Space Cowboys Myths About Aging:

Space Cowboys

Myths about aging: Space Cowboys (2000)

Astronauts are members of an elite profession: they need to have 'the right stuff' required to risk their lives for the service of their country and for science. As well as being physically fit, astronauts must also possess deep reserves of intelligence and perseverance. The film Space Cowboys attempts to challenge conventional assumptions about aging by portraying several older men who show that they still have the proverbial 'right stuff' necessary to go into space. In fact, they demonstrate that in many ways they have qualities even many younger men do not possess. The history they have seen has given them grit and defiance in the face of adversary, and little tolerance of bureaucracy and red tape when they know what needs to be done.

The plot of Space Cowboys revolves around five former astronauts who were scheduled to go into space during the beginning of the American space program but never realized their dream. However when an old Russian communications satellite begins to malfunction, Frank Corvin, despite his years, is told that he must go into space and fix it. The satellite uses American code from the late 1950s that he designed, and only he understands. Despite his age, he only person alive with the necessary knowledge to complete the mission. This plot device is designed to demonstrate that no older person should be dismissed because they are presumed to have obsolete skill sets: even knowledge of apparently old technology and techniques can be valuable.

The movie's scenario does seem far-fetched: couldn't Corvin merely radio-in the codes to a younger astronaut in space? And why would NASA capitulate to Corvin's demands that his old friends must accompany him into space, putting these older men's lives at risk? Still, it is worth remembering that many older people run marathons, manage large corporations, and accomplish other achievements not so different from being an astronaut. Higher-level physical and cognitive skills can still remain intact, and age matters less than the character of the person performing the job.

The underlying theme of the film is that it is never too old to realize your dreams, even dreams about achieving physical excellence in feats that even many young men cannot achieve. Corvin and his comrades were dismissed at the beginning of their careers because of their independent attitudes. Despite their age, they are recalled to duty, and they appear to be just as defiant, if not more so, than before. The film underlines the fact that the men have changed little in character since their early days at NASA. Corvin is still working for the organization, and is equally irascible as when he was when a young man. Another of his friends went on to become an electrical engineer; a former pilot works as a crop duster; another engineer designs roller coasters, and the final member of the team is a Baptist minister. While most of Corvin's old crew has moved on with their lives, clearly all still harbor a love of risk-taking.