Epcot News and Information

Mission:Space

"Mission: Space" Disney's E-ticket type attraction located in Future World in Epcot.

The attraction offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience launching visitors into a simulated space adventure. Visitors experience a pulse-racing lift-off followed by the experience of weightlessness in outer space.

Planet Earth. As you approach the pavilion you will notice in the plaza outside the building, four planetary objects.The first is of the Planet Earth, which has the "Mission Space" Logo with a Space vehicle appearing to be taking off in front of it.

To the far left you will pass by a scale model of our moon, which has different colored markers that indicate the 30 landing sites of missions to the moon between 1959 and 1976 that were flown by all world countries of Earth.

The third planet is multi colored and is to the right near the exit area.The large red planetary object is the entrance to the attraction. This is where you first enter the attractions Queue line. Digital displays located overhead, let you know the wait time for each line category.

Along the outer walls of the Planetary plaza area, you will see plaques that have quotes from famous people pertaining to space flight through the ages.

Upon entering the attraction you will be brought into a queue area that is supposd to represent a futuristic International Space Training Center. Suspended on one of the walls will be a huge Gravity Wheel along with a number of International flags hanging from the ceiling, which will give it a International feeling for the training center.

The ride begins with the launch countdown, and they throw in some Psychological effects that will help build the tension you might experience before a launch. As the countdown approaches the launch, the seats will drift back into the launch position of facing to the sky, on your back. At lift off you will feel the engines roar, and blast off. The ride will create large G Forces, and tremendous feeling of increasing speed as the craft escapes the Earth's gravitational pull.

As the flight continues there will be a simulated feeling of weightlessness. Each member of the four people in the vehicle will have a mission to do during the simulated flight. Each missions outcome will depend on how well the team performs during the flight.

Really exciting - not sure it is a ride for wimps like me!!!

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The following list contains descriptions of the reality-based story elements of Mission: SPACE inspired by NASA and its space pioneers

ISTC (International Space Training Center) -- The story of Mission: SPACE takes place at the ISTC in the year 2036. In this future time of enthusiastic space exploration, many countries have joined together to create the ISTC, to train a new generation of space explorers.

Capcom (Capsule Communicator) -- A name dating back to the days when all spacecraft were capsules. The Capcom is the voice of Mission Control, guiding astronauts through their missions. The ISTC Capcom guides all astronaut candidates through their first training mission.

We choose to go! -- The motto of the International Space Training Center, taken from a speech by President John F. Kennedy: "We choose to go to the Moon ... not because it is easy, but because it is hard."

X-2 Deep-Space Shuttle -- The X-2 is the creation of Disney Imagineers, but is based on scientific fact and theory provided by scientists, engineers and future-thinkers from NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and private industry.

ISTC Astronaut Recruiting Center -- Located just inside the ISTC's distinctive red sphere is an area where astronaut hopefuls can learn about available flight training missions at the ISTC.

Simulation Lab -- A training area of the ISTC, featuring a 35-foot-tall Gravity Wheel mock-up.

Gravity Wheel -- A feature of the ISTC X-1 spacecraft, precursor of the X-2. This slowly rotating "hab" provides artificial gravity, important to astronauts on flights lasting years.

X-1 Spacecraft -- A model of the ISTC X-1 Spacecraft hangs overhead in the Simulation Lab.

Lunar Rover -- An authentic Apollo-era Lunar Rover display unit, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, is located in the ISTC Simulation Lab

Training Operations Room -- A room in the ISTC where flight training missions are being programmed. Astronaut hopefuls can view flight-training sessions in progress at the ISTC facility at Epcot, as well as video feeds of ongoing ISTC training sessions around the world.

Team Dispatch -- Here, trainees are assigned to teams and sent into Ready Rooms.

Ready Room -- In the Ready Room, trainees meet their Capcom for the first time. He reminds them of the importance of training and teamwork, and introduces them to the X-2 Deep Space Shuttle. Then he sends them to their Pre-Flight briefing.

Pre-flight Corridor -- This area was inspired by the White Room at Kennedy Space Center, where astronauts traditionally wait to board their spacecraft. Here, the ISTC trainees meet their Capcom again. He briefs them on their training mission, and gives them all specific assignments.

Advanced Training Lab (ATL) -- Another training area of the ISTC. Here, candidates can train to become a part of the Mission Control Team, or learn about exploring other planets. Training opportunities include:

Mission: SPACE Race - A Mission Control training exercise, in which two teams race against each other to be the first to complete a successful mission.

Expedition: Mars - An interactive obstacle course that preps explorers for conditions on other planets.

Space Base - A space-themed exploration area for junior astronauts.

Postcards from Space - A fun kiosk where astronaut trainees can e-mail video messages to far-flung friends.

Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay - A retail center located at the ISTC, this area features astronaut gear and supplies such as hats, mugs and clothing with the Mission: SPACE logo and space food like freeze-dried ice cream, strawberries and chicken dinners.