Chapter 1: The Historic Launch

The upcoming film "Challenge" is poised to make history as the first full-length feature shot beyond Earth's atmosphere.

The Soyuz MS-19 mission recently launched, carrying the "Challenge" crew to the International Space Station (ISS). Image credit: The Cosmic Companion/NASA/Roscosmos/Svklimkin/Bill Ingalls

On October 5, a powerful rocket ignited its engines, propelling a pioneering film crew into space. Unlike Hollywood's usual suspects, this crew hailed from Russia, set to capture "Challenge," a feature film that promises a unique cinematic experience.

Actor Yulia Peresild, aged 37, took flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan alongside film director Klim Shipenko and mission commander Anton Shkaplerov.

After a manual docking process, the Soyuz MS-19 arrived at the ISS, albeit slightly delayed, at 12:22 GMT. This mission marks a significant milestone, being the first spaceflight in over two decades with an entirely Russian crew.

Cruising in for the Win…

"Challenge" narrates the tale of a surgeon, portrayed by Peresild, who is dispatched to the ISS to assist a cosmonaut in peril. Further details about the film remain under wraps.

“It was a mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging experience... but once we achieve our goal, these hurdles will seem minor,” Peresild expressed during a pre-launch briefing.

On April 12, 1961, Russia made history by sending the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space. The Soviets continued this legacy by launching the first woman, Valentina Tereshkova, into orbit just two years later.

While an American-produced film featuring Tom Cruise is set to begin shooting in space soon, Russia's initiative has taken the lead. Historically, only a few short films, including a 2002 IMAX documentary narrated by Tom Cruise and the eight-minute "Apogee of Fear," have been filmed in space. However, "Challenge" will be the first full-length feature to achieve this feat.

The filming of "Challenge" is expected to span 12 days, culminating in the crew’s return to Earth on October 17. The actual landing is anticipated to be showcased in the film's final cut.

James Maynard is the founder and publisher of The Cosmic Companion, currently residing in Tucson with his wife Nicole and their cat, Max.

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Chapter 2: The Challenge Movie Unveiled

The first video explores the unique challenges faced during the making of "Challenge," the first film shot in space, highlighting the crew's journey and experiences.

Chapter 3: The Gauntlet of Internet Challenges

The second video dives into the infamous internet challenge "Run The Gauntlet," detailing its morbid undertones and the cultural phenomenon surrounding it.