Per Aspera Ad Astra (Cherez ternii k zvyozdam)

Per Aspera Ad Astra (Cherez ternii k zvyozdam) Original Theatrical Poster Country USSR Directed by Richard Viktorov Release Date 1981 Language Russian Studio Gorkiy Film Studio Main Cast Character Actor Niyya Yelena Metyolkina Stepan Lebedev Vadim Ledogorov Nadezhda Ivanovna Nadezhda Sementsova Viktor Klimov Aleksandr Lazarev, Sr. Oleg Dreyer Aleksandr Mikhaylov Rakan Igor Ledogorov Turanchoks Vladimir Fyodorov Glan Gleb Strizhenov

Per Aspera Ad Astra (Cherez ternii k zvyozdam) (Latin for "through hardships to the stars") is a 1981 (filmed 1980) Soviet two-part science fiction movie directed by Richard Viktorov. In the 23rd century, a spaceship from Earth finds a derelict spaceship of unknown origin. The only survivor on board is a young woman who is found in a catatonic state. She suffers from memory loss and cannot recall anything of her past, except for her name - Niyya. Scientist Sergei Lebedev settles Niyya in his house. Some time later, a diplomatic mission from the planet Dessa arrives on Earth. Dessa suffers from completely ruined ecology and asks for help. As memory flashbacks reveal to Niyya that she is from the planet Dessa and she is the last of a group of clones created by genius scientist Glan, she stows away on the ship Astra that heads to Dessa.

In 1989, a heavily edited and cut down by nearly half the film version was released in the USA as Ep. 11 "Humanoid Woman" of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 TV series.

In 2001, a digitally restored version directed by Nikolai Viktorov, the son of the original film's director, was released.

The following weapons were used in the film Per Aspera Ad Astra (Cherez ternii k zvyozdam):

Walther P38

Henchmen under the command of Turanchoks, the informal ruler of Dessa, use Walther P38 pistols in several scenes. A single nickel plated pistol is reused.

Walther P38 pistol WWII dated - nickel plated - 9x19mm

Turanchoks' henchman blames Niyya in poisoning the water supply and draws a pistol.

He fires at Niyya.

Torki (Igor Yasulovich), Turanchoks' agent in the planetary government, stalks Niyya and Nadezhda.

Torki fires.

Thompson M1928A1

The guards of the only remaining water supply on Dessa carry Thompson M1928A1 submachine guns.

M1928A1 Thompson with 30-round magazine and early 'simplified' rear sight - .45 ACP

A guard at the water supply holds a Thompson.

A guard with a Thompson escorts the scientists from the Earth spaceship.

Several Thompsons are seen in hands of guards during the turmoil.

A guard at the entrance of Turanchoks' underground headquarters.