Become an Astronaut for a Day

Edited by Jennifer L. Price

At a time when the U.S. space program is receiving unprecedented exposure for the successful Mars Rover mission and the new vision for furthering space exploration, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is making some news of its own with ATXSM-Astronaut Training ExperienceSM.

The facility’s most interactive guest program to date, ATX offers participants a true taste of the space flight experience. Developed with input from veteran NASA astronauts, the hands-on, heads-engaged day-long program includes an orientation and mission briefing by a member of the U.S. astronaut corps, true-to-training simulator exercises, access into rarely-seen areas of the Kennedy Space Center and the culmination of the training: A team-oriented Space Shuttle “mission.”

After a mission briefing by the astronaut, crew members, as all participants are called, embark upon a variety of exercises that prepare astronauts for the rigors of space flight, including the 1/6th gravity chair and the multi-axis trainer.

The 1/6th gravity chair incorporates springs and pulleys to create the true-to-life feeling of walking on the moon. For those interested in the sensation of hurtling through space, ATX offers the MAT, or multi-axis trainer simulator, a centrifuge-like device that randomly spins and twirls its occupant in multiple directions and through 360º revolutions.

ATX participants receive an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour into the heart of Kennedy Space Center, including visits to the NASA press site, the International Space Station Center and to an area surrounding the Space Shuttle launch pads.

The day concludes with the main event: A simulated Space Shuttle mission in which participants work as a team to execute a high-earth orbit to rendezvous, dock with and perform critical repair work on the International Space Station. Each crew member is assigned a specific role by program trainers (mission commander, pilot, mission specialist, mission control officer, and so forth) and based on the assignment, proceeds to a full-scale Space Shuttle mock-up or takes the helm in a realistically outfitted mission control room. At the Zero-G wall, mission specialists are outfitted with harnesses and customized weights, which allow them to climb and descend the wall in an almost effortless state as they work on the International Space Station.

From countdown to liftoff to mission, the intensity of the exercise is palpable and offers a realistic look at what astronauts and mission control achieve together every time NASA launches a manned mission. A number of additional perks complete the ATX package including a Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass, an exclusive ATX shirt, a class photo with an astronaut, lunch and a graduation “ceremony” where participants are presented with a diploma for successfully completing the program. Cost is $250 per person.

Due to the program’s highly interactive nature, ATX crews are small and advance reservations are required. ATX crew members must be 14 or older, and some height and weight restrictions apply on select simulators. For additional information on ATX, call Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at 321-449-4400 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. Closing times vary according to season. The Visitor Complex is open daily except December 25 and certain launch days. Admission includes the new Shuttle Launch Experience, Kennedy Space Center Tour, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, all exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft, simulator rides and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut mementos. Admission is $38 + tax for adults and $28 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass is $50 + tax for adults and $35 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 321-449-4444 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.