for 2022, will be the first of its kind to feature a real-life space adventure. Contestants will have the opportunity to compete for an official spot aboard an upcoming Axiom mission, expected to be Ax-2 managed by Houston-based Axiom Space, which is building the world's first commercial space station and is at the forefront of the new model of private space travel. Axiom and NASA recently revealed more details about the mission order they signed for the upcoming Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), history's first fully private human mission to the ISS, expected to launch no earlier than January 2022.

"This is an incredibly exciting time for space storytelling that gives us an opportunity to see the Earth from a vantage point few have ever experienced," said Scott Lewers, Executive Vice President of Multiplatform Programming, Factual & Head of Content, Science. "It is truly the next frontier for those who not only dream of traveling into space, but are also curious about the mysteries of the universe. We are looking forward to taking our audience on this unprecedented journey."

"Space travel has long been reserved for a select few, so we're incredibly excited to be partnering with Discovery and BoomTown Content to make a show that opens up this unique experience to every American," said Jay Peterson, President, Boat Rocker Studios, Unscripted and Todd Lubin, President, Matador Content. "This is a journey that you're not going to want to miss."

"Developing this series is the thrill of a lifetime, and we couldn't be happier to have found partners in Discovery, Boat Rocker and Matador Content," said Paul Ricci and Mark Efman, Founders of BoomTown Content Co.

But what does it take to win a coveted seat to space? The process will be grueling and only a select few will make it through the rigorous selection process. The series will follow each of the contestants competing for the opportunity in a variety of extreme challenges designed to test them on the attributes real astronauts need most, and as they undergo the training necessary to qualify for space flight and life on board the space station.

In the end, one lucky candidate, deemed to have the right stuff by a panel of expert judges, will punch their ticket for an adventure few have ever taken. The series will chronicle each pivotal moment along the way – from lift off to re-entry and the return home.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for everyday people to shoot for the stars. Think you have what it takes? Discovery is looking for contestants. Visit discovery.com/astronaut for your chance to score a seat into space.

Discovery has been the leader in covering space's most incredible and historic moments. Last May, Discovery and Science Channels set ratings records with their live coverage of, and extensive access to, the NASA launch of SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule. Now, with Axiom Space, Discovery offers the most comprehensive coverage of this new era of public-private partnerships for space travel available anywhere, planting their flag as the global leader in space content. This will be an historic moment in space, and Discovery will be there to capture every step of the journey.

In addition to the competition series, Discovery will be covering the event extensively by making content available on discovery+, Discovery and Science Channel, as well as short-form and mid-form content across all social platforms.

"Who Wants to be an Astronaut?" (w/t) is produced for Discovery Channel by Boat Rocker Studios through Matador Content, and BoomTown Content. For Matador Content, Jay Peterson and Todd Lubin are executive producers. For Boomtown Content, Paul Ricci and Mark Efman are executive producers. For Discovery, Wyatt Channell, Caroline Perez and Scott Lewers are executive producers.

Matador Content is a full-service production company under Boat Rocker Studios, Unscripted banner. The company's recent projects include Billie Eilish: The World's A Little Blurry for Apple TV+ and Go-Big Show for TBS.

BoomTown Content Co. is an innovative production company, designed specifically for today's rapidly evolving content landscape. Quick and nimble with a passion for creativity, BoomTown delivers premium, clutter-busting formats across all media platforms including linear, streaming and podcasts.

p51
Member

Posts: 1722
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011

posted 05-19-2021 12:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for p51   Click Here to Email p51     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I wonder two things:
  1. Who all here either has filled out an application or thinks they will do so?

  2. How realistic is it to have the "winner(s)" actually go to the ISS for a little over a week? I only ask this as I've seen more than a few reality shows promise something and say on the show they were going to give it, then later you find out they never gave the 'prize' at all.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 46541
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 05-19-2021 08:16 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
If the show goes forward as planned and if Discovery finalizes the necessary agreements between Axiom Space and NASA, and assuming Ax-1 goes smoothly, then I would say it is realistic to expect the winner to fly to the space station.

Axiom has an agreement with NASA to fly at least four missions to the space station over the next few years, so filling a seat on Ax-2 with a contest winner should not be a issue.

india-mike
Member

Posts: 102
From: Linnich, Northrine Westfalia, Germany
Registered: Jan 2012

posted 05-20-2021 02:10 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for india-mike   Click Here to Email india-mike     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I also think that's a very realistic assumption.

Axiom has booked seats with SpaceX and also sells most of them to paying customers.

A television company has the necessary cash to put on a show in which a competition is held for a free seat in a space capsule. The costs for a seat can easily be recovered through advertising, product placement and the use of film material from the application process (competition), training and all phases of the multi-day space flight.

Another space agency is showing how it is done with a "state" broadcaster. The only difference lies in the financing of the project. Here, the state is very likely to be responsible for a large part of the financial obligations. Another by-product of this space flight, which may take place in autumn this year, is a movie.

p51
Member

Posts: 1722
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011

posted 06-07-2021 01:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for p51   Click Here to Email p51     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just curious, has anyone here thrown their hat into the ring for a shot at this?

I did, but I bet I'm not quite the "marketable" looking (young and pretty/handsome) type they'd rather have.

Not going to hold my breath on this, but I'd kick myself if I didn't do it and found later I could have had a shot...

328KF
Member

Posts: 1316
From:
Registered: Apr 2008

posted 06-07-2021 05:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 328KF   Click Here to Email 328KF     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
While the prize is quite desirable, if they are able to deliver, I don’t have any interest in the contest. This thing will likely follow the now standard drummed-up drama reality format that is more suited for people who want to get famous rather than actually win any contest.

Putting life on hold to go through this foolish process is not only impractical, but also wasteful given that the “winner” will most likely be chosen for attributes far removed from those required to be an asset on a space mission.

There will no doubt be better ways to go about a possible selection down the road.

p51
Member

Posts: 1722
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011

posted 06-08-2021 01:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for p51   Click Here to Email p51     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by 328KF:
This thing will likely follow the now standard drummed-up drama reality format that is more suited for people who want to get famous rather than actually win any contest.
I agree with you fully on your thoughts.

I have next to no shot at this, but I decided to put my hat in the ring anyway, because in the end you just never know. If I hadn't and they picked a middle-aged veteran (such as myself), I'd spend the rest of my life kicking myself with "what-ifs."

These "reality" shows have little actual reality and I know a few people who have worked on them in the past. I ran this idea past one of them and he said, "The producers might just pick the one that that would be allowed on the ISS as the 'winner' might be an airhead they wouldn't trust not to kill the entire crew on the mission," and could easily instead edit the whole thing to look like the one they want (as in the one they could get past the gatekeepers to let them board the capsule) was the one who actually won.

In short, they might actually pick the one most likely to be the greatest asset to the ISS crew and not go with the drama queen/king that this show will surely attract. That, and if such a "social media influencer" type got picked, they might balk at the reality of actually going into space.

I thought he had a very good point, especially when he said two shows he worked on picked a "winner" that on the set, hadn't won at all but the contestants had no clue they'd already picked their "winner" in casting.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 46541
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 06-08-2021 02:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
There are laws against rigging reality or game shows where the outcome is determined by intellectual knowledge, skill or chance, if by broadcasting such it deceives the public. So unless Discovery is prepared to divulge from the start that the show is contrived (which, to be fair, they have sometimes done), I would not be concerned with the competition being staged.

If you have been following the training that Inspiration4 is going through prior to their launch, there are enough real and realistic challenges that are television friendly to select someone who is generally prepared for spaceflight. From zero-g flights to survival camp to high-performance jet rides, in addition to demonstrating the ability to work as a team and follow instructions, it is possible to structure a show that is both engaging to watch and effective in selecting a space tourist.

denali414
Member

Posts: 781
From: Raleigh, NC
Registered: Aug 2017

posted 06-09-2021 06:37 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for denali414   Click Here to Email denali414     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
There is a fine line between "rigging" and picking candidates that are TV Gold. After all, the bottom line is ratings and making money.

Technically may not be rigged, but if a persona shines on TV and interests viewers, of course Discovery would want them more than a person who isn't TV friendly. It is not all about looks, but more the persona that can make the difference.

ea757grrl
Member

Posts: 756
From: South Carolina
Registered: Jul 2006

posted 06-09-2021 01:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ea757grrl   Click Here to Email ea757grrl     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Not to mention it's become a common trope on reality/competition shows to have contestants who lost or were disqualified in previous rounds come back for "surprise" appearances, or reinstatement, in the name of building suspense/drama or boosting ratings. There are many ways an outcome of a show like this can be influenced without outright rigging of the sort seen in the 1950s quiz show scandal, especially if it's a "reality" format competition of the sort that's so popular now.

My hope is that the winner will be someone who has their wits about them and will take the mission seriously. But knowing the television business as I do...well, y'all can figure out what I imagine will happen.

lspooz
Member

Posts: 413
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Aug 2012

posted 07-05-2021 06:31 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for lspooz   Click Here to Email lspooz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just looked all this up this morning — seems like it is still collecting applicants? Any deadlines or feedback yet?

All times are CT (US)

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts

Copyright 2021 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.


Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a





advertisement