Buzz Lightyear Becomes Real Space Ranger

May 30, 2008 — To Infinity … and the International Space Station! That may be Buzz Lightyear’s new mantra after NASA announced the Disney toy astronaut would journey along with seven real astronauts to the ISS on May 31. The liftoff of space shuttle Discovery will kick off a new education initiative between NASA and Disney Parks. A 12-inch-tall Buzz Lightyear action figure will fly to the ISS as part of the partnership, encouraging students to pursue studies in science, technology and mathematics. Disney and NASA developed the Space Ranger Education Series, which includes online educational games for students and materials for educators, as part of NASA’s “Toys in Space” education program. Since 1985, NASA's Toys in Space program has used toys flown aboard the shuttle and the International Space Station to help children learn science and mathematics. After Buzz joins mission STS-124 and explores the ISS, he will conduct an experiment — flying in zero gravity. "NASA is excited to help students understand the science and engineering currently underway on the International Space Station," said Joyce Winterton, NASA assistant administrator for education. "We are thrilled that Buzz's lifelong dream of space travel finally will come true thanks to NASA," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "This launch fulfills his dream, and we hope it will inspire countless children to stay interested in science and believe in their own dreams." The beginning of Buzz's space mission coincides with the May 31 opening of "Toy Story Mania!," a new 4-D interactive attraction, at Walt Disney World, Florida. It will open at Disneyland Resort, California, on June 17. Beginning May 31, the online games featuring Buzz will be available by visiting NASA's homepage and clicking on the box or the NASA Kids' Club.

Fictional spaceman Buzz Lightyear will make a real-life trip into space aboard space shuttle Discovery during STS-124. The toy astronaut will mark an educational partnership between NASA and Disney. Credit: NASA/Steven Siceloff The educational games are: Mission Match Up: Create a Game — Match the ISS partner countries to space facts Connect it! Flight Path — Attach the Kibo laboratory to the ISS using a sequence of commands Load the Shuttle — Fill the shuttle with cargo to a certain mass I Spy: Reflections from Space — Find everyday objects on the ISS that were built on NASA technology Toys in Space — Navigate Buzz Lightyear to different toys to see a movie on how they behave in space

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