Banijay Asia is gearing up to send an Indian citizen into space through an exciting new reality TV format, developed in collaboration with the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), according to Deadline exclusive report. This groundbreaking show will embark on a nationwide search to find one ordinary Indian who will earn a seat on an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard space mission.
Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India CEO Deepak Dhar shared his enthusiasm for the project, said, “At Banijay Asia, our mission has always been to explore new horizons in storytelling. We’re embarking on an unprecedented journey with SERA to create a reality format that transcends the ordinary.”
The show will follow participants as they navigate a series of rigorous challenges designed to test their physical and mental readiness for space travel. The culmination of the series will see one individual selected to become one of the first Indian citizens to venture into space.
SERA, which selected India as a partner nation for its spaceflight program, aims to democratize access to space by offering opportunities to people from countries with limited or no space programs. Unlike space ventures led by figures like Elon Musk and Richard Branson, SERA’s approach focuses on including developing nations in the exploration of space. SERA co-founder Sam Hutchison highlighted the affordability of space travel as a key factor in making this mission possible, noting that SERA purchased its own rocket in 2022.
“India has a phenomenal space program and it is living a moment: An incredible economy, companies developing new technologies and a large number of engineering students and researchers,” said SERA’s Skurla. The winning contestant will also engage in research during their day in space, as SERA seeks to find “India’s Next Astronaut.”
The show, backed by Banijay Asia’s deep understanding of the local market, promises to creatively bring this unique narrative to life. Dhar expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying, “When Josh and Sam started sharing their vision with us, it felt like a common vision with ours. We see this as a mass-based program, and we really want to engage with India’s 1.4 billion people and get them to sign up so we can find that one Indian who could take that position. It would be of national pride to find them.”
The mission will see six global citizens embark on an 11-minute journey past the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space, aboard Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket, New Shepard.
Skurla emphasized SERA’s commitment to making space accessible to all, saying, “Our mission is to inspire and enable individuals from all backgrounds to explore the cosmos, fostering a new era of discovery and understanding. This partnership with Banijay Asia will bring space- and science-related content to a diverse audience.”
As talks with streamers and networks are already underway, the show is set to begin filming in the first half of 2025, with potential for the format to be adapted by other members of the Banijay Entertainment group.
About Author
Leave a Reply