Space: from infinite dreams to recurring nightmares

Are space research and science fiction trading on nostalgia, asking us to part with our money for glossy sanitised remakes? Is it time to show more imagination both on screen and in real space exploration?

Early in the 20th century the potential of manned flight and spaceflight appeared limitless. These dreams were expressed in early science fiction movies and series where almost anything was possible, confined only by the limits of our imagination. In 1969 these collective dreams were achieved when mankind set foot on the moon. This new reality gave birth to a new generation of sci-fi films and the groundbreaking series, Star Trek. Boldly going beyond the limits of known engineering with its multiracial crew, it expressed the optimism of its time.

But as the century drew to a close the space programme was increasingly confined by budget limits, and handcuffed by America’s commitment to the shuttle. Science fiction too began to retreat into a narrower vision of space exploration. Now, science fiction is dominated by remakes and reboots of classic films and series, as the major studios avoid risky new projects and opt for known brands. And international space exploration seems tied to its own re-run, a remake of the 1960s classic Race to the Moon, only with different actors and better visuals.

Are space research and science fiction trading on nostalgia, asking us to part with our money for glossy sanitised remakes? Is it time to show more imagination both on screen and in real space exploration?

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