Be the Astronaut -- a fun, interactive adventure where you are in control as you launch a rocket, pilot a spaceship, and drive a rover in space – will be open to the public at the San Diego Air & Space Museum as of February 3.

Be the Astronaut guides you as you discover the solar system first hand with the help of virtual astronauts as you land on multiple worlds, including the moon, Mars, Jupiter and asteroids. Designed with the help of NASA experts, Be the Astronaut is fun for the whole family and takes STEM learning into outer space!

Scientifically verified by experts at NASA for accuracy and feasibility, Be the Astronaut teaches you about the concepts, challenges, and excitement of spaceflight, through the use of touch-screen stations, artifacts, and interactive simulator pods built to look like space capsules.

Be the Astronaut’s Mission Brief includes:

• Learning STEM subjects that help you explore space.
• Blasting off seated in your very own space capsule.
• Meeting a real robot.
• Visiting the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter.
• Driving a rover into the darkness of a lunar crater.
• Piloting a lander into a canyon on Mars.
• Exploring the Asteroid Belt.
• Seeing actual spacesuits.

Throughout each stage of the exhibit, you have your own crew of virtual content experts. These digital characters help you learn what’s needed to fly a spaceship, pilot a lander, and drive a surface rover. Then they are with you as you climb into the simulators to actually perform these feats,in a thrilling narrative adventure spanning the solar system.

In each space capsule, a massive 70” monitor serves as the ‘windshield,’ giving you a first-person view of your adventures. Touch-screens and an industrial-quality joystick put you in command. During missions, the entire cockpit comes alive with animated lighting effects, game visuals, and sounds that make you believe you ARE an astronaut.

Special companion robots will move about the exhibit and interact with you as well.

Be the Astronaut's goal is to inspire while it educates, and to create a new kind of visitor experience.

Be the Astronaut runs through 2017. The exhibition is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas from 10:00 a. m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.