Lockheed Martin was recently named the title sponsor of the Astronaut Training Experience^® (ATX) at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The ATX is the newest venue at the visitor complex and uses immersive simulation technology to train the next generation of astronauts.

The ATX is designed to provide visitors the opportunity to train and prepare for missions to the Moon and Mars. First, participants go through the ground operations center where they are put through the paces of mission control, flying Orion, a virtual reality space walk and a microgravity simulator at the International Space Station. Once the future astronauts are trained, they cross the gantry and launch on their mission to Mars. After launch, visitors proceed to the next immersive experience, Mars Base 1. Mars Base 1 provides participants with a chance to live on Mars with experiences that include a Mars-based habitat and operations center, engineering lab, life support center and plant lab and crew quarters including a crew mess hall and galley.

ATX activities are designed with a focus on problem solving, communication and collaboration, making them ideal for team building in an interesting and inspirational environment. The programs, which are led by expertly trained educators, feature realistic science and engineering applications, and balance virtual reality with physical experience.

As part of its title sponsorship, Lockheed Martin loaned Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex a full-scale mock-up of an interactive deep space habitat that visitors can walk through to see concepts of how astronauts will soon walk work in orbit around the Moon. Lockheed Martin is working with NASA under its NextSTEP program to develop a prototype of a lunar orbiting habitat for NASA’s Gateway.

The Lockheed Martin-built Orion spaceship is the only spacecraft designed for long-duration, human-rated deep space exploration. Orion will transport humans to interplanetary destinations beyond low Earth orbit, such as the moon and eventually Mars, and return them safely back to Earth.