“Good Night Oppy” - Available on Crave - 3.5/5

The movie starts with the creation of twin rovers meant to fly to Mars, land, and then explore its surface for possible signs of life both past and in the present. It begins scientists in the process of constructing the twin rovers named Spirit and Opportunity. The rovers would have to think independently on this foreign planet and also take instructions. They would have to navigate their way through sand, down crater walls through sandstorms.

There was also the challenge of getting them to Mars; blasting off on the rocket, flying through space filled with solar flares caused by storms on the sun. Then, they would need protection entering Mars Atmosphere, then deploy a parachute, use jets to slow their fall and then make their way to the surface. Some of the solutions to these problems will be surprising.

Once on Mars, the rovers were believed to have a 90-day shelf-life to complete their mission when they landed in January, 2004. After 90 days, scientists believed their solar panels would be too covered with dust to gather the energy to run their engines and experiments and send communications back to earth. In point of fact, communication was lost from Spirit  on March 22, 2010 while Opportunity continued to explore the Mars surface until June 10, 2018 when, with night, communication was lost.

The scientists grew to love the rovers and I believe it was the intent of the film makers for the viewers to develop an affection for them as well. Scientists, young and old, male and female, tell their stories about Spirit and Oppy. We see them building the rovers and providing them with the necessary tools to overcome the challenges they envisioned them facing on Mars. Then, we see them in the control room experiencing the joys and disappointments related to these creatures they have sent off to another planet. As well, the filmmakers created animations to recreate important events in the lives of the rovers on Mars.

Overall, a fascinating story is told beginning with birth, a series of conflicts against nature that must be overcome, death and finally resolution. This is a movie well worth your time to watch.

Directed by Ryan White

3.5/5 - Available on Crave






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