The Astronaut Farmer is a 2006 American drama film directed by Michael Polish, who co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Mark. The story focuses on a Texas rancher who constructs a rocket in his barn and, against all odds, launches himself into outer space. Charles Farmer is a former astronaut-in-training who was discharged from the military before he could fulfill his dream of becoming a vital part of NASA. Having missed the opportunity to travel into space, he decides to build a replica of the historic Mercury-Atlas in the barn on his secluded ranch in the fictional town of Story, Texas,... using all his assets and facing foreclosure as a result. When he begins making inquiries about purchasing rocket fuel, the FBI and FAA step in to investigate, and the ensuing publicity thrusts Farmer into the spotlight and makes him a media darling. Farmer's first launch is delayed by endless red tape created by government officials, who seek to stall him beyond his deadline to foreclose on the farm. Farmer is denied the fuel he wishes, which would be liquid hydrogen. His ranch facing financial ruin, he panics and somehow launches his rocket before it is ready and without the proper fuel.
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| Release date: | October 15, 2006 |
| Directed by: | Michael Polish, The Polish brothers |
| Rated: |  |
| Runtime: | 104 Minutes |
| Producer: | Mark Polish, Michael Polish, Paula Weinstein, Len Amato, The Polish brothers |
| Editor: | James Haygood |
| Music by: | Stuart Matthewman |
| Cinematography: | M. David Mullen |
| Screenplay by: | Mark Polish, Michael Polish |
| Estimated budget: | $13,000,000 |
| Genre: | Adventure, Science Fiction |