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NBC Signs Up To Broadcast "Destination Mir"

Posted by timothy on from the free-duct-tape-for-everyone! dept.

Fraser Cain writes: "Mark Burnett, producer of the hit show "Survivor," has sold the rights to his new show, "Destination Mir" to NBC for $40 million. The show will follow a group of 13-15 would-be cosmonauts as they train for a trip to the Mir space station." I love this line from the article: "Each week, a contestant will be removed by Russian Space Officials until the final winner is launched into orbit on a special, live broadcast." I certainly hope the Russian Space Officials are gentle with both the runners up and the eventual winner.

4 of 238 comments (clear)

  1. More interesting... by photozz · · Score: 5

    Ship 7 people up to mir, force them to perform tasks in zero-G between puting out fires and sealing holes... whoever wins that week, gets to come home. Thats a real "Survivor"

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    Dirty Pirate Hooker
  2. Better story link by Tairan · · Score: 5

    I did some searching around and found http://www.mirstation.com./news_news15. html It gives a more in-depth look at what the show hopes to do (other than draw ratings)

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  3. what I'd prefer to see by jailbrekr2 · · Score: 5

    Is to send 14 ppl up and cram them into Mir, and have them eliminated 1 by 1.

    Now *that* would be entertainment......

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    Feed The Need[goatse.cx]
  4. Maybe they could call it DeathWish... by cybrpnk · · Score: 5

    As much as I want to go into space, even I have some hesitation about applying for this. I've been to Russia and built a couple of experiments that have flown on MIR, so I have some first hand observations about this. First, the Russians are in this for the money, period. When I went there as part of a Boeing experiment team, everything was about what could they do to soak more cash from us and they could care less about the flight. Secondly, their infrastructure is shot, particularly at the launch site. Third, they are totally unable to keep to a schedule - look at the Space Station, it's 2 years late from Russians having to delay their main part. Most importantly, this thing can't be declared safe. MIR is fifteen years old, it's had a fire and a major depresurization while US astronauts were aboard, either of which could have easily killed someone. Look at their recent sub disaster and TV station fire, too - they are just stretched too thin running old equipment with people that haven't been paid in far too long. It sounds romantic, but it's being pushed by people with NO spaceflight experience and little if any experience with the realities of Russia today. The Russians aren't going to raise a single flag as long as there's enough zeros on the end of the check. If this pulls thru, it's going to be luck more than anything....