ATX™ Astronaut Training

ATX® is a completely new program that provides guests with the opportunity to train as astronauts or the next generation of space explorers, by participating on simulators such as the Land-and-Drive-on-Mars full-motion simulator, the Walk-on-Mars virtual reality simulator, and the Micro-Gravity Floor simulator. 

Participants perform two spacecraft launch mission simulations using a full-scale Orion-style capsule and authentic Mission Control Center.

They receive briefings about living and working in space and on Mars while teamwork, communication and collaboration skills are developed as participants take turns in the Training Control Center, guiding one another through a series of challenges.

After the program, they receive an electronic report detailing their achievements along with a video log they recorded during the day. 

How does it work?

The five-hour experience is broken up into three, 90-minute sections detailed below. Participants will experience all components in each section.

Launch Mission

• Astronaut Recruit: Learn to launch a spacecraft into low-Earth orbit to rendezvous and dock with an orbital target
• Mission Control Crew: Assist Capsule Crew in completing tasks using instructions on touchscreen workstations with basic missions and emergency scenarios
• Orion Capsule Crew: Practice hand-eye coordination under the supervision of the Mission Control Crew

Spacewalk Training

• Microgravity Chair: Apply Newton's Laws of Motion to compensate for exaggerated pitch, roll and yaw while performing simple mechanical tasks
• Training Control Center: Give instructions to assist the explorers in their tasks
• Safety Support Handler: Helping those in the microgravity chairs the same way drivers assist those in Johnson Space Center's Neutral Buoyancy Lab

Mars Operations

• Walk on Mars: Experience the sensation of walking on the surface of Mars, exploring four different terrains and solving challenges as they arise
• Mars Lander Rover Control: Experience the sensation of landing a vehicle on the surface of Mars in a powered landing, and driving it over rough terrain to dock with a base

Operates:

The ATX programme runs on select dates throughout the year.

Duration:

Around 5 hours.

Location:

Check-in at the new ATX Facility right-hand side of the general entry gate at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. 

Please Note: Your ticket does not include entrance to the exhibits at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – you must purchase a separate admission ticket for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center should you wish to explore these areas after your ATX Astronaut Training Experience.