Mission:
Space
The
Mission: SPACE adventure for Epcot guests begins well before the countdown
to liftoff. Here's a step-by-step journey through the attraction from the
entrance courtyard . . . to the exit through Space Cargo Bay
Entrance
When guests step into the courtyard of Mission: SPACE, they step into the
future. The year is 2036. The courtyard -- Planetary Plaza -- features bold
spheres symbolizing Earth, Jupiter and the moon. On the wall of the plaza
are plaques bearing quotes from notable figures who exemplify the questing
spirit that has led mankind into space. Moving words from President John F.
Kennedy, Columbia Shuttle astronaut Kalpana Chawla and others are featured.
The attraction's 45,000-square-foot building -- the International Space
Training Center (ISTC) -- features a curvilinear exterior that surrounds
Planetary Plaza.
Visitors must either choose the original
ORANGE side or the
GREEN side, which provides a milder no-spin experience.
In the GREEN
version, the spinning centrifuge is non operational, for guests who are
subject to motion sickness or have other health issues. Signs will be
posted in the queue area outlining the differences between the two rides.
ISTC
Astronaut Recruiting Center
At the entrance to the recruiting center emblazoned in the circular walls is
the motto "We choose to go!" It is here that astronaut hopefuls learn about
training. This is also where guests see the remarkable model of the ISTC's
X2 Trainer, the futuristic spacecraft they will board to embark on a
one-of-a-kind journey into space.
Space Simulation Lab
A slowly turning 35-foot-tall gravity wheel containing exercise rooms,
offices, work areas and sleeping cubicles for space teams dominates the
area. Overhead hangs a model of the ISTC's X-1 spacecraft (a precursor to
the X-2) and a graphic of the X-2 with details explaining the shuttle
functionality. Also overhead is an authentic Apollo-era Lunar Rover display
unit on loan from the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space
Museum -- a symbol of mankind's first exploration of another planetary body.
As guests
leave the Space Simulation Lab, they encounter plaques marking great moments
in space flight -- from 1961 when Yuri Gargarin became the first man in
space . . . to the first family in space in the year 2030 and the first
deep-space mission aboard the X-2 in 2035.
Training Operations Room
The Training Operations Room is the hub of activity for training sessions in
progress. Behind the glass are several large monitors showing live video
feeds of ongoing ISTC training sessions.
Team
Dispatch
A dispatch officer meets guests in Team Dispatch. This area is dominated by
an ISTC logo embedded in the floor. The dispatch officer motions astronaut
hopefuls forward. They are assigned to teams of four people and sent to the
Ready Room.
Ready Room
It's time for each team member to accept an assignment -- commander, pilot,
navigator or engineer. Each role is responsible for a specific task during
the mission, enabling the team to affect what happens during the adventure.
Here, guests meet Capcom. Capcom, or capsule communicator, is the voice of
Mission Control who guides astronauts through their missions.
Pre-Flight Corridor
The pre-flight corridor is inspired by the "White Room" at Kennedy Space
Center, where astronauts wait for the countdown to begin. At Mission: SPACE
guests receive, via video, final instructions and information from Capcom,
who also explains the technology of the X-2 rocket, shows the route of the
mission and the destination: Mars. Then, a uniformed flight crewmember
escorts the teams to an X-2 trainer. All systems are go!
X-2
Trainer
Each team member is securely strapped into an X-2 trainer. Mission Control
monitors the launch sequence. The capsule moves into launch position,
pointed straight up toward the sky, and the countdown begins. Then it's 3...
2... 1... liftoff!
The senses
are immediately engaged. On takeoff guests experience sensations similar to
what astronauts feel during liftoff. They hear the roar of the engines. They
view computer-generated photo-realistic imagery based on actual data taken
from Mars-orbiting satellites.
During the
mission, the team encounters challenges like those of an astronaut as they
try to successfully complete the mission. Team members must perform the task
associated with the roles they have accepted. It's vital to the outcome of
the mission.
Advanced Training Lab
Now that the flight training session is over, guests can find out if they
also have what it takes to be part of Mission Control. This is determined in
the Advanced Training Lab, a colorful, interactive play area where guests
can further test their skills.
-
Mission:
SPACE Race -- Up to 60 guests at a time can enroll in this training
adventure where two teams, each made up of both astronauts and ground
control personnel, race against time to be the first to complete a
successful mission. Teams must work together to overcome challenges and
setbacks in order to send their rocket from Mars back to Earth.
-
Expedition: Mars -- This simulated astronaut obstacle
course, which offers a joystick and a jet-pack button, preps explorers for
conditions on other planets.
-
Space Base -- Made for junior astronauts, Space Base is an
interactive play area made for climbing, exploring and having fun.
-
Postcards from Space -- At this kiosk guests make a video of
themselves with an entertaining space backdrop and e-mail it to friends and
famil
Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay
A four-foot-high, 3-D portrayal of Mickey Mouse outfitted in an astronaut
space suit with one foot planted on Mars beckons guests into the
1,500-square-foot retail space. Astronaut-inspired gear and supplies are
displayed beneath a 12-foot mural featuring Astronauts Mickey, Minnie,
Pluto, Goofy and Donald on the surface of Mars with the X-2 shuttle
streaking across the stars.
Height Requirement:
Guests must be 44" or taller to experience this attraction.
INTERCOT Alert:
During this intense
astronaut training mission, you will experience the turbulence and G-forces
of launch and re-entry, and the disorientation that often occurs outside the
Earth's atmosphere.
Those who are made uncomfortable by enclosed dark spaces, simulators,
spinning or loud sounds should bypass this experience. For safety, you
should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or
neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated
by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not go on this attraction.
The seating and restraints on this attraction
may prohibit guests of certain body shapes or sizes from experiencing it.
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