spaceship MISSIONS
The Exploratorium’s Dream Flight Adventures Spaceship Simulator Missions transport students into a world of thrilling, immersive scenarios where they must work together to solve complex challenges. These missions are designed to ignite curiosity and foster essential 21st-century skills, such as cooperative problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and leadership. Students take on dynamic roles aboard a state-of-the-art spaceship simulator, using STEAM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to tackle real-world problems, engage in strategic decision-making, and navigate unforeseen obstacles. By blending adventure and play with hands-on education, these missions empower students to communicate effectively, think innovatively, and collaborate as a team—all while having a blast exploring the universe.
Read More
Mission Overview
A crisis is unfolding! The King of the planet Megara has died, and no successor has been chosen. The entire world is in political uproar. Many factions now vie for the throne, and unless a new King is chosen soon the planet will break out into civil war.
By tradition, the Oracle of Delphi is responsible for appointing the new King, but at the time of the King's death she was far away on a distant world. When she heard of the King's death she immediately began returning home to Megara, but she never arrived! Her ship's signal was last detected taking a shortcut through the Rogue System—a notorious hideout of the Orion Pirates.
In their desperation, the Priests and Priestesses of Delphi have called upon the Infinity Knights—the renowned protectors and peace and justice throughout the universe—to find the missing Oracle and return her safely back to Megara. Only then will she be able to resolve the conflict, appoint a new King, and restore peace.
But that's not all! Several other factions are trying to and the Oracle first to force her hand. Will the Infinity Knights be able to rescue the Oracle, reconcile the political tensions, and avert a civil war?
Standards-Based Curriculum
Comparative politics
Monarchy, direct democracy, and republics
Nuclear isotopes and radioactive decay
Marine biology
Separation of church and state
Space exploration
Coronation, inheritance, and elections
Checks and balances in the U.S. government
Higher Order Thinking
What was the founding fathers’ reasoning behind how they set up the U.S. government?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of democracy? Monarchy? Democratic republics?
Under what conditions should decisions be made by majority rule? When shouldn’t majority rule be used?
How should societies handle minority interests?
What roles do longtime traditions play in rapidly changing societies?
What is the fine line between competitive rivals and enemies?
Read More
Mission Overview
An emergency has erupted at the worst possible time! Two civilizations, after being separated from each other for hundreds of years, have finally decided to put aside their differences and meet together to discuss opening peaceful diplomatic relations. Both sides have many great things they can learn from each other, if only they can look past their differences and put their fear and distrust behind them. Things were looking hopeful at first, but everything broke down when suddenly one of the delegates fell seriously ill!
Doctors are baffled by the mysterious plague, and they have quarantined the delegate before the disease can spread. Accusations of biological warfare have begun to $y, each side accusing the other of sabotaging the negotiations. It's an illusive mystery, but one thing is certain: if the delegate dies all hope of peaceful relations between the two civilizations will die with him.
Fearing the worst, the delegates have called upon the In!nity Knights—the renowned protectors of peace and justice throughout the universe—for assistance. Using their advanced technology, the In!nity Knight crew will shrink their vessel to a microscopic size and enter the body of the sick delegate. They must search
the body for the disease, develop a cure, and stop the plague before it can spread.
But that's not all! The crew must also unravel the mystery of where the sickness came from. If they don’t, the fear, suspicion, and distrust between the two civilizations will destroy all hope of peaceful relations forever!
Standards-Based Curriculum
Spanish Conquistadors and the Aztec Civilization
Anatomy and physiology
Immune, circulatory, and lymphatic systems
Viruses and viral reproduction
Scienti!c method
Prolonged isolation and disease resistance
Acidity, temperature, and pressure
Cross-cultural understanding
Higher Order Thinking
How does prolonged isolation in$uence culture?
How do vastly different cultures interact when they collide?
What actions should be taken to maintain genetic diversity?
What is the future of nanomedicine?
What precautions should be implemented to protect against pandemics?
Read More
Mission Overview
The timeline has been altered! A !ssure in time has opened and something from another world has crossed into the Atlantic Ocean in the year 1915. Its presence has triggered a chain of events that threatens to unravel human history as we know it!
In 1915 Europe was engulfed in World War I. German forces spread across the continent, and their powerful U-boat submarines threatened the seas. On May 7, 1915, a German U-boat sank a British passenger ship—the Lusitania—which was carrying almost 2,000 people, including many Americans. The Lusitania was unarmed, and this attack ultimately led to the United States entering the war.
With the help of the U.S., Germany was defeated in World War I and was punished severely. Germany was outraged and humiliated by its defeat, and over time this led to the Nazi’s rise to power and the beginning of World War II 21 years later.
At the time of World War II, America was suffering through the Great Depression. The war helped America pull itself out of the Great Depression and become a political and economic superpower. This, in turn, led to many of the vital advances in science, technology, and medicine in the modern world.
At least, that's what was supposed to happen. But now the timeline has been altered, history is unraveling, and the world may change completely. The Infinity Knights—the renowned protectors of peace and justice throughout the universe—must act quickly to restore the timeline before Earth’s history is overwritten.
Standards-Based Curriculum
World War I history
Marine biology
Metric weights and measures
Sonar
Classic Literature: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Depth and Pressure
Oceanography
Turning Points in History
Higher Order Thinking
What positive outcomes can stem from tragedies?
How should one respond to oppression?
Who should be responsible for dispensing justice?
How should one decide whether to use a powerful ability?
How can the long-term impact of a person or action be measured?
Read More
Mission Overview
Driven by the need to fuel its growing economy, an interstellar empire has established a colony on a distant world rich with algae biofuels. The biofuels are extremely valuable, and the empire has spent significant resources defending them from greedy foes. In an attempt to recoup its costs, the empire has levied a new tax on the colony.
The colonists, however, are outraged. As they see it, farming the algae and processing the fuel should be payment enough. They consider the new tax outrageous and exploitive, and a group of colonists have begun protesting it with acts of sabotage—or, as the empire sees it, terrorism.
As the conflict escalates, the empire has called upon the Infinity Knights—the renowned protectors of peace and justice throughout the universe—to arbitrate the situation and keep the peace. They must
escort a convoy of precious biofuel to a jump gate at the far edge of the system. Mysterious threats have been received, tensions are high, and there's no telling where or when the promised attack will come.
Will the Infinity Knights be able to satisfy both sides before the conflict breaks out into war? The fate of the empire rests upon the actions of a single crew—and the clock is ticking!
Standards-Based Curriculum
Antecedents to the American Revolution
Biofuels and energy dependency
The effect of trade dependency on politics
The rights and responsibilities of citizens
Consent of the governed
Electromagnetic radiation & interference
Chemical catalysts
Bacterial hibernation & dormancy
Higher Order Thinking
Was the American Revolution justified?
How does trade dependency shape politics?
What is the price of national security, and is it worthwhile?
What are the rights and responsibilities of citizens?
What is the difference between protests and terrorism?
How would the United States be different if Britain had conceded to the American colonists' demands?
Read More
Mission Overview
Sudura City is an isolated city in the middle of a large forested region. Despite being far from any other city,
it has recently begun to grow rapidly because Vikasa Corporation has opened a fertilizer factory along the shore of Upahara River, which resulted in hundreds of new workers moving into the region.
Recently Sudura City had an unexplained outbreak of the Chandipura virus, a dangerous disease that infects children, causing comas and even death. So far about one thousand children have been infected, many of whom have died. The Chandipura virus is transmitted by Sandlfies, a small type of biting midge
whose populations are unusually high this year, for unknown reasons. To make matters worse all the fish have disappeared, also for unknown reasons, causing a severe food shortage.
The underlying cause behind all this is believed to be tied to the Upahara River, but there’s a problem.
Vikasa Corporation purchased the property rights to the entire river when they opened their factory, and they are not allowing anyone to enter it, even despite the emergency conditions. Having no alternative, the governor of Sudura City has called upon the Infinity Knights—the renowned protectors and peace and justice throughout the universe—to investigate the source of this strange plague and the disappearance of the fish and to save their city before it’s too late.
Standards-Based Curriculum
Aquatic ecosystems & food chains
Interconnectedness of living things
Contamination & purification
Social responsibility of organizations
Recycling, waste disposal, and the environment
Acidity and alkalinity
Scientific measurements & observations
Characteristics of aquatic life
Higher Order Thinking
What is societies relationship with its environment?
What are the responsibilities of businesses and other organizations for protecting the environment?
What can individual citizens do to ensure a safer environment?
What are the costs and benefits of socially responsible behavior?
Do the ends justify the means?
Read More
Mission Overview
Earth is in danger! A race of sentient robots known as the Alloyals move from planet to planet consuming metallic minerals from planetary crusts, mantles, and cores. After they deplete all the useful resources on one world they move on to the next. This devastates the worlds they invade, but to make matters worse
the Alloyals have constructed a terrible weapon called the “Sunlight Inhibitor Device.”
The Sunlight Inhibitor Device generates massive clouds of particles that foat into the atmosphere and block out all sunlight. The particles remain in the atmosphere for months, during which time all the plant
and animal life on the planet below withers and dies. Once the planet has been purged of living things, the
Alloyals move in and begin extracting the metallic minerals from the planet.
An Alloyal scout has recently arrived on Earth and deployed the Sunlight Inhibitor Device in an unknown location, and a full invasion feet is close behind. The Alloyals have given mankind 24 hours to surrender
before they activate the device and destroy all life on earth. The world’s leaders have called upon the Infnity Knights—the renowned protectors of peace and justice throughout the universe—to locate the Sunlight Inhibitor Device and disarm it before it’s too late! The countdown for Earth has begun!
Standards-Based Curriculum
World Geography
Physical Maps
Cultures & Languages
Interpretation of Texts
Phases of the Moon
Earth’s Rotation
Continents & their distinguishing features
Elapsed Time
Higher Order Thinking
How do authors’ tones, perspectives, and biases affect their writings?
What are the costs of industrialization?
What does artificial intelligence teach us about life?
What is the connection between plants, animals, their environments, and the sun?
How does one determine the survival of two species vying for the same scarce resources?
Read More
Mission Overview
At the end of the Undillian wars, the planet Sriyana was left with hyperactive plate tectonics. This was due to the mining of Trillium ore for the war effort. The mining for Trillium ore requires deep coring below the lithosphere into the upper mantle and has been found to trigger major earthquakes across a planet’s surface.
A remote planet in the Tirac constellation orbiting the star Regon 7 in the Bernadette system, Sriyana is not a member of the Federation, and being suspicious of the Federations motives, the Sriyanans rejected the Federations initial offerings after the wars to relocate the inhabitants. But a decade has passed now since the last Federation ambassador’s trip to the planet, and in light of a new Federation invention that utilizes sound waves called Wegener Wave technology, the ability now exist to cool and solidify magma pockets in the inner layers of terrestrial planets. Last month a sub-space distress call was received at Federation outpost Digi 14 reporting that the citizens of Sriyana were now starving and in dire need of emergency rations and medical supplies. Apparently the scale of the tectonic volatility has reached a critical level and caused dire conditions.
Supplied with this new technology, the Federation set out to save Sriyana and bring them into the Federation of Planets.
Read More
Mission Overview
After having defended the Solar System from alien invaders, Headquarters has the crew on a routine service call in order to give them so well deserved downtime, run ship repairs and diagnostic tests, and get in some quality holodeck time and camaraderie in 10-Forward. Nothing exciting going on here. Orders are to head out to the asteroid belt, mine an asteroid, locate a damaged ship, and tow it into Jupiter Station for salvaging, and finally, jump to Ryker Station to pick up 8 power cells and bring them back to Earth. Easy go easy come....
Unbeknownst to the crew, their arch-rivals, the Orion Pirates, have their sites set on raiding Ryker Station, making off with those power cells, and selling them to the highest bidder.
Presented with an almost no-win situation, the crew will have to decide between saving Ryker Station or a Talaxian civilian transport ship bounding out of control towards the Star Opo, where its crew will be turned back into stardust. And, in the most likely event that the crew will not be able to save Ryker Station in time either, their best option left will be to chase down the Orion Pirate ships attempting to make a run for it to the Delta Quadrant Jumpgate, just 10minutes away, and retrieve the stolen power cells and safely jump back to the solar system.
Fast thinking and crucial decision-making will be the calling card of those crews who score the highest in this routine service call that turned into a life-and-death heart-pounding race against time.
Read More
Mission Overview
Kraft Island, with its fertile volcanic soil and crystal blue bays, is a luxury destination for the rich and the powerful. Everyone loves it—except for one man. Dr. Ash Tephra, the world’s most renowned volcanologist, has long been outspoken against settlements on the island.
Using his own special research methods known as “underground volcanology,” Dr. Tephra has warned the government that a massive eruption is about to occur and that the island must be evacuated! Fellow
volcanologists using more traditional methods, however, do not agree.
A similar situation occurred two years ago. Dr. Tephra predicted an eruption of massive proportions and the island was evacuated, but the eruption never occurred. Angry citizens lodged complaints against the government for economic loss. Dr. Tephra was humiliated and his reputation took a severe hit, but now he is making the same prediction: an eruption is imminent!
The government is concerned for its citizens’ safety, but even so it does not want a needless evacuation. To clear matters up the government has called upon the Infinity Knights—the renowned protectors of peace and justice throughout the universe—to help. They must travel beneath the surface of Kraft Island, explore its volcanic conduits, and determine whether an evacuation is necessary—before it’s too late!
Read More
Mission Overview
The Chimera are an ancient race of majestic creatures, as intelligent as they are mysterious. They possess the ability to mutate their own genetic code, allowing them to acquire the powers of any animal. This, along with their desire to protect justice throughout the universe, has made them long-time allies and partners of the Infinity Knights. But now, all that may be lost!
Razorfang, one of the oldest and most powerful of the Chimera, has suddenly gone berserk! He has attacked and destroyed everything in his path, without provocation and without explanation. If he’s not stopped soon, there’s no telling what the devastation will be.
It’s up to you, the Infinity Knights, the renowned protectors of peace and justice throughout the universe, to track down Razorfang and put a stop to his destruction. You must halt his rampage before it spreads!
Read More
Mission Overview
There’s been an outbreak—a bad one! A deadly virus is sweeping the world, and it doesn’t show any sign of stopping.
In a desperate attempt to stop it from spreading any further, the world has gone into lockdown. Businesses have closed down, and people have been confined to their homes. Unfortunately, with travel restricted and medical researchers in quarantine, finding a cure for the virus has become extremely difficult.
In this time of dire need, the world has called upon the Infinity Knights—the renowned protectors of peace and justice throughout the universe—for their help. Maybe, just maybe, their quick wits and advanced technology can produce a solution.
Your mission is to investigate the disease, gather materials for a cure from the four corners of the Earth, and save the world!
Read More
Mission Overview
What you are about to hear is classified, above “Top-Secret.” There has been a security breach at an orbital research facility that specializes in advanced propulsion technology. A ship outfitted with a cutting-edge engine prototype—the Lightning Drive—has been stolen.
The perpetrator goes by the call sign of “Mad Dog” and is a notorious member of the Orion Pirates. Mad Dog broke into the propulsion lab, stole the ship with the Lightning Drive, and is currently at large, whereabouts unknown.
Because of the Lightning Drive’s incredible speed, Mad Dog cannot be caught by usuals methods. This can only be done by the Infinity Knights—the renowned protectors of peace and justice throughout the universe.
Your mission is to track Mad Dog down and apprehend him without damaging the Lightning Drive. Good luck, and hurry. Mad Dog already has a head start!
Read More
Mission Overview
A variety of marine scientists have been on a long tour in the marine base deep in the ocean. They are working hard to unlock the mysteries of the oceans since only around 5% of it has been explored. During their important work, however, something went terribly wrong!
The Marine Research Station started to lose power, and quickly. An immediate evacuation of all crew and personnel took place but in the panic, one person—Dr. Pat Carson, a world-renowned marine biologist—was accidentally left behind!
Your mission is to travel to the research station and rescue Dr. Carson! Good luck crew!
Read More
Mission Overview
The Helios Nebula is a thick cloud of gas in space. Nebulas are known as the birthplaces of stars and there is still so much for us to learn about how stars are formed. In order to expand our knowledge, we need samples for scientific research from Helios Nebula.
Your mission is to first, travel to the Helios Nebula. I heard it is very beautiful so I hope you enjoy the view while there. Anyway, once there we need you to take scientific measurements of its gases. Finally, transmit the data back to headquarters, at which point the resident scientists will handle the analysis, and hopefully, we’ll have learned more about the universe we live in.
While this is a standard mission, it’s important that you keep an eye out for danger. Space can be a dangerous place! Good luck crew!
Read More
Mission Overview
We have received a personal request from Febris Powell (a nurse from Samulon V) who has reached out to the Infinity Knights for her daughter. Her daughter Selena is not only sick, but her white blood cell count indicates that her immune system is not responding to the virus.
Our scientists have analyzed the tests from Febris Powell and it shows that Selena is immunocompromised, which means her immune system is weak. Febris needs your help to stabilize her daughter and strengthen her immune system.
First, you will be shrunk and inserted into Selena’s bloodstream. Second, decrease the viral load by destroying as many as you can. Third, enter the lymph node and install the ImmunoCreator which will strengthen her immune system.
Save this child, crew! Good luck!
Read More
Mission Overview
In this thrilling mission, the crew must unite the forces of two civilizations, the Exzosi and Aduin, to defeat the sinister Mr. Empire, who has seized control of the Jamua power station. Once a beacon of free solar energy for the entire star system, the power station has been turned into a fossil fuel monopoly by Mr. Empire, forcing the planets to depend on his supply.
To combat his tyranny, the crew must first orchestrate a royal wedding between Prince Dolfo and Princess Mafalma of the Exzosi, uniting their peoples in alliance. The crew will fly to the Aduin’s space station, where their home planet has been stripped of vegetation by Mr. Empire. Using Minecraft, they will plant 100 trees and power a signal rocket, informing the Aduin people that it is safe to return home.
Meanwhile, a crisis on Planet Moe is brewing—fish populations in the river are dying, and it is up to the crew to take samples and determine the cause. They must also assist the Exzosi by growing wheat using Minecraft turtles on a nearby planet to strengthen their armada for the impending battle.
However, before the royal wedding can take place, the crew must undertake daring rescue missions. Prince Dolfo is imprisoned by Mr. Empire, and Princess Mafalma is being held in his space tower. The crew must infiltrate both locations, rescue the prince and princess, and transport them to Aduin for the wedding.
Once united, the Exzosi and Aduin armadas are prepared to take on Mr. Empire in an epic final battle. The crew’s task: sneak aboard Mr. Empire’s ship, capture him, and transport him to their ship’s bridge to bring him to justice. Will the crew succeed in stopping Mr. Empire and restoring peace to the star system?
Read More
Mission Overview
In this high-stakes mission, the crew is tasked with rescuing a spyship that has gone missing deep within the dangerous gravitic minefields surrounding the Orian pirates’ homeworld. The minefield is a deadly maze where even the slightest mistake could trigger an explosion. The crew must navigate this perilous environment, avoiding the proximity-triggered mines while staying out of sight of patrolling pirate ships.
After locating the stranded spyship, the crew faces a race against time to safely transport the spyship’s crew aboard their vessel before being detected by the pirates. Once the rescue is complete, the mission’s urgency escalates as the crew must destroy the spyship, ensuring its advanced technology doesn’t fall into the hands of the Orians.
However, this destruction will give away their position, prompting a desperate race through the minefield to reach the jump gate on the far side of the pirates’ homeworld. All the while, the crew must outmaneuver the massive pirate mothership closing in to annihilate them. Will the crew escape in time, or will they be caught in the clutches of the Orian pirates?
Read More
Mission Overview
The solar system is under siege, and all communications have been jammed by a mysterious alien race. The Federation has sent the crew to investigate, starting with Mercury, where they discover the aliens have taken control of the planet’s mining operations, transporting valuable minerals off-planet. As the crew races to the other terrestrial planets, they find the same devastating situation unfolding.
Upon reaching Jupiter, the crew uncovers that the aliens are not just interested in the terrestrial planets—on the gas giants, they are harvesting gases, preparing for something far more ominous. The investigation leads to the moons of Uranus, where the true purpose of the invasion is revealed: the aliens are using the solar system’s resources to incubate their Queen Mother’s eggs, located in hidden nurseries on the moons.
In a desperate mission to save the solar system, the crew must locate a bioweapon hidden aboard a stranded science vessel on one of Uranus’ moons. Armed with the bioweapon, the crew will fly to Pluto for a final, epic confrontation with the alien Queen Mother. Will they be able to stop the alien invasion in time, or will the solar system fall under the control of the alien empire?