LOCKPORT EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Hands-On Missions and a Living Night Sky: Lockport’s Space Mission & Planetarium Show
A compact, two-hour bundle that pairs an interactive Space Station and Mission Control simulation with a 30-minute live planetarium presentation—essential reading for groups planning a STEM-focused visit.
Hands-On Missions and a Living Night Sky: Lockport’s Space Mission & Planetarium Show.
This bundled program pairs an immersive, interactive Space Mission simulation—where crews in a Space Station Simulator coordinate with counterparts in a Mission Control Simulator—with a live planetarium presentation that renders planets, seasonal skies and cultural star stories in realistic motion.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Real-time Space Station and Mission Control Simulation
Participants take on astronaut and ground‑control roles in linked simulators to fly a simulated mission, working through hands‑on challenges and operational tasks that test teamwork and problem solving.
A Live Planetarium That Brings the Heavens to Life
The 30‑minute live show models celestial motions so viewers can see planets up close, witness seasonal skies and learn how cultural sky stories map onto constellations.
Hands‑On Challenges and Guided Discovery
The simulation element includes a variety of hands‑on tasks for both crew and mission control that emphasize applied STEM skills and collaborative decision making.
What the day feels like
What the two‑hour program feels like
Over roughly two hours participants move from mission activity into the dome: the Space Mission segment places people into active roles aboard a Space Station Simulator and in Mission Control to manage a simulated flight, followed by a thirty‑minute planetarium show that projects realistic celestial motion and brings planetary and mythological stories into view.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program is best for—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total program time is approximately 2 hours, with the Space Mission portion lasting roughly 90 minutes and the planetarium show about 30 minutes.
Plan for floor seating during the planetarium segment; participants must be able to get down to and up from the floor comfortably.
There is a 10‑person minimum for the planetarium portion; groups smaller than 10 incur a flat fee of $250. (Overall capacity notes apply.)
The Space Mission simulation is intended for ages 10 and up.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the combined program?
The bundled experience runs about 2 hours in total—approximately 90 minutes for the Space Mission and about 30 minutes for the live planetarium show.
What is the minimum and maximum group size?
The program notes a 10‑person minimum for the planetarium show; for groups smaller than 10 a flat fee of $250 applies. The offering lists capacities up to 30 people.
Is there an age requirement?
The Space Mission simulation is for participants ages 10 and older.
Will attendees be seated during the planetarium show?
Yes—participants will be sitting on the floor for the planetarium presentation and therefore must be able to get down and up comfortably.
What happens if our group has fewer than 10 people?
Groups smaller than 10 are subject to a flat fee of $250 for the planetarium portion.
What does the Space Mission segment involve?
Crew members in the Space Station Simulator work with counterparts in a Mission Control Simulator to fly a simulated mission, including various hands‑on challenges.