In “Space: The Longest Goodbye,” a mother and son stay connected despite the vastness of space. Jamey Simpson, now 23, grew up in Houston believing that everyone’s mom was an astronaut, including his own, Cady Coleman. As a chemist, engineer, former Air Force colonel, and retired astronaut, Coleman spent 159 days in space across two Space Shuttle missions and a stint on the International Space Station.
The film sheds light on NASA’s preparations for long-duration space missions, like the journey to Mars, which requires astronauts to be away for up to three years. Simpson understood the significance of his mother’s work from a young age, appreciating that her contributions benefited countless people on Earth. Despite missing out on typical mother-son activities, Simpson felt proud of his mother’s impactful work and cherished their nightly phone calls, where they would see her satellite pass overhead.
Weekly video chats were another lifeline for them, lasting up to an hour and a half each. Director Ido Mizrahy had access to all 50 hours of these calls, offering a glimpse into the emotional highs and lows of their separation. Coleman acknowledges the challenges of leaving loved ones behind but emphasizes the camaraderie among crew members, who all leave someone behind and unite to focus on the mission.
While Coleman had to address Simpson’s frustrations during their video calls, they maintained open communication, crucial for their bond. Reflecting on the possibility of Coleman extending her stay in space, Simpson expresses understanding and willingness to follow in her footsteps, prioritizing the opportunity to contribute to solving global challenges.
Coleman echoes the importance of human stories in space exploration, underscoring the film’s role in humanizing spaceflight.
