Mission: Space, Space simulation ride in World Discovery, Epcot, United States
Mission: Space is a space flight simulation ride at the Epcot theme park in Florida. The passenger compartment spins and creates forces that recall the sensations of a real rocket launch.
Mission: Space replaced Horizons, which closed in 1999. Compaq began design work with Disney Imagineers in April 2000, and Hewlett-Packard took over the sponsorship after the 2002 merger. The attraction soft-opened in June 2003 and held its grand opening on October 9, 2003, with Disney CEO Michael Eisner, HP CEO Carly Fiorina, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe and astronauts including Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell attending. A 2017 refurbishment added a gentler Earth mission.
Crew training follows a specific sequence in which each person operates different controls at their station. Instructions arrive through video briefings that resemble communication on real space stations.
The pavilion sits in World Discovery at Epcot. Two versions share the same X-2 capsule: the Orange Mars mission spins the centrifuge, while the Green Earth mission keeps the capsule pitching without the spin. Riders are grouped into crews of four and assigned a role before boarding; a doorway lets anyone leave before the flight.
The four seats in each capsule carry names such as commander and engineer. During the ride, buttons light up and should be pressed at the right moment.
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