National Air and Space Museum
One Museum, Two Locations
Visit us in Washington, DC and Chantilly, VA to explore hundreds of the world’s most significant objects in aviation and space history.
Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall
Learn how aviation and spaceflight transformed the world.
Lunar Module LM-2
The lunar module represents one of humanity’s greatest achievements: landing people on another heavenly body.
STEM in 30
Don’t miss our fast-paced webcasts designed to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in 30 minutes.
Share Your Story
Apollo 11 was a global event. What did that historic mission mean to you? Share your story and read what others have to say.
Our scientists are involved in current research focused on the Martian climate and geology. Find out what we’re discovering.
Wall of Honor
Recognize your favorite air or space enthusiast. Add his or her name to the Museum’s Wall of Honor.
We continue to welcome guests to our museums and programs as we closely monitor the coronavirus situation. See our message to visitors.
You are here
Simulators
Things to Do
Virtual Reality, Interactive and Capsule Simulators
Try our motion-based Virtual Reality space adventure (VR Transporter) or Fly or Ride in our capsule (Ride Simulator) or interactives (Flight Simulators) and experience the thrill of being a part of the action! Located in the Go Fly Zone (Gallery 110).
VR Transporter
Be ‘transported’ into space and see the Earth as never before with our state-of-the-art motion-based virtual reality ride using the latest visual display technology! With our electronic VR goggles, you will be immersed in the action as you look in any direction during the adventure. The VR Transporter makes you feel as though you are there!
Apollo 11 & Beyond: Climb aboard a massive Saturn V rocket and blast off for adventure to witness humankind’s first inspiring steps on the Moon. Glimpse how small steps will lead to giant leaps in the future as the exploration of Mars begins!
Spacewalk – Danger in Orbit: Leave the safety of the Space Shuttle cargo bay on an exciting extravehicular activity (EVA) as you tour around the International Space Station. Your mission is to test out a new manned-maneuvering unit. Witness the dangers of living and working in space.
Cosmos Coaster: Take a white-knuckle journey at fantastic speeds from the Earth to the Moon and to many worlds beyond. Your futuristic rail car careens through the cosmos to show you many VR vistas you could only dream of, including the Earth, Moon, Venus, Mars and Neptune!
Interactive Flight Simulators
Fly combat sorties in simulators that let you control the action and perform 360-degree barrel rolls!
Try your skills in many aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang, F-18 Hornet, A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, P-40 Warhawk, F-4 Phantom II and more!
Ride Simulator
Choose your adventure and take an exciting trip in our passenger ride simulator. Ride experiences include*:
Wings: Flights of Courage: From the first powered flights to the supersonic speeds of the jet age, many courageous pilots have pushed the limits of technology. Envision the thrill of flying along with the Wright Brothers, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Blue Angels and other daring aviators!
Destination: Black Hole: Travel aboard a futuristic spacecraft through the Universe and glimpse planets, stars and the mysterious black hole, Sagittarius A*, at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy.
Red Baron: Hop into the open cockpit of a triplane and head into danger with the most infamous ace of World War I. Experience barnstorming and heroic engagement in this intense aerial dogfight over European towns and battlefields.
Discovery: Space Mission Hubble: Join a crew of brave astronauts and blast off into space to witness the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope! Glimpse far-away galaxies, stars and nebulae and brace yourself for a fiery re-entry to Earth.
Moon Mission: A futuristic moon mission turns from “routine” to “crisis” when a meteor shower strikes. Survival depends on a fast emergency evacuation. Stay calm and remember your training! Join other astronauts in this thrilling escape from the collapsing surroundings of their Moon base.
* Additional ride experiences available. Ride menu subject to change.
Tickets
You may purchase tickets at the Simulators or IMAX ® Theater box offices. No reservations are required.
VR Transporter:
$12.00
$11.00 with the purchase of an IMAX ticket
Interactive Flight Simulators:
$10.00
$9.00 with the purchase of an IMAX ticket
Ride Simulators:
$8.00
$7.00 with the purchase of an IMAX ticket
Payment Options:
Cash, VISA, MasterCard and Discover
Location
Gallery 110 on the first floor, east end of the Museum.
For more information call
Simulator Ride Safety Requirements
VR Transporter and Interactive Flight Simulator riders must be 48 inches tall. Ride Simulator passengers must be 42 inches tall to ride unless accompanied by an adult.
All simulators are full-motion rides. Do not ride if you have back, neck, or heart trouble or if you are pregnant.
