Film & TV Database

INTEREST. A Russian impression in 1957 of future scientific developments in the exploration of space. RL.1 Film begins with a dramatised biography of Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, a Russian schoolteacher who founded astronautics, the science of interplanetary flight. Tsiolkovsky is seen working on problems of escaping gravity and reaching orbital speed. Diagrams. Reaches conclusion that the rocket is the only method of achieving necessary speeds (959 ft). RL.2 Tsiolkovsky publishes papers on velocity and fuel formulae, considered eccentric; but by 1929, scientists all over the world are working on rocket research. In declining years, Tsiolkovsky develops theory of using three-stage rockets for increased propulsion. 1929, American scientist, Goddard, sends up first rocket. 1933, U.S.S.R. test their first rocket - fuel used is benzine and liquid oxygen (518 ft). RL.3 Future of rocket flights dependent on solving various problems - devising better fuel, finding heat resistant materials for engines, lighter materials for rocket itself, automatic control devices. Diagram of modern rocket by sections (70-180). Multiple stage rockets developed. 1957, U.S.S.R. launches first satellite, Sputnik I. Diagrams of orbit. "The Future": an impression of future developments in space travel. The first three astronauts take off in space ship. Withstanding pressures of gravity during early stages of flight-ship reaches orbit (866 ft). RL.4 Ship in free orbital flight. Astronauts experiencing weightlessness. Diagram, lands in sea (592-656). Rockets launched to set up space station in Earth's orbit. Preparations for reconnaissance rocket round Moon. Building the interplanetary space station. Materials brought in by rocket, moved around site by jet motors, welded by solar rays (914 ft). RL.5 Automatic rocket on flight around Moon, sending back live T.V. pictures. Space station now complete. Structure of the Space Station - revolving outer section gives impression of gravity. Scientists, meteorologists, biologists, physicists - at work in space station. Observations of stars carried out. Landing stage for first flight to Moon. Personnel on space station watch take-off. What Moon will look like when explorations have begun. Buildings, observatories. Bridgehead for conquest of solar system. First landing on the Moon. Two astronauts step on to Moon's surface and embrace each other. "What is impossible today, is possible tomorrow" - Tsiolkovsky (928 ft).