George Lucas’ 1977 film, “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope” was light-years ahead of its time. The Star Wars movie franchise has made more than $65 billion in total revenue – with countless movies, tv shows, games, toys and more. But back in the 70s, no one – even the Star Wars cast – could have guessed just how successful the film would become.

The Star Wars Cast Back in 1977

Back in 1977, before the first movie was released, Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo) were just a crew of fresh-faced, up-and-coming stars. And no one could prepare them for the massive stardom they, along with the franchise, was on the cusp of.

The main cast of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” ditched their lightsabers, costumes, and TIE fighters to promote the movie and take casual photos with each other in their streetwear. Pictured below (left to right) is Harrison Ford (Han Solo), David Prowse (Darth Vader), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), and (Kenny Baker (R2-D2).

Let’s take a trip further down memory lane, before all the glitz and glam, and look at more shots from that day:

Enemies no longer! Harrison, Mark and Carrie casually pose next to the Clone Troopers who they battle frequently throughout the film. 

Star Wars Box Office Success

“Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope” was released on May 25, 1977. Memorial Day Weekend typically is a successful opening weekend for a film to premiere and is the start of the summer blockbuster releases. And the first Star Wars did just that. For context, the first Star Wars film had a budget of $11 million. The film ended up earning $461 million dollars in US ticket sales and $775 million worldwide. Not only was the sci-fi action-adventure a success with audiences, but critics adored it! The film received 10 Academy Award nominations and won seven (including Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Score). 

The film even started a tradition among Hollywood film directors in which they ended each other congratulatory notes when they pass box office records. 

What Is Going On with the Star Wars Franchise Now?

Years later, Star Wars has become a larger-than life, pop culture phenomenon. It has made its way from just nerd fandoms to mainstream praise. Walt Disney Company bought LucasFilms and the rights to Star Wars back in 2012, and have since made three film trilogies, two solo spin-off films and a handful of animated and live action shows including “The Mandalorian”, “The Book of Boba Fett”, and “Andor.”

The post Looking Back: Star Wars Cast in 1977 first appeared on History In Memes.

If you think your mom losing you in the grocery store for five minutes is bad, imagine your country letting you float around in space for almost a year! That’s exactly what happened to this cosmonaut named Segei Krikalev. He went out on a mission and ended up stuck in space for 311 days. 

So how did he get stuck up there for so long? And how was he eventually saved and brought back to Earth? Keep reading to find out!

The Original Plan for the Cosmonaut

Segei Krikalev had prepared all during the spring of 1991 for a five month mission in space. That was the initial time frame he had trained for and planned to embark on. But that was not how it played out at all. By January of 1992, Segei was now stuck in space for eight months and had no clue when he would be able to return home. 

Why This Cosmonaut Ended Up Stuck in Space

The reason Segei couldn’t come home was because the country that was supposed to bring him back, the Soviet Union, no longer existed. 

So by the time the mission was completed, Segei was the last Soviet citizen and was nicknamed the “last citizen of the USSR.” This nickname stemmed from the Soviet Union dissipating in 1991, while Segei was on his five month mission in space after launching in May of 1991. 

Therefore, there were no government funds available to bring him home. Segei return mission fell on the back burner of the government’s priority. While it may have been a political issue to work out his return home, obviously Segei and his family and friends were more concerned for his physical health. The longer he was in space, the more his bone and muscle mass would deteriorate. 

This mission lasted a total of 311 days – twice as long as it was originally intended to last. Segei finally returned home on March 25, 1992. He had left a Soviet Union citizen and returned home as a Russian citizen. 

The Aftermath of the Cosmonaut’s Mission

When Segei returned home finally in March of 1992, his physical health had taken a toil. He needed assistance walking when he got off the shuttle. But, this mishap didn’t cause Segei to retire. No, no, no. 

Segei flew multiple missions throughout the 1990s. He moved up the ranks to commander in 2005 and was promoted two years later to Director of Human Spaceflight at Roscosmos. 

How Many Days Has the Cosmonaut Spent in Space? 

803 days. He sits behind two other cosmonauts who have spent 827 and 878 days respectively in space.

The post The Last Soviet Citizen: How the USSR Left This Cosmonaut Stranded in Space for 311 Days first appeared on History In Memes.