With the Discovery Space Simulator, you can experience the wonders of space from the command chair of your own starship. A variety of unique space missions challenge your talents and abilities as you experience space science and social studies firsthand. You will study the science of stars, planets, nebulae, and other space phenomena. You will also challenge your decision-making, problem-solving and teamwork skills as you encounter new life-forms with social structures and belief systems different than your own.  

Although based 200 years in the future, the Discovery universe centers upon the voyage of discovery of a research ship that calls to mind the sailing ships of centuries past that journeyed to new lands and peoples. In a Discovery mission, you are involved in a fictional story based on historical or current events. You are in command of your own mission and decide on your own what actions to take or when not to act, balancing the successful outcome of the mission against the safety of your crew as well as other factors. You gain experience handling conflicts with life-forms who think differently than you do, and as each crew member specializes in operating his or her own station, they all learn to work together to achieve a mutual goal.

Each of ten students will take responsibility for a station aboard the starship in a position that relates to command, science or engineering. The captain takes command of the ship and is responsible for its safety, the safety of the crew, and the success of the mission. The Executive Officer assists the captain in command and ensures the successful operation of the ship. In addition to piloting the ship, command officers may also need to plot a course to another solar system by figuring out the location, distance and estimated time of arrival using an actual star map. Science responsibilities include configuring and sending out probes to investigate new worlds and situations and comparing the data they gather with the ship's database of information about the known Discovery universe. Meanwhile, engineering keeps everything running in top shape by routing the ship's power to the systems that most need it and repairing damaged systems.

The Discovery is currently running limited missions. If you wish to learn more about current missions and programs previously available, visit Programs. Or, for more information, see Make Contact.

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