Dream Chaser won’t make its debut as a reusable space utility vehicle performing missions in low Earth orbit for another two years. But in Hollywood, it’s already a prime-time player in space.
The Dream Chaser spacecraft, designed and manufactured by Louisville’s Sierra Nevada Corp., has a cameo in “The Space Between Us,” a new feature film opening Friday that tells the futuristic story of the first human born on Mars.
As described in a Sierra Nevada news release, “The Space Between Us,” starring Gary Oldman, recounts the story of 16-year-old Gardner Elliot, played by Asa Butterfield, who embarks on a quest to find himself, his father and to discover what life is like on Earth.
“I’m raised by scientists,” he is heard to say and another character exclaims, “He’s met less than 15 people in his life!”
Once on Earth — mini spoiler alert — the protagonist connects with a Colorado girl, who assists him.
This marks the second time in two years that the Dream Chaser has flexed its form for the big screen. Last year, it enjoyed some exposure in the Oscar-nominated “The Martian,” although it only survived in the director’s cut.
The cinematic exposure for Sierra Nevada’s creation, seen in “The Space Between Us” — and its trailer — as it shuttles the main character to low-Earth orbit, is playing very well at its corporate offices.
“The Dream Chaser stirs imagination in many ways, and it’s a fun adventure for SNC to share the vehicle in this format,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems business area.
“The movie shows a futuristic version of the Dream Chaser. We hope viewers enjoy the role it has in the film and that it inspires them on what the spacecraft can do in real life,” he added.
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