Meet a NASA Astronaut at WonderWorks during Intergalactic Weekend

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – A temporary NASA exhibit is on display Oct. 5-8 at WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge.

The NASA exhibit focuses on the world of science and the planets, featuring scaled models of spacecraft and a virtual reality experience of NASA’s new rocket, the Space Launch System. There are artifacts such as a moon rock, and a meet and greet with former space shuttle astronaut Captain Robert “Hoot” Gibson.

The NASA exhibit kicks off with Captain Gibson visiting 11 a.m. to noon, 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. Oct. 7 at WonderWorks He will answer questions, pose for photos and sign autographs. Media interviews are available.

Capt. Robert “Hoot” Gibson served as a NASA astronaut from 1979 until 1996 and is a veteran of five space shuttle flights. He has logged more than 36 days in space, including having commanded the first docking of the space shuttle to the Russian space station Mir. He is also a graduate of the TOPGUN Navy Fighter Weapons School.

The NASA exhibit will feature:

•             The Exploration Systems virtual tour allows participants to experience the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft up close as they sit on the mobile launcher at Kennedy Space Center. Users will be transported to Launchpad 39B where they will receive a brief overview of the different components that make up the most powerful rocket ever built, the SLS. Once the overview is complete, they will then be placed inside an Orion Spacecraft virtual environment prior to launch

•             Guest can take and print a photo of themselves in a spacesuit with an SLS, Orion, Mars rover or International Space Station background

•             Space Launch System 1:50 scale model on a mobile launcher and a 1:20 scale Orion Spacecraft table top model

•             Touchable moon rock from the Apollo 17 mission.

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, a science focused indoor amusement park, combines education and entertainment. With over 100 hands-on exhibits – there is something unique and challenging for all ages. Feel the power of 71mph hurricane–force winds in the Hurricane Shack. Make huge, life–sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. Get the NASA treatment in our Astronaut Training Gyro and experience zero gravity. Nail it by lying on the death–defying Bed of Nails. Conquer your fear of heights on our indoor Glow-In-The-Dark Ropes Course. WonderWorks is also home to Wonders of Magic, starring Terry Evanswood, the award-winning and longest running performer in Pigeon Forge. WonderWorks hosts birthday parties and special events seasonally. Open daily from 9 a.m. until midnight. https://www.wonderworksonline.com/pigeon-forge.

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