Francis Bourgeois' Journey in "Mission to Space"

"Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois," a Channel 4 documentary, follows 25-year-old Francis Bourgeois, a social media star known for his trainspotting videos, as he embarks on a quest to explore the possibility of becoming an astronaut. The documentary is structured into two 45-minute parts, showcasing Bourgeois' experiences and challenges during various astronaut training exercises.

Critics: Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois

Bourgeois' journey includes a series of rigorous tests designed to simulate the conditions astronauts face. He meets retired European Space Agency astronaut Tim Peake at the RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine, where he undergoes a G-force test. Unfortunately, Bourgeois loses consciousness shortly after the test begins. His experience continues in the United States with Axiom Space, where he faces further challenges, including a hypoxia test at the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, which reveals negligible resistance to low oxygen levels. During a zero-gravity flight, Bourgeois becomes violently ill, and in a simulated emergency aboard a space station, he panics and fails to save a pretend patient.

Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois review – did we really need to see him be sick in zero gravity?

While the documentary attempts to delve into the emotional aspects of space travel, including the sacrifices astronauts make by leaving loved ones behind, these segments often feel awkward. An encounter with a therapist, where Bourgeois discusses his cat, highlights the disconnect between his personal experiences and the gravity of astronaut training. However, the final segment of the documentary shifts focus, showcasing Bourgeois' enthusiasm for space engineering as he interacts with engineers, expressing genuine excitement about the technical aspects of space travel.

Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois review – did we really need to see him be sick in zero gravity?

Critics have noted that while Bourgeois' charm and enthusiasm are evident, the documentary's structure and pacing detract from its overall impact. Some reviewers argue that the premise of a trainspotter aspiring to be an astronaut is inherently flawed, as it becomes clear early on that Bourgeois is not suited for the physical demands of space travel. The documentary's length has also been criticized, with suggestions that it could have been more effective if condensed.

Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois review – did we really need to see him be sick in zero gravity?

Critics have expressed mixed feelings about the documentary's execution. Lucy Mangan from The Guardian remarked on the disconnect between Bourgeois' passion and the documentary's focus, suggesting that a more fitting approach would have been to highlight his strengths as a communicator and enthusiast for engineering rather than forcing the astronaut narrative.

Critics: Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois

• “It’s like you’re singing to me!” — Francis Bourgeois, expressing his excitement about space engineering.

Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois review – did we really need to see him be sick in zero gravity?

• “Interesting,” — Matt Ondler, former Axiom chief strategy officer, responding to Bourgeois' comment about his head circumference.

Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois review – did we really need to see him be sick in zero gravity?

"Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois" presents an intriguing yet flawed exploration of the intersection between enthusiasm for trains and the rigorous world of space exploration. While Bourgeois' journey is filled with humorous and awkward moments, it ultimately raises questions about the suitability of the format and the narrative direction. Critics hope for Bourgeois to be utilized more effectively in future projects, focusing on his strengths as an engaging communicator and passionate amateur.

Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois review – did we really need to see him be sick in zero gravity?