Be The Astronaut

Plan and pilot your own missions

Cycle through three stations to complete a mission: NAV, SCI, and FLY. You can journey through multiple cycles to experience all available missions in the exhibit. As you plan your mission, choose your destination: the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, the asteroid belt, or deep space. When you get there, journey through virtual re-creations built directly from NASA space probe data. You'll also choose the spacecraft you'll pilot on your mission: an interplanetary spaceship, a lander, or a rover. These futuristic vehicles are scientifically plausible, all designed with assistance and oversight from NASA's Langley Research Facility.

NAV Station

NAV is short for Celestial Navigation. At this touch-screen station, you will plan your mission and learn about navigation in space. Chart your course to your space destination! Will you visit the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, or the asteroid belt?

SCI Station

SCI is short for Science & Technology. Use this drag-and-drop matching game to prepare your spacecraft for blast off! You'll investigate the science and technology needed to keep humans alive and healthy in space.

FLY Station

FLY is the spectacular capstone to each mission! You'll fly the spacecraft you've outfitted along the flight path you've designed. Blast off in your own space capsule, equipped with a 70" monitor for a windshield and touch-screen and joystick controls.

Astronaut ID Card

A magnetic Astronaut ID card tracks your progress through the exhibit, allowing you to save your completed missions and come back for more another day!

Be The Astronaut at Sloan Museum