The Year of Pluto - New Horizons Documentary Brings Humanity Closer to the Edge of the Solar System

New Horizons is the first mission to the Kuiper Belt, a gigantic zone of icy bodies and mysterious small objects orbiting beyond Neptune. This region also is known as the “third” zone of our solar system, beyond the inner rocky planets and outer gas giants. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Maryland, designed, built and operates the New Horizons spacecraft, and manages the mission for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The Year of Pluto - NASA New Horizons is a one hour documentary which takes on the hard science and gives us answers to how the mission came about and why it matters. Interviews with Dr. James Green, John Spencer, Fran Bagenal, Mark Showalter and others share how New Horizons will answer many questions. New Horizons is part of the New Frontiers Program, managed by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

[@MichaelPowers1960]

This is humanity at its best. It is said that civilization truly exists when old men plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit under. To spend ones life and career endeavoring to answer questions they know may not be answered their lifetimes is a noble act, and one worthy of undertaking. Not only because of the benefit to those yet unborn, but because of all the answers found along the way. Often answers to questions we had not yet thought to ask.

[@michaelskywalker3089]

Michael Powers That's why I try to remember those who came before like Leonardo Da Vinci and Galelei Galileo; who could in their mind's eye grasp the wonder of the heavens but could only be content in carefully laying the paving stones that have allowed us to in 2015 to explore a comet; rove on mars; study both sides of our sun; explore ceres and reveal the tapestry of Pluto; a world 9 light-hours distant.

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

+Michael Powers no this is us at our stupidest...all that time & cash and not ONE instrument sent to a surface to transmit data home...not even a monitor for NEO approaches...we could get blindsided while these imbeciles are acting like tourists at a new beach

[@michaelskywalker3089]

This is the rub of humanity: to understand the limits of your mortality and still generate light in the darkness; building knowledge and honing instruments so that one day our descendants can not just perfect science and technology; but provide the means to explore beyond the horizons of today. Still...this is obvious; what is harder as Michael Powers implies is to start building the future and protect humanity by gathering data.

[@MichaelPowers1960]

Michael Southcott Thank you for being the voice of reason, and stating so eloquently what I lacked the patience to. It's just that I wonder what perverse part of human nature compels some to see a noble act, then desperately try to find fault with it. Even if the mission had been a complete failure, it still would have been worth the attempt.

[@randy109]

If you attempt to Navigate a Space Vehicle like this one to fly at precise speeds and VERY precise trajectories to use the associated G forces provided by Jupiter and THEN to actually rendezvous with Pluto so precisely is a "Math Problem" that no one man could possibly do. It must have taken a Team of PhD's with Mathematics and Physics' Degrees just to do the Navigation alone. I honestly think that the Navigation was harder than designing and building the actual Craft. Mankind is truly amazing! 99.99% of Men and Women couldn't even comprehend the Mathematics of such a precise Navigational Problem. Imagine if YOUR Math Professor assigned you a weekend homework problem to send a craft to one of the Moons of Saturn! Incredible Mathematics and mind numbing to the average Human...

[@ElConquistador24]

29:45 Ann Harch said that no spacecraft in our lifetime will go back to Pluto. What!? Really!?? Then let this be a reminder that we need to explore in Space as much as possible! Science is awesome!

[@randy109]

Being an American "child of the 50's" I think I was born at the perfect time! Sputnik went up the month before I was born and I followed the Astronauts and their Missions throughout Childhood, culminating with the Moon Landings when I was 12. Now I've worked for an Aerospace plant for 35+ years and our Company has had parts on ALL space missions from Mercury Program through every Shuttle Mission. As for Space Exploration I may have been born at the best times we may ever see, even if we go "Inter-Stellar" after I'm gone. I hope to live long enough for us to fully explore the Oort Cloud which will be terrific compared to Pluto "being the edge of the Solar System" when I was born. Thanks to NASA and ALL Nations with Space Programs!!

[@ElConquistador24]

This is one of the most advanced technological devices we have created. It also only runs on about a 60 watt lightbulb when working in tandem with all other instruments?! Amazing!

[@matjur012]

Its been a long time since I've had 'the 'good' exitement shivers. This event makes up for the waiting. Another six days, can't wait. Good luck to everyone and everything involved in this mission.

[@globalteenteamllc8672]

Amazing! Such a huge accomplishment😃 This was an extremely informative program, NASA. Honestly, it wasn't long enough. We, collectively, have so many questions and are eagerly awaiting the outcome.

[@LDLK]

I saw about the picture of pluto and I think it's really awesome like everything about this planet. Considering this planet was the farthest planet we know so far (I know there are/could be another planets). I feel I'm happy enough I'm alive and able to see a picture of pluto. It's a bless.

[@cybertree]

I remember I was GOING THROUGH PUBERTY when they first launched this mission! I LITERALLY made myself FORGET so I didn't have to excitedly wait so long, AND IT WORKED! A decade later, I was reminded and we're now witnessing the *MOST IMPORTANT SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE OF THE DECADE!!!*

[@rosangeladoro9208]

FABULOUS !!! A VIDEO THAT MAKES WE TRAVEL TOGETHER TO A ADVENTURE !!! PLUTO ..... A NEW HORIZON !!! HUGS FROM BRAZIL, ROSANGELA D'ORO

[@nurfatinnabilahahmadyani6719]

Hats off to all the researchers and the whole team! Found this on Twitter: "For perspective, New Horizons cost as much as 2 F-35 fighter jets, or about 5 hours of Social Security." Just if humans are wise enough to invest money in space exploration rather than the military. Just my 2 cents.

[@rowni]

Literally been waiting 2 years (since I found out about this voyage) for New Horizon to finally reach pluto! I cant believe its this month!

[@tr11251]

Thanks to the guys at New Horizons, they should all be proud of themselves. Can't wait to see what data comes back!

[@adrianwarner8686]

From what I can tell, this cost the same as the Hobbit movies. I know which one is of greater worth to humanity. Why on earth aren't there more projects like this in the pipeline? Thank you NASA for increasing my wonder at our universe.

[@louispecoul6611]

Can't express adequately enough the excitement in anticipation of Pluto

[@theejimmy1989]

I really hope there's more documentaries like this to come. This was awesome.

[@EfrainMcshell]

tears in my eyes... it feels for a moment we were eternal. i got it get out of this human madness and become a replicant, and then travel out there in space for ever, and ever. people should look at these things

[@nuestrafamilia1517]

NASA again presents the wonderful works that they strive to educate us with. Keep up the great work. I hope we can see more of our youth involved with these future plans (for them). I cant wait for next month! I for see KZbin posting NASA's next video REALLY SOON with close up pictures of Pluto!!!

[@Thaumazo]

Aww hell yes. A full length NASA documentary of New Horizons! I've been waiting for something like this in my Subs to pop up.

[@IARRCSim]

Its funny that the mission to Pluto is powered by plutonium. Its like using mercury in a thermometer that goes to Mercury.

[@MultiDonard]

good luck you little spacecraft as you go on your journey into deep space

[@feiryfella]

I'm an unashamed Mike Brown fangirl, I blame him for inspiring me to go to the UK Centre for Planetary Science this year! 2015 has been a year in space like no other in my lifetime

[@tori_canoli_7075]

is it bad i almost started crying?? i dont know pluto is just so cute and he has a heart on him and i cant

[@davidkeenan5642]

Pirate Foxy No, & you're not alone.

[@tori_canoli_7075]

David Keenan okay good. thank you

[@mirandashirkey1838]

My great Grand sons also growing up in Kansas will now grow up in a world where this knowledge wil be commonly available hopefully for them to study and perhaps build on.

[@threewheelneal]

We are so lucky to exist at this time in human history... Cant wait till July...

[@MultiSkywatch]

One of the best NASA film ever.I like this very much.Let`s hope everything goes well.Thanks NASA.Greetings from Finland.

[@thebluesman9319]

Fascinating. I can't wait for next month to see photos of this far-away world!

[@morgandavisstrivingtothrive]

This is going to be soooooo cool and I am very excited! My new nephew will never know a day when we didn't know what Pluto looked like! Amazing!

[@Frankieishot1]

That's actually crazy

[@rupertpitt4]

A must see about space exploration and human ingenuity.

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

+Rupert Pitt more like space exploration and human stupidity

[@suyog1260]

Finally they made it.. Today is July 14 th.. And after looking at those pics.. I m so so excited...

[@Pand3miCSK]

117 people who are completely oblivious at what NASA accomplished

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

+John D no however many arrogant ignorant imbeciles that think throwing a rock at a planet is genius...while the taxpayers foot the bill

[@wendellwhitfill4868]

Wonderful documentary. I admire the skill and knowledge these people have.

[@TrueEaglesFan]

Congratulations, humanity.

[@tvittori]

Fantastic. What a great time to be alive and to have seen this event unfold. Looking forward to many more.

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

+tvittori Then they should make you pay for it

[@tvittori]

+MrAdamNTProtester pay for what??

[@pixelpunishersound]

@nasa I absolutely loved this documentary. You really should do more long form documentaries. 👍🏾 I cannot wait for us to get to Pluto.

[@alexthegrape1000]

We only knew Pluto was an actual thing in 1930!? Wow, that proves how little humans know about the universe. There is still SO MUCH to discover!

[@k1j2f30]

I am on the edge of my chair. I have been waiting for this my whole life. Sail on New Horizons.

[@rebeccamay7372]

I'm sorry, but if I were working at NASA right now I'd be peeing my pants with excitement that Pluto is now just 1 MONTH AWAY!!! Good luck to all working on the project- I'm following this with great excitement!

[@rancoredsupes]

Can´t wait only 7 days!

[@yowzephyr]

Bravo, NASA! You do great work, including this documentary!

[@danadml9710]

Congratulations to all those involved! What a great day it is!

[@moekitsune]

What's the name of the song. Or soundtrack. Whatever. That starts around 1:33? I've heard it on 2 videos: This and the Twisted Colossus announcement trailer.

[@FastHandsFastLife9]

Congratulations to this team. What an incredible accomplishment!

[@Strikeshotz]

Wow so amazing I love it what a great journey indeed !

[@Zopdoz]

Great, here we come Pluto!!

[@anilamore4120]

Great achievement and great news for humanity..

[@shallalaldelaimi6371]

Hi, ALL, You are doing a great job and service to the humanity, . I feel a little bit proud for myself just to follow some of your success, CONGRATULATIONS for all that SUCCESSES , RESULTS and Human Benefits.

[@KtanKtanKtan]

July 14th 2015 12:45pm - Five minutes until flyby.... I was watching.

[@maccmoses]

I wish there would have been more about the findings of Pluto and photos kinda dissappointed.

[@siasundu4361]

Soooo excited I can't even explain I think Pluto is my favourite planet because I feel like it so lonely and it has not got enough attention like the other planets.

[@andreklompe5685]

1 hour till untill closest approach! Aah... what a fine day for science!!!

[@MrSaLVideos]

Great Achievement for Science and Technology (and Humans).

[@kenbobca]

Thank you very much for your hard work and for sharing this video.

[@antonioalvescardoso9530]

VERY,VERY... WONDERFUL THE SOLAR SYSTEM IN THE INFINITY SPACE !...

[@rick3d]

Great Documentary, amazing animation and visualizations!

[@AtheistBelgium]

excellent video, really enjoyed it. Pluto, here we come!!

[@dawnl.c.miller5006]

From out of Africa 50,000 years ago to the edge of the Kuiper Belt! It gives me hope.

[@flinchfu]

I'm anxious about it too.

[@emperorkang]

i didnt know you guys had a youtube channel! subscribed!

[@hammysmad]

Great wee show... must watch

[@i_smoke_ghosts]

That was awesome. Even jerked a tear- humanity's amazing feats. There's stil hope for our race.

[@tuanhoangnguyen4784]

im a English learner and i'm interested in Astronomy documentaries that NASA had published.Can NASA add some subtitles,Plz

[@akyas.5852]

It's July the 5th and we only have 11 more days until New Horizons passes Pluto and we see it for the first time!! How exciting is that!! The only thing I am sad about is that there is no way we can land on it and collect information. But, I still can't wait!!

[@franktheves9489]

Excellent video and journey through 26 years of dreams i hope it will come true. The first encounter with a KBO.

[@neatodd]

Is there a version of this video without background muzak? Would watch with sound off but no subtitles.

[@anilsurujpaul1979]

i live for this can't wait

[@johnnyleaf788]

Excellent video and very informative. Thank you

[@TheKeithvidz]

can't wait to see the planet close up.

[@krizelkasaysayan3145]

dream come true is here but I want to explore more and more ! :(

[@samsen201]

Very nice documentary. Solute to the brilliant minds before us and what else we shall see.

[@ciroorlando116]

Wonderful really, congratulations NASA NH mission to Pluto and Charon Explorers Team and for the new generations of young explorers...we hope 14th July with an excitement feeling in the science and Astronomy humankind lovers. Thanks KZbin for share this amazement matter.

[@osirus365]

this makes me feel dumb and I lack conviction. Kudos to them, this is a great achievement for mankind.

[@SnakesRaven]

Exciting times ahaid... Can't wait!

[@123UpNorth321]

2 days :) So excited!!!

[@actiume6689]

It's tomorrow now! :D

[@aluvsive]

who ever edited the audio needs to lay off the stock music next time. this is borderline unwatchable.

[@BigBammer]

I AM READY

[@erikvanderspuy8710]

NASA i commend you on another event in witch you are again the most that that life(that we know of) can accomplish.

[@SOGNAMETAL]

Looking forward to see more KBO in the future!

[@BoniPris]

3 days people! :D Congrats! and thank you for your hard work NASA.

[@krishnan1951]

Excellent documentary. Thanks to NASA.

[@SuperBigone2]

this is a great hour of information…..

[@maxshuty]

So amazing!

[@hreader]

I really do hope all goes well. Assuming it does, it'll be very interesting to see if there are any congratulatory messages from the Churches, i.e. from Rome, Canterbury, York et al. So far (Philae, LHC opening and LHC discovery of the Higgs particle) these pulpits have been conspicuous by their silence in the face of these triumphs of observational science.

[@rext0n_0]

Ah Tobu soundtracks. I love those.

[@ZeNashB]

Videos like this is why I still love youtube. So amazing to be lost in wonder about what we will find there. Its amazing to think of it as ''our achievement''... as humanity's achievement... Science, bitch!

[@CharlieSnipes1]

Nothing will ever be the same again after the flyby

[@mcbear52]

Thanks NASA, you make our dreams come into reality !

[@marioriospinot]

Nice.

[@wilberry941]

this is so cool

[@1Mack1Tone]

Loved it, Thank you NASA

[@okrajoe]

Great mission.

[@Corpsecrank]

The audio comes in over a single channel. Sound only in the left side of a headset and only coming from a single position on a surround setup.

[@slowerisfaster]

I guess the debate about whether or not Pluto is a planet or not is clear now....It is clearly a planet to me...

[@valehx1176]

9 years 6 months down, 6 days to go. .

[@AndresvandenHoefM404]

Anyone know the name of the backing track?

[@krystaelcastro3319]

YAS. VIVA LA PLUTO!!!

[@cfchambers2000]

So exciting!

[@djcuriosity6670]

fascinating

[@sadochrist8534]

A couple more weeks to go and I'm really excited to see Pluto.

[@AstronomerRob]

July 14th 2015! Clyde Tombaugh's ashes in the Plutonian atmosphere! But I wish they could have applied some aerobraking, or maybe gravity assist, so the flyby was on July 13th! LMAO My birthday!! LOL Thank you NASA and New Horizons team! Excellent job! Well performed (Y) :D lol