Coming to an IMAX Near You (and just in time!): Space Junk 3-D

By Nancy Atkinson - January 13, 2012 at 8:16 PM UTC | Space Exploration

Serendipitously, at the same time we are waiting to see when and where the Russian Phobos-Grunt satellite will crash back to Earth, a new IMAX movie called "Space Junk 3-D" will open in giant screen and dome theaters. "The timing is uncanny, but we hope it will underscore the film's intention: to raise awareness of the orbital debris issue to ensure the future of space exploration and satellite communications," said the makers of the film.

While the animated film "Wall-E" intimated that space junk could doom our planet, this is the first movie to explore the exponentially expanding ring of debris that threatens the safety of Earth orbit. As only the magical imagery of a giant 3-D screen can do, the movie will take you soaring—from the stunning depths of Meteor Crater on Earth, to an unprecedented view of our increasingly crowded orbits, 35,400 km (22,000 miles) above Earth.

In the movie, which makes its debut this weekend in several locations, Don Kessler, the retired head of NASA's Orbital Debris Office (who is known as the "Father of Space Junk,") discusses the challenges we face in protecting Earth's orbital environment for the future. At risk here is the future of space exploration and the safety of the extensive satellite network that powers our modern day communications, GPS and more.

The movie also weighs the possible solutions aimed at fixing the problem. But most impressive are the stunning 3-D images that transport the viewer above Earth, to star fields and beyond, providing a view of massive collision in space – both man-made and natural.

"We set out to recreate the most spectacular orbital debris events with scientific accuracy and mind-blowing visualization," said Director and Producer Melissa Butts.

Check here for the latest listing of where Space Junk 3-D is showing.

Nancy Atkinson

Nancy Atkinson

Nancy Atkinson is a space journalist and author with a passion for telling the stories of people involved in space exploration and astronomy. She is currently retired from daily writing, but worked at Universe Today for 20 years as a writer and editor. She also contributed articles to The Planetary Society, Ad Astra (National Space Society), New Scientist and many other online outlets.

Her 2019 book, "Eight Years to the Moon: The History of the Apollo Missions,” shares the untold stories of engineers and scientists who worked behind the scenes to make the Apollo program so successful, despite the daunting odds against it. Her first book “Incredible Stories From Space: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Missions Changing Our View of the Cosmos” (2016) tells the stories of 37 scientists and engineers that work on several current NASA robotic missions to explore the solar system and beyond.

Nancy is also a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, and through this program, she has the opportunity to share her passion of space and astronomy with children and adults through presentations and programs. Nancy's personal website is nancyatkinson.com