Kyrgyzstan's space program has been defunct since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union. This 25-minute documentary follows an all-female team of young scientists and engineers in the capital city of Bishkek as they work to launch Kyrgyzstan's first satellite into space. The eight women, who dropped out of university programs to pursue the project, have no prior experience in aerospace. Director San San F. Young follows the team as they "learn by doing," while also working to fundraise for the project. In addition to technical challenges, the team must overcome gender stereotypes, limiting cultural norms, community opposition, and little access to resources and expertise. If they are successful, they will build the first satellite constructed entirely by women. Supporters of the project can follow updates on their Patreon (Kyrgyz Space Program), Facebook (@kyrgyzspaceprogram), Instagram (@KyrgyzSatellite), and Twitter (in Russian, @KyrgyzSatellite). Other films in the Women Make Science series are also worth checking out. Subjects range from dolphin sanctuaries in Greece to ecosystem restoration in Kenya's Lake Victoria.
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