Car, trophy? No! This reality show wins you space trip
Indian reality television is set to break new ground with an innovative concept. Two months after the Space Exploration Research Agency (SERA) and Blue Origin declared India as a "partner nation" in their human flight program, the creators of the popular reality show Bigg Boss have joined forces with them. The collaboration aims to launch a nationwide search for a citizen who will embark on a future Blue Origin New Shepard mission, marking an unprecedented move in reality TV.
Reality show to test space travel readiness
The show's format will revolve around the emotions experienced by shortlisted individuals as they undergo various challenges designed to test their fitness and readiness for space travel. The culmination of the series will be the selection of the winner. Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Development Officer at Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India, describes it as a "talent-focused show," where one "common man" can become like the famed astronaut Rakesh Sharma.
Show adaptations to run in other nations
The reality show will not be limited to India. Adaptations of the program are planned for other partner nations, including Nigeria and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These adaptations aim to select five individuals for the 11-minute space flight. However, Jain revealed that the air date for the Indian edition is yet to be finalized as they are still in the process of finalizing writers and development teams.
Making space travel accessible to all
Joshua Skurla, co-founder of SERA, emphasized the show's goal to demonstrate that space travel is actually accessible to everyone. "[People] need to believe this can happen to them in this lifetime. They just need to be human, eager, and over 18 years of age." "The training is for two days. The [nomination] ticket is roughly three dollars. The physical requirements are basic; they should be able to climb stairs."
Safety protocols and flight details
In light of the ongoing discussions about astronaut Sunita Williams's return to Earth, Skurla clarified the difference between their mission and traditional space travel. He explained that this flight would take one only 100km off Earth's line. They have gone into orbit, which is over 140km. Skurla also reassured that robust safety protocols are in place for the mission.
