TV show maker Banijay Asia has tied up with the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) for a reality show to send an Indian to space on a future Blue Origin New Shepard mission.
Recently, SERA declared India as a partner nation for its human space flight programme.
Deepak Dhar, Founder and Group CEO, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, said in a statement, “We are embarking on an unprecedented journey with SERA to create a reality format that is beyond the ordinary. It is a privilege to document this journey of an ordinary Indian astronaut and show how this programme will not only change his life but also democratise space travel more broadly.”
The format will feature drama, frustration and joy as selected individuals take part in various challenges that will test their ability and readiness for space travel, a company statement said.
It said the show will conclude with the selection of the final winner, who will get the opportunity to travel into space.
Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Growth Officer, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, said, “We will pioneer an innovative and inspiring format by combining the thrill of reality television with the awe of space exploration. This will be a game-changing format showcasing every step of the journey from selection to flight to space.”
“This partnership with Banijay Asia will bring space and science-related content to diverse audiences. We look forward to their innovative approach to turning this historic effort into a movement that will not only inspire millions but also spark a global dialogue on the future of space exploration,” said Joshua Skurla, co-founder of SERA.
SERA’s spaceflight program will offer citizens around the world six seats on future missions of Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket, New Shepard.
The mission will take selected astronauts on an 11-minute journey beyond the Kármán Line (100 km), the internationally recognised boundary of space.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
