Since the beginning of time, humanity has had a fascination with space, but most people don’t realize just how much our modern way of life depends on the many satellites that fly around our planet. Always Above explores how close space is to our daily lives, what type of satellites are up there, the threats that exist and the role that the U.S. Space Force plays in launching, operating and defending these assets.
Always Above: Space Is Closer Than You Think is an upcoming educational experience produced by Scholar and distributed by BIG & Digital, LLC. This 12-minute journey will take audiences from the depths of the ocean to thousands of miles into space where they will learn about the different types of satellites, the three main orbits in which they travel and how Guardians in the Space Force defend this ultimate high ground.
Always Above also demonstrates how close space is from a physical perspective. Only 62 miles above us is where space officially begins. Orbiting our planet right now are thousands of satellites including communication satellites, weather satellites and Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites that allow us to communicate, shop, track storm systems and find our way. And while many view space as a peaceful domain, these satellites are constantly being challenged by pieces of space debris as well as threats from other nations who wish to dominate space for their own aims.
“Always Above is an outstanding example of how we can inspire and educate the next generation of innovators, problem solvers and dreamers about the critical role space plays in our daily lives,” said the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna. “As Guardians of the Space Force, we are proud to protect and defend American interests in space, ensuring that our nation has the ability to harness the power of space whenever and wherever needed. This film is an excellent opportunity to showcase the importance of our mission and the incredible work of our military and civilian Guardians who work tirelessly to ensure unfettered access to the space domain.”
“Space has always been a source of wonder and immense interest for the American people, but the new challenges we face, and the extent to which our daily lives now rely on the domain, require us to think about it differently,” said U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “The Space Force’s mission is to secure our Nation’s interests in, from, and to space. Our Guardians can’t do that without public understanding and support, which is why efforts like this — those that inform and inspire — are important.”
