The Mission: SPACE adventure for Epcot guests begins well before the
countdown to liftoff. Here's a step-by-step journey through the attraction from the entrance courtyard . . . to the exit through Space Cargo Bay.
Entrance
When guests step into the courtyard of Mission: SPACE, they step into the future. The year is 2036. The courtyard -- Planetary Plaza -- features bold spheres symbolizing Earth, Jupiter and the moon. On the wall of the plaza are plaques bearing quotes from notable figures who exemplify the questing spirit that has led mankind into space. Moving words from giants such as President John F. Kennedy and Columbia Shuttle pioneer Kalpana Chawla are featured. The attraction's 45,000-square-foot building -- the International Space Training Center (ISTC) -- features a curvilinear exterior that surrounds Planetary Plaza.
ISTC Astronaut Recruiting Center
At the entrance to the recruiting center emblazoned in the circular walls is the motto "We choose to go!" It is here that astronaut hopefuls learn about training. This is also where guests see the remarkable model of the ISTC's X2 Trainer, the futuristic spacecraft they will board to embark on a one-of-a-kind journey into space.
Space Simulation Lab
A slowly turning 35-foot-tall gravity wheel containing exercise rooms, offices, work areas and sleeping cubicles for space teams dominates the area. Overhead hangs a model of the ISTC's X-1 spacecraft (a precursor to the X-2) and a graphic of the X-2 with details explaining the shuttle functionality. Also overhead is an authentic Apollo-era Lunar Rover display unit on loan from the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum -- a symbol of mankind's first exploration of another planetary body.
As guests leave the Space Simulation Lab, they encounter plaques marking great moments in space flight -- from 1961 when Yuri Gargarin became the first man in space . . . to the first family in space in the year 2030 and the first deep-space mission aboard the X-2 in 2035.
Training Operations Room
The Training Operations Room is the hub of activity for training sessions in progress. Behind the glass are several large monitors showing live video feeds of ongoing ISTC training sessions.
Team Dispatch
A dispatch officer meets guests in Team Dispatch. This area is dominated by an ISTC logo embedded in the floor. The dispatch officer motions astronaut hopefuls forward. They are assigned to teams of four people and sent to the Ready Room.
Ready Room
It's time for each team member to accept an assignment -- commander, pilot, navigator or engineer. Each role is responsible for a specific task during the mission, enabling the team to affect what happens during the adventure. Here, guests meet Capcom. Capcom, or capsule communicator, is the voice of Mission Control who guides astronauts through their missions.
Pre-Flight Corridor
The pre-flight corridor is inspired by the "White Room" at Kennedy Space Center, where astronauts wait for the
countdown to begin. At Mission: SPACE guests receive, via video, final instructions and information from Capcom, who also explains the technology of the X-2 rocket, shows the route of the mission and the destination: Mars. Then, a uniformed flight crewmember escorts the teams to an X-2 trainer. All systems are go!
X-2 Trainer
Each team member is securely strapped into an X-2 trainer. Mission Control monitors the launch sequence. The capsule moves into launch position, pointed straight up toward the sky, and the
countdown begins. Then it's 3... 2... 1... liftoff!
The senses are immediately engaged. On takeoff guests experience sensations similar to what astronauts feel during liftoff. They hear the roar of the engines. They view computer-generated photo-realistic imagery based on actual data taken from Mars-orbiting satellites.
During the mission, the team encounters challenges like those of an astronaut as they try to successfully complete the mission. Each team member must perform the task associated with the role he/she has accepted. It's vital to the outcome of the mission.
Advanced Training Lab
Now that the flight training session is over, guests can find out if they also have what it takes to be part of Mission Control. This is determined in the Advanced Training Lab, a colorful, interactive play area where guests can further test their skills.
Mission: SPACE Race -- Up to 60 guests at a time can enroll in this training adventure where two teams, each made up of both astronauts and ground control personnel, race against time to be the first to complete a successful mission. Teams must work together to overcome challenges and setbacks in order to send their rocket from Mars back to Earth.
Expedition: Mars -- This simulated astronaut obstacle course, which offers a joystick and a jet-pack button, preps explorers for conditions on other planets.
Space Base -- Made for junior astronauts, Space Base is an interactive play area made for climbing, exploring and having fun.
Postcards from Space -- At this kiosk guests make a video of themselves with an entertaining space backdrop and e-mail it to friends and family.
Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay
A four-foot-high, 3-D portrayal of Mickey Mouse outfitted in an astronaut space suit with one foot planted on Mars beckons guests into the 1,500-square-foot retail space. Astronaut-inspired gear and supplies are displayed beneath a 12-foot mural featuring Astronauts Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and Donald on the surface of Mars with the X-2 shuttle streaking across the stars.
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Did you say PIN?! 
You know that I'll grab them for you if I'm able to squeeze the trip in. 
