Factual error: In an interview before his first launch attempt, Charles explains that his flight plan is to make exactly one orbit of Earth, returning from orbit directly to the launch point, his farm in Texas. Launching from that latitude would necessarily incline the orbital plane to the equator, and Earth would rotate beneath the spacecraft's groundtrack during the roughly hour and a half period of the orbit. The craft would then land, not at the farm, but several hundred miles to the west.
The Astronaut Farmer (2006)
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Directed by: Michael Polish
Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Dern, Virginia Madsen, Max Thieriot, Jasper Polish
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The Astronaut Farmer showcases Billy Bob Thorton's understated performance style as a single-minded man driven to go into space-even if he has to build his own rocket to do so! Charlie Farmer had trained as an astronaut and does just that, to the ire of the military and every other authority as he audaciously tries to live his dream against all odds, various laws and even active attempts at ruining his life to prevent it. In the process he experiences both fame and scorn, near-death and financial ruin-yet remains undaunted. The movie directed by Mark and Michael Polish is giddily inspirational and uncompromisingly family-friendly in its approach to promote a well-meaning message about taking chances and going after even unconventional goals with gusto. Like watching Rocky, you may find yourself rooting for this underdog! Give this film a chance.
More mistakes in The Astronaut Farmer
Arnold 'Arnie' Milan: You got bad credit, but, uh, you got great character.
Trivia: The spacesuit that the character Charles Farmer wore is a replica of the pressure suit used by the Mercury 7 astronauts.