Mission: Space

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Mission: Space Overview

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In Epcot's attraction, Mission: Space, guests who accept the mission will engage in a one-of-a-kind astronaut experience that launches them into a simulated space adventure. From pulse-racing liftoff to the sensations of traveling though outer space on a mission to Mars. The new attraction is the most technologically advanced ever created by Disney. In association with former NASA advisors, astronauts and scientists, Walt Disney Imagineering developed Mission: SPACE as the first ride system ever created to take guests straight up in simulated flight.

The story takes place about 30 years in the future. Space is accessible to all people all you need to travel is training. Outside the Planetary Plaza, 'astronaut candidates' are introduced to the International Space Training Center, and enter the facility through a giant 40-foot red orb. On the way to their adventure guests pass through the Space Simulation Lab. This lab features excise rooms, offices, work area, and sleeping cubicles. From there, guests pass by the Training Operations Room, where current training session are monitored.

Guests then arrive in Team Dispatch where they are directed into a Ready Room. Then they are assigned a role--Commander, Pilot, Navigator, or Engineer-- and watch a training video. While on the attraction each guest has two different buttons they must push to initiate a particular system. What makes Mission: Space different from other thrill rides is that not only is it interactive, but what you do affects what you feel in the ride.

On the launch pad the countdown begain. Teams are strapped into the X2 space capsule, the doors are sealed, and soon you're blasting off into the depths of space!

Mission: Space History

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On January 9th, 1999 Epcot closed it's Horizons pavilion to make way for the attraction, Mission: Space. Disney Imagineers were already deep into the design phase of Mission: Space when the official press release was made on April 20th, 2000, by The Walt Disney Company and Compaq Computer Corporation:

The next Walt Disney World Resort attraction will go where no thrill ride has gone before -- deep space, announced Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort and Michael Capellas, CEO of Compaq Computer Corporation.

Walt Disney World Resort's newest attraction, Mission: SPACE, to be presented by Compaq Computer Corporation, will lift off at Epcot in 2003. It's the latest in a series of new attractions and entertainment offerings at Walt Disney World Resort, continuing a period of phenomenal growth that includes the resort's current year-long Millennium Celebration.

Offering guests a one-of-a-kind "astronaut-like" experience, Mission: SPACE will launch guests into a simulated space adventure -- from pulse-racing lift-off to weightlessness in outer space.

In association with former NASA advisors, astronauts and scientists, Walt Disney Imagineering created Mission: SPACE with new technologies, making it the first ride system ever created to take guests straight up in simulated flight. Set decades into the future, guests are transported in time and place to an International Space Training Center where they will encounter simulated challenges faced by real astronauts.

Plans for Mission: SPACE will be aboard NASA's International Space Station shuttle flight, the scheduled April 24 launch of Atlantis.

"The combination of Disney magic and Compaq technology will create a truly one-of-a-kind guest experience," said Weiss. "Epcot is the perfect setting, continuing the park's dedication to the explorer in all of us with its unique attractions that inspire us to discover new worlds."

"Computers are vital in developing space programs today and well into the future," said Capellas. "With some of the most advanced technology ever produced, Mission: SPACE will provide guests with a rare glimpse into a world where the possibilities for computers and space flight are endless."

With a career in the NASA space program that spanned more than 30 years, six-time NASA shuttle astronaut, Story Musgrave, is an ongoing consultant to Disney's Mission: SPACE project. Musgrave calls the new attraction, "a place where guests can imagine our future in space and their role in it, walking in the footsteps of heroes and building on the wealth of technology we've developed to date."

Mission: SPACE will be in a new Epcot Future World facility next to the popular attraction Test Track presented by General Motors.

Compaq is a major provider of servers, PCs and services to The Walt Disney Company and its Internet initiatives. Mission: SPACE represents a broadening of the relationship between Compaq and The Walt Disney Company.

© 2000 Walt Disney Company

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Mission: Space was very natural component to an Epcot experience, where the themes are discovery and exploration. To begin the design process Disney Imagineers needed to settle upon a "core moment" the single idea around which to build the new attraction. The focus became the launch. For expert insight, imagineers consulted current and former NASA astronauts, engineers, and scientists. These partnerships resulted not only in the thrilling realistic launch experience of Mission: Space, but the rest of the adventure as well.

The attraction's proprietary techonology is based on applications developed for the space program. Almost every aspect of the attraction is based on scientific theory regarding the space program.

Mission: Space held it's grand opening at Walt Disney World's Epcot on August 15th, 2003.

Mission: Space Trivia

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• Gary Sinise plays the CapCom who guides guests through the ride.
• The Lunar Rover suspended from the ceiling in the Sim Lab is on loan from the Smithsonian. It is the only Land Rover constructed not in use on the moon.
• The Gravity Wheel from Horizons can still be seen today in the queue for Mission: Space.

Mission: Space Hidden Mickeys

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• In the Mission: Space Cargo Bay look at the black piping on the wall to spot a hidden Mickey.

What Would Walt Think? Mission: Space

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Larry Pontius, author of "Waking Walt", offers his personal insight on how Walt Disney would view Mission: Space. Click here to view his column.

Mission: Space Reviews

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5/22/2008

Reviewer: Brandon, MI, USA
This is not a ride for everyone, but a must see for anyone who has an interest in space. This ride is very intense, but not in the same way as a roller coaster.

6/24/2007

Reviewer: Alan, Delray Beach, FL, USA
Super Fun! (Lines are long, so get in the single-rider line; it's fine because you won't really be able to interact with your friends or family on this intense, immersing ride. You'll be too involved.) You've read all about the experience before. Here's what I can add: 1) Keep breathing. 2) Most everyone exits this ride laughing and giddy, smiling and amazed. 3) You'll remember it, and smile, for years.

2/15/2006

Reviewer: LuAnn, Missouri, USA
My 10 y/o was insistent we ride this. I didn't want to. I think I rode it several years ago but maybe not. Anyway, I didn't feel sick or really claustrophobic. But I hate the feeling of all that G-force. Also being worried that someone else would be sick during the ride spoiled it for me. I would have rather ridden it alone, then it wouldn't have been so bad. I did like the effects of being in a real rocketship tho. We didn't ride it again. Overall too intense. My advice is to ride on an empty stomach. Then go eat.

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