"He had a fascination for the universe that we all share, " says De Middel.

CNN: SHARE THIS

If anything, De Middel says, the extraordinary tale of the forgotten Zambian space program presented a chance to talk about Africa from a different perspective.

CNN: SHARE THIS

Yet Nkoloso's desire to dream the impossible has found a new, alternative, home inside De Middel's images, striking a chord with captivated audiences around the world.

CNN: SHARE THIS