One More Orbit is a fascinating documentary film that chronicles a daring mission to circumnavigate the globe in a record-breaking time of just 46 hours and 40 minutes. The film is directed by Terry Virts, himself a former astronaut and commander of the International Space Station, and stars Hamish Harding, a British aviation enthusiast, and Jannicke Mikkelsen, a Norwegian filmmaker.
The film takes place on July 9th, 2019, the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, which also happened to be the birth date of American astronaut and test pilot Michael Collins. To honor Collins and the legacy of space exploration, the One More Orbit team embarks on a historic flight, using a specially designed Gulfstream G650ER jet to orbit the earth and beat the previous world record for a pole-to-pole circumnavigation, which had stood for 27 years.
The journey begins in Florida, where the team sets off on their 23,000-mile journey. As they fly over different continents and oceans, the filmmakers capture breathtaking images of the earth's natural beauty, including stunning sunsets, cloud formations, and city lights at night. Throughout the flight, the crew also shares their thoughts on the mission and their passion for aviation and space exploration.
One of the most impressive aspects of the film is the precision and planning that went into making the record-breaking flight possible. The team consulted with experts in meteorology, aviation, and engineering to determine the best route and timing for the flight, taking into account factors such as wind patterns, fuel requirements, and weather conditions. The result is a meticulously choreographed flight that tests the limits of the plane and the crew's endurance, while also paying tribute to the achievements of spaceflight pioneers like Collins.
The film also highlights the unique challenges of flying at high altitudes, where the air is thin and the temperatures can reach negative 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The crew must wear special suits and breathing apparatus to stay comfortable and safe, and they encounter several technical difficulties along the way, including frozen fuel lines and malfunctioning GPS equipment. But through it all, they remain focused and determined to complete the mission.
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of One More Orbit is the way it celebrates international cooperation and unity. The crew consists of members from different countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, and South Africa, and they are joined by a diverse array of experts and partners who support the mission from around the world. The film underscores the importance of collaboration and global partnerships in achieving ambitious goals, whether in space exploration or other areas of human endeavor.
Overall, One More Orbit is a thrilling and uplifting film that showcases the ingenuity, courage, and passion of the human spirit. It reminds us of the power of exploration and the endless possibilities that lie beyond our current horizons. Whether you are a space enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates great storytelling, this film is a must-see.
One More Orbit is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.
