The other night, the International Institute of Space Commerce, part of the International Space University, played host to the European premiere of an award-winning documentary film about the first privately funded space venture.

More than a hundred people turned up at the Manx Museum in Douglas for the event, and enjoyed an intimate discussion with the movie's director Michael Potter along with presentations about the commercial prospect of space business given by ISU president Walter Peeters and CEO of Manx company Odyssey Moon Limited, Dr Robert Richards, who had just flown in from Canada to attend the premiere.

The film Orphans of Apollo provides a detailed examination of one of the most daring, if unsuccessful, efforts to commercialise space. It tells the true story of a small group of entrepreneurs who felt 'orphaned' by President Nixon's decision to end the NASA Apollo
Moon programme and the subsequent years of nominal space activity. They took matters into their own hands, and commercially commandeered the Russian Mir Space Station, behind the backs of NASA and the US Government. Their rebellious, yet pioneering, efforts launched the new commercial space revolution.

All five 'orphans' feature in the documentary film. Gus Gardellini, Walt Anderson, Jeff Manter, John Jacobson and Rick Tumlinson.

So far, the documentary has had great reviews from 'across the pond' in America. It has been described as: 'A fascinating account of how a small group of American space entrepreneurs challenged the Government', 'both a great work of art and an important story' and 'a fast moving chronicle of an action packed, amazing true story'.

Let me add my two pennies' worth. For anyone who watched the Apollo moon landings from their living rooms, has dreamt of flying aboard the Enterprise or has ever wondered if they have 'The Right Stuff'. This is a great movie. The story, told via personal accounts of all the players involved, not only reveals a tale of great daring, and entrepreneurship, it also clearly explains what commercial opportunities outer space offers.

It was a real treat to get to meet some real space entrepreneurs, as after the show, the floor was opened to questions. Director Michael Potter, is tied closely to both the ISU and to the Institute. He is an expert on international technology and business and has published extensively on technology policy issues.

He worked together with key figures in 'Orphans of Apollo', namely renowned author Tom Clancy and Space X / Pay Pal founder Elon Musk in creating a publicly traded pan-European telecommunications company. He said, 'It would be really unfortunate if the world didn't know about the hard work these guys did. It was really a "band of brothers" initiative that made big dreams come true.

With its free enterprise approach to space, Isle of Man also has a 'band of brothers' opportunity for success.'

Christopher Stott, chairman and chief executive officer of space company ManSat Ltd, who was interviewed for the documentary, said: 'We are tremendously proud that the Isle of Man was chosen as the location for the European premiere for this insightful documentary.'

The Isle of Man is home to the world's first International Institute of Space Commerce (IISC) which was officially opened in October. The IISC is a joint project between the ISU based in Strasbourg, France, and the Isle of Man Government. It's located in the Isle of Man at the International Business School in Douglas.

Isle of Man Treasury member with delegated ministerial responsibility for the space industry, Alex Downie, was on hand for the premiere. He said: 'We are committed to developing our space credentials to ensure that we continue to attract the space industry's leading companies to our shores. I am delighted with the excellent turnout for tonight's event which demonstrates the Island's enthusiasm for space.'

Dr Robert Richards, who has already been to space twice already (both low-orbit trips), said: 'We are now in what I like to call Moon 2.0, the second era of lunar exploration. With Space Odyssey, we want to be the first ever private company to reach the moon.'


>>Sherrilynne Starkie is the managing partner of Strive Public Relations, a strategic communications consultancy serving the Isle of Man. Visit her business blog, Strive Notes for frequent updates www.strivepr.com/notes or follow her on twitter.com/sherrilynne