Science City Kolkata Launches Immersive Mars Journey: 'One Step Beyond'
Science City's new fulldome film offers a visceral journey to Mars.
Top Summary
- What happened: Science City Kolkata inaugurated 'One Step Beyond: A Journey to Mars,' a fulldome 3D film.
- Why it matters: The film offers an immersive, scientifically grounded experience of space exploration.
- What changes for people: Audiences can experience a virtual journey to the Moon and Mars with realistic visuals.
- Who is affected: Space enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in science and immersive cinematic experiences.
A Cinematic Leap to Mars
Science City in Kolkata has unveiled its latest attraction: 'One Step Beyond: A Journey to Mars.' This fulldome 3D film promises an immersive experience, bringing audiences closer to the cosmos than ever before.
The inauguration was attended by notable figures, including Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and A. D. Choudhury, Director General of National Council of Science Museums.
Visceral Space Travel
The film aims to dissolve the boundary between viewer and voyage. Audiences report feeling as though they were part of the spacecraft during launch.
"The moment of launch in the film was unforgettable... We seemed to rise with it," reports one viewer.
The experience is described as both virtual and achingly real. Some felt physical sensations, even a touch of nausea, mimicking the effects of actual space travel.
Landscapes Beyond Earth
The film takes viewers on a journey from the Moon to Mars. Lunar craters appear sharply defined, and Martian soil seems palpably real.
The visual spectacle is so powerful that the terrain feels within reach. The film seamlessly blends science, imagination, and sensory experience.
The Human Element of Exploration
'One Step Beyond' delves into the psychological journey of astronauts. It reminds viewers that these are human beings with families and emotional connections to Earth.
The narrative explores the courage and vulnerability of those who undertake such missions.
Science Grounded in Reality
Dr. Chattopadhyay emphasized that the film is an animated experience "grounded in scientific reality."
He also highlighted the importance of the Artemis Program as a gateway to Mars. The film connects lunar exploration's legacy with future Martian ambitions.
Technological Immersion
The fulldome theatre at Science City boasts impressive technology. Six high-end digital projectors deliver nearly 30 million pixels of resolution across a 23-metre dome tilted at 23 degrees.
This creates an immersive environment where the audience inhabits the visual narrative. The cosmos descends into the theatre, creating a powerful illusion.
Creative Team and Global Acclaim
Dire cte d by Aaron Bradb ur y and produced by Ben Squire s, the film blends cinematic storytelling with scientific accuracy. Richard Armitage narrates, while Rhian Sheehan composes the music.
The 25-minute film, presented in fulldome 3D format with resolution reaching up to 8K by 8K at 60 frames per second, premiered internationally at the Fulldome Festival in Brno in June 2025 before being screened at the National Space Centre in the United Kingdom.
A Lasting Dream
'One Step Beyond' rekindles humanity's ancient fascination with the cosmos. The film makes that dream briefly tangible.
For twenty-five minutes, the audience travels through space. The intersection of science, imagination, and human aspiration becomes vividly clear.
What to Watch Next
The success of 'One Step Beyond' could pave the way for more immersive science education experiences. Keep an eye out for future developments in fulldome technology and space exploration films at Science City and beyond.