Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Elon Musk's SpaceX takes flight; some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Return to Space
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In RETURN TO SPACE, entrepreneur Elon Musk and a diverse team of SpaceX astronauts, engineers, and support crew take on trailblazing paths to restore American and global space activity. The film also offers key team professional and personal portraits, including the required skills to survive and succeed at the International Space Station.
Is It Any Good?
Oscar-winning directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (Free Solo) soar in this shining documentary about the next generation of space exploration. "Before starting SpaceX," says co-founder and chief engineer Elon Musk in Return to Space, "I was waiting for NASA to send people up to Mars [and] here we are a half century later, and we still have not gone back to the Moon." Through good fortune, entrepreneur Musk and his space crew launch a return to the International Space Station. "I believe that luck is the best superpower," notes Musk, who is also a Spaceballs movie fan. "If you can have any superpowers, luck is the one you'd want." And recalls Anna Menon, a SpaceX mission control specialist who had the fortuitous chance to visit NASA as a fourth grader, "from that time on, I knew I wanted to be a part of space operations." Return to Space inspirationally sets in motion promising career choices for kids and teens who want to aim for the stars.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the teamwork shared by the cast in Return to Space. How do they also demonstrate communication, courage, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Why is it imperative for Elon Musk and the SpaceX crew to seek a return to space? What could be the possible benefits of reentry?
Why does the team choose to build and use recyclable space equipment? What's the possible impact this could offer to people and the environment?
How can kids and teens become inspired to consider careers in space? What role would you choose on the SpaceX team and why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 7, 2022
- Cast : Elon Musk , Robert Behnken , Douglas Hurley , Anna Menon
- Directors : Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi , Jimmy Chin
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , STEM , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 128 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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