This film, along with the other two Disney-von Braun collaborations, was extremely important in creating public support for the U. S. Space program. These films are so important to today's society that they should be brought out of moratorium and be re-released on film, TV, VHS, and DVD.
Wernher von Braun, through the artistry and marketing of Walt Disney ("Man in Space", etc.), was primarily responsible for opening the door to space travel. Wernher von Braun knew the importance of space travel.
Most people have questioned our space program and why we are "wasting" money on space when we can more usefully spend it here on earth building hospitals, roads, etc.
If man is to survive as a species, he must travel into space and inhabit other places. Barring huge catastrophes (disease, war, "culling the human herd", etc.), brought on by man, himself; or even more cruelly, by nature; Earth will not support the increased population of the next millennium, and more than likely, not even the next century. Humans, here on Earth, are like a bacterial colony on a petri dish. Our population is now doubling every few years. At the same time, fuel, food, and other resources are running out; and, pollution will soon reach intolerable levels. It does not take a rocket scientist to DO THE MATH and conclude that the window of opportunity, time-wise, is closing.
Wernher von Braun was correct in his assessment that man should "travel to the stars." It is our destiny if we are to survive as a species. Disney studios would do well to re-release such educational films and videos as: "Man in Space", "Man and the Moon:" and "Mars and Beyond." Disney studios should, once again, be exploring new frontiers, not just for the economic gain, but also for what they can do for humanity. Disney studios would do well to create new educational films and videos, in the spirit of the Disney-von Braun collaboration, to vigorously promote space travel.