CLEVELAND (June 22, 2026) Take a ride on the space shuttle to visit the International Space Station, walk on the wing of a biplane performing daring stunts at an air show, or travel back in time to witness humankind’s first steps on the moon without ever leaving the safety of Great Lakes Science Center.
These adventures are possible thanks to the new Mission Flight VR Experience now open at the Science Center. The new permanent virtual reality exhibit will expand the Science Center’s existing NASA Glenn Visitor Center, which is dedicated to the history of space exploration, Ohio’s astronauts, and research conducted at the NASA Glenn Research Center, said William Katzman, vice president for exhibits.
Among the programs guests will be able to experience in the rotating lineup of available missions is Spacewalk: Danger in Orbit VR. This program will transport guests into space to see Earth from a new perspective, immersing them in the action as they travel around the International Space Station before moving from the space shuttle cargo bay to float effortlessly above the Earth while inspecting components of the space station. Guests can gain a 360-degree view by turning their head.
While the experience won’t be in zero gravity, the visuals combined with the motion platform will give guests a sense of what astronauts experience on their missions, Katzman said.
“Most of us will never travel to the International Space Station,” he said, “so we’re excited to bring a bit of outer space to the Science Center with this exhibit, offering guests a sense of what it feels like to be a STEM adventurer, to be out there in space.”
The Science Center’s new VR experience will have a rotating schedule of programs including Apollo 11 & Beyond, which will allow guests to climb aboard a Saturn V rocket to witness humankind’s first steps on the moon; Cosmos Coaster, taking guests to visit other planets in the solar system; and Wing Walker, the opportunity to experience the thrills of an air show performance from the wings of a biplane.
There is an additional fee for the VR experience. Tickets are $12, or $10 for Members, which can be purchased online, at the box office, or directly at the VR exhibit during your visit.
About Great Lakes Science Center
Great Lakes Science Center, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, has reached more than 10 million visitors, and serves as a STEM education leader in Northeast Ohio. The Science Center produced Total Eclipse Fest in 2024, one of the largest free eclipse events in the country and is home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center. The Science Center makes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive for more than 300,000 visitors a year through hundreds of hands-on exhibits, temporary exhibitions, the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, historic Steamship William G. Mather, daily science demonstrations, seasonal camps and more. The Science Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, earned a Charity Navigator Four Star Rating in 2025, receiving top scores for financial efficiency, sustainability and trust worthiness. The Science Center is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Visit GreatScience.com for more information.