Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky revealed at the Army-2022 forum that the location filming for the space drama currently known as Challenge would wrap in September. The update comes from a report cited by TASS, noting that the crew has already completed a substantial portion of the work and is preparing for a final leg of production on location.
Novitsky explained the timeline: filming took place during June and July, with the concluding sessions scheduled for September. He emphasized that the project centers on the lives of astronauts, offering viewers an intimate look at the realities of space exploration. He also observed that professional actors have a different pacing from the specialists who live and work in orbital missions, suggesting that their schedule may differ from that of the cosmonauts and technical crew.
The space drama, operating under the working title Challenge, is a collaborative effort involving Roscosmos, a major national broadcaster, and two production studios. The project combines state-level space science with cinematic storytelling, aiming to bring authentic spaceflight experiences to audiences across the country and beyond. The production arrangement reflects a cross-industry partnership designed to showcase both scientific endeavor and engaging narrative, with a focus on showcasing life aboard spacecraft and the teamwork required for successful missions. This collaboration has drawn attention from viewers who follow spaceflight and cinema alike.
Earlier in 2021, actress Yulia Peresild and director Klim Shipenko traveled to the International Space Station for the first time to shoot scenes in orbit aboard the Soyuz MS-19 spacecraft. They were accompanied by cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov, who contributed his expertise to the mission and provided valuable support during the spaceflight portion of the production. The in-space filming marked a historic moment in both cinema and space exploration, highlighting the growing intersection of entertainment and real-world astronautics.
Initial footage of Challenge was previously released to the public by Channel One, giving audiences a glimpse into the project’s ambitious premise and the behind-the-scenes dynamics. The early material showcased the human side of spaceflight—preparation, training, and moments of tension that arise when venturing into space. This early release helped set expectations for what the full story would convey on screen.
Following the in-space shoots, Shipenko and Peresild discussed the experience and reflected on moments when docking procedures faced simulated equipment challenges. Their remarks underscored the mission’s emphasis on realism and the intense, sometimes unpredictable nature of operating in orbit. The production team has continued to share insights into how the crew balanced cinematic storytelling with technical accuracy, aiming to honor the constraints and realities of space travel while delivering a compelling cinematic experience. This balance between artistry and science is a defining feature of Challenge as it moves toward completion.
As the project progresses toward final wraps, industry observers note the potential impact on how space-themed stories are told in Russia and internationally. The film promises a blend of documentary-like authenticity and dramatized elements designed to engage a broad audience. Its success could influence future collaborations between space agencies and the film industry, illustrating how real missions can inform fictional narratives while still appealing to viewers seeking entertainment and inspiration.
Observers and fans alike anticipate the film’s concluding production phase, hoping the finished work will offer a vivid portrayal of the teamwork, discipline, and ingenuity that define modern space missions. The collaboration between Roscosmos and the participating studios reflects a broader trend of cross-sector partnerships in which scientific institutions and creative studios collaborate to translate complex, technical experiences into accessible cinema. This convergence aims to educate, entertain, and inspire interest in space exploration among audiences in Canada, the United States, and beyond. [citation needed]