TAKE FLIGHT As you climb aboard your shuttle ’ s crew compartment , you ’ ll be given a role — and responsibilities . As either the navigator , pilot , commander , or engineer , you ’ ll need to keep your wits about you and activate certain controls and features when CAPCOM prompts you .
FLIGHT ROLES
• Pilot : triggers rockets , deploys shields
• Navigator : adjusts pitch , fires thrusters
• Commander : activates flight sequence and manual control
• Engineer : extends wings , engages hypersleep
If you choose to take on the Green Mission , you ’ ll find yourself passing at high speed westward over the Americas , flying in seconds over sights that you may have spent days exploring on foot ( like the Grand Canyon ). After crossing paths with the International Space Station , you ’ ll make your way to the dark side of the planet , passing over a light-bedazzled Italy and Greece and the shimmering beacon of Paris , City of Light .
On the Orange Mission , however , you ’ re heading out on a much longer journey — one that ’ ll land you on the surface of Mars after you slingshot around the moon to gain the speed you need to get there . Even with that boost , the journey will take three months , so thank goodness the engineer can put your crew into hypersleep !
Both missions end with some highflying adventures we won ’ t spoil , just in case you haven ’ t had a chance yet to experience them for yourself . Know this :
TOP : The spacesuits are just for decoration ; you don ' t need to suit up for this attraction . ABOVE : This is your last chance to bail out if you ' re anxious about the ride . PHOTOS BY MIKE BILLICK
BELOW : The cockpit can feel a bit claustrophobic . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG