In 1996, during NASA’s Space Shuttle Mission, STS-76, Michael ‘Rich’ Clifford performed the first American spacewalk while docked to the Russian Mir Space Station. It was a flawless performance that paved the way for future spacewalks. Fifteen years later Rich Clifford reveals that he had Parkinson’s disease while performing that spacewalk and with NASA’s knowledge of his ailment. THE ASTRONAUT’S SECRET explores Rich’s career as an astronaut and how he and NASA kept his disease a secret for more than fifteen years. The film also follows Rich as he begins to speak publicly about Parkinson’s disease and becomes a source of inspiration for others suffering from the neurodegenerative disease. His story shows that with passion, dedication, and determination one can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and reach for the stars.
