Kristen Stewart’s Astronaut Series ‘The Challenger’ Launches on Prime Video

Filmogaz.com reports that Prime Video has picked up a limited series titled The Challenger. The show adapts Meredith E. Bagby’s book The New Guys. Kristen Stewart is attached to star as astronaut and physicist Sally Ride. This will be Stewart’s first major television role.

Creative team and development

Maggie Cohn serves as writer and showrunner. Cohn previously worked on The Staircase. James Hawes is attached to direct. The project has been in development for about two years.

Source material

The series draws on The New Guys, which chronicles NASA’s 1978 astronaut class. The narrative follows that diverse cohort through training and missions. It focuses on career arcs and personal challenges.

Scope and historical focus

The drama has a two-fold focus. It traces how Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. It also follows Ride’s role on the Rogers Commission after the Challenger disaster.

The Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds into its flight in 1986. All seven crew members died in the accident. The Rogers Commission investigated NASA’s operations and decision-making.

Prime Video description and angle

Prime Video frames the show around the commission’s effort to determine responsibility. The series will explore the commission’s scrutiny of NASA systems. It will also chart Ride’s personal and professional journey.

Kristen Stewart’s involvement

Stewart will portray Sally Ride. She recently directed the film The Chronology Of Water. Stewart’s new acting role marks a return to on-screen work. The project positions her at the center of an astronaut series drama.

Expect a period piece that examines space program culture and gender barriers. No premiere date has been announced yet. Filmogaz.com will provide updates as more details emerge.