NASA goes "above and beyond" | Life and arts

Emmy Award-winning director Rory Kennedy and former astronaut Colonel Michael E. Fossum visited Texas A & M in light of NASA's 60th anniversary.

On October 3, excerpts from Kennedy's film "Beyond: NASA's Tomorrow's Journey" were shown at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. The full version of the film should be released October 13 on the Discovery Channel.

The film highlights NASA's tremendous impact on the world, as well as the bright future of the program. Fossum and Kennedy took part in a moderated discussion between the segments of the projected film.

Christi Voelkel, Senior Director of the Bush Foundation for Programming and Communications, said that "Above and Beyond" reflected much of NASA's work over the last 60 years.

"Madam Kennedy has often said that her uncle, President Kennedy, had the foresight to see the importance of NASA and their work," said Voelkel. "We thank Ms. Kennedy for bringing this torch for future generations. "

In his previous discussions about the film, Kennedy explained his desire to produce this type of film.

"I've always admired the pioneering work done by NASA during its first six decades," Kennedy said. "As we enter a new era of research and exploration, NASA's extraordinary wealth of intelligence and curiosity will fuel its work to better understand our Earth and our universe."

Before becoming chief operating officer of Texas A & M Galveston, Fossum was chosen astronaut in 1998 and saw NASA evolve first hand. Fossum said that his interest in the moon goes back to his childhood.

"At one point, I went to the yard, looked up at the moon and said," Me too, "Fossum said.

Margot Bledsoe, secretary at George Bush's library, chose to attend the screening of the film because of his interest in the subject of the film.

"The events here are always good," said Bledsoe. "[In life] if you can not have fun, do not do it. "

The next film includes many aspects, ranging from extraordinary photographs of galaxies to NASA's past achievements, to NASA's future projects, such as the James Webb Space Telescope. This new telescope will allow NASA to look further into space and detect the composition of planetary atmospheres.

Kennedy and Fossum took part in discussions about NASA and its growing importance in today's world. The screening of the film ends with a personalized video message from Serena M. Auñón-Chancelier, who is currently on board the International Space Station.