Armageddon: The Unexpected Involvement of Lev Andropov and its Plot Holes

In the movie Armageddon, NASA did not initially intend for Lev, the Russian cosmonaut, to go on the mission to the asteroid. The mission was originally planned for a group of drillers led by Harry Stamper, played by actor Bruce Willis. However, complications arose when the Russian space station was destroyed, resulting in Lev's practical involvement as the only available cosmonaut, despite his inclusion being somewhat serendipitous. This led to his inclusion and his specialization in the mission, as illustrated in the following critical points:

Lev’s Unexpected Inclusion

Lev Andropov, a Russian cosmonaut, was initially meant to refuel the 2 shuttles. However, the fire in the oxygen that occurred during the mission required him to leave. Die-hard fans of the film have pointed out a notable plot hole, where Lev was not seen escaping in the Soyuz that was blown up, yet he was present on the mission. Additionally, at the end of the film, the cosmonauts returning from the Mir Space Station lay in recumbent seats on their backs, yet Lev's extended stay of 18 months should have required The Soyuz to have adjusted his position. These discrepancies have drawn criticism for the realism of the film.

The Reality of Space Mission Precautions

It's important to note that NASA, like space agencies worldwide, employs various redundancies, including in EVA (Extravehicular Activity) gear. In the event of a spacesuit failure, Lev would have been provided with Tucker's suit or Noonan's spare, as they are similar in build. This demonstrates that NASA takes these emergency situations very seriously and ensures the safety of its crew.

Time Constraints and NASA Procedures

The drillers, led by Harry Stamper, had a narrow timeline of only eight hours to drill, drop the nuclear bomb, and take off. For the flight crew, the primary task was transportation, and they did not participate in the drilling operation. In the event of a hull breach, NASA would have provided each crew member with a space suit, and at least two extra suits would have been available. However, during their flight, it does seem a bit odd that the pilot and co-pilot did not wear their suits, especially given the unexpected asteroid debris encountered, which later created a hull breach and resulted in the crash. This element of the plot has been criticized, showing the clear discrepancy between actual procedure and on-screen action.

Conclusion

Michael Bay, the director of Armageddon, has often faced criticism from film enthusiasts due to his tendency to prioritize dramatic tension over meticulous attention to realism. While Armageddon is a thrilling action movie, it is crucial to acknowledge the inconsistencies in its depiction of space missions. These points of analysis reveal the complexities of film production and the challenges in balancing realism and entertainment. Nonetheless, viewers can still appreciate the movie for its primary objectives of entertainment and narrative engagement.