Canada has become known as a major player in film and television and this latest Emmy-winning immersive series reflects that record. The 4-part series Space Explorers: The ISS Experience not only tells the story about space cooperation between countries but does so in a completely unique way –through virtual reality. Montreal-based production company Felix & Paul Studios created the largest production filmed in space to date, using new technology to follow the astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The series won an Emmy in September in the category of Creative Arts/Outstanding Interactive Program, for their innovative approach to space documentary filmmaking.
The series features those aboard the International Space Station (ISS), including Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques, and their daily life in space. Canada has been an international partner in space exploration for over two decades. Canada contributed cutting-edge robots like Canadarm2, extensively involved in the assembly of the ISS, and Dextre. Both robots are essential for many maintenance tasks and daily operations. This contribution has given Canada access to the orbiting laboratory to perform science experiments and test new technologies. It also provided Canadian astronaut flights. Even throughout the pandemic, the Canadian Space Agency has been training astronauts on operating Canadarm2, including NASA astronaut Colonel Raja Chari.