'Gravity' vs. reality: What the movie got wrong about space
What's the story
The movie Gravity had everyone spellbound with its gripping portrayal of spacewalks and the perils astronauts encounter. However, as cool as it looked, the film strayed far from the actualities of exploring space. Knowing about these inaccuracies can give you a better idea of what real spacewalks are like. Here, we explore some major domains where Gravity differs from real-life space missions, in terms of physics, equipment, and astronaut experiences.
#1
Physics in space misrepresented
In Gravity, space objects are depicted as acting in ways that violate actual physics. Debris, for example, travels at speeds that wouldn't be possible without a significant amount of force applied over time. In reality, things in orbit have consistent velocities unless acted upon by another force. The film's depiction of abrupt speed and direction changes is misleading, considering how momentum works in a zero-gravity environment.
#2
Unrealistic space debris scenarios
The movie shows a disastrous chain reaction, triggered by debris hitting satellites. Although this is based on the Kessler Syndrome theory, the quick escalation we see is dramatized for effect. In reality, while space debris is hazardous for spacecraft and astronauts, agencies keep a close eye on these threats to prevent such collisions with careful planning and maneuvering.
#3
Incorrect depiction of astronaut equipment
Astronaut suits and gear are also shown a bit inaccurately in Gravity. For instance, the jetpack used by George Clooney's character permits a lot of movement without any apparent fuel restrictions. In real life, jetpacks have limited fuel capacity and need to be controlled precisely to work the way they should during a spacewalk. Also, the communication devices are much more advanced than depicted.
#4
Emotional responses overemphasized
The movie amps up the characters's emotional responses during crises for cinematic impact, but that's not what astronaut training or behavior under stress looks like. Astronauts are put through intense psychological preparation to deal with emergencies calmly and methodically. While it's natural to be frightened, their training focuses on problem-solving skills, not panic-driven actions highlighted in the film.