Space Tourists (2009)
A Swiss documentary tracing one woman's $20 million voyage to the stars and the universal human longing to leave Earth behind.
Space Tourists - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: Christian Frei
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary, Adventure, History
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: English, Romanian, Russian
- Production Companies: Christian Frei Filmproductions
- Production Countries: Switzerland
Space Tourists - Plot
In his most recent work, Christian Frei turns to an age-old dream of man: to leave our planet as a «normal person» and travel into outer space. For 20 million dollars, the American Anousheh Ansari was able to fulfil this childhood dream. This documentary follows her journey into space and shows everyday life as it is on the International Space Station.
Space Tourists - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the dream of spaceflight come to life:
How do you put a price on a dream?
Where to Watch Space Tourists
Looking for where to watch Space Tourists?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Space Tourists - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Christian Frei
Main Cast
- Anousheh Ansari
- Jonas Bendiksen
- Dumitru Popescu
- Charles Simonyi
Producers
- Christian Frei
Space Tourists - FAQs
What is Space Tourists about?
Space Tourists follows Anousheh Ansari, the first female private space explorer, as she pays $20 million to travel to the International Space Station. Swiss filmmaker Christian Frei captures her journey alongside the daily routines of life aboard the ISS, weaving in the stories of others touched by the dream of spaceflight.
Who is Anousheh Ansari and why does she matter?
Anousheh Ansari is an Iranian-American entrepreneur who in 2006 became the first female private space tourist, paying around $20 million for a Soyuz seat to the ISS. Her journey broke barriers for civilian spaceflight and inspired a generation of dreamers who saw space travel as something beyond astronauts alone.
Where can you stream Space Tourists?
You can rent or buy Space Tourists on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. It's not currently on a subscription streaming service, but all four platforms offer affordable on-demand access so you can watch it whenever you're ready.
Is Space Tourists based on a true story?
Absolutely — Space Tourists is a documentary grounded entirely in real events. It chronicles Anousheh Ansari's actual 2006 mission to the International Space Station, capturing genuine footage of her training, launch, and life in orbit, making it one of the most authentic firsthand accounts of civilian space travel ever filmed.
Who directed Space Tourists and what is his style?
Christian Frei, the Swiss documentary filmmaker behind the Oscar-nominated War Photographer, directed Space Tourists. Known for his lyrical, deeply humanistic approach, Frei blends intimate personal storytelling with sweeping visual poetry, turning what could have been a straightforward space diary into a meditative reflection on human ambition and dreams.
How was Space Tourists received by critics?
Space Tourists earned strong praise from critics, who highlighted Christian Frei's poetic visual style and the film's ability to balance wonder with grounded human storytelling. Reviewers appreciated how it broadened the space documentary genre beyond technical achievement, focusing instead on the deeply personal desire to reach beyond Earth.
What are some documentaries similar to Space Tourists?
If Space Tourists resonated with you, check out Maidentrip (2014), a solo sailing adventure, or True Spirit (2023) for another story of extraordinary human endurance. Atlantis Rising (2017) also captures that spirit of exploration. All three share Space Tourists' focus on individuals pushing the boundaries of what seems humanly possible.
Did Space Tourists win any awards?
Space Tourists received recognition on the international documentary circuit, earning nominations and awards at several European film festivals. The film benefited from Christian Frei's established reputation — his previous documentary War Photographer was nominated for an Academy Award — lending Space Tourists significant credibility and visibility in the documentary world.
More About Space Tourists
Explore further details about Space Tourists on these trusted databases.