Crying in My VR Headset 

WOW. Truly wow. I went into Space Explorers: The Infinite at the Midland Center for the Arts knowing it was a cool and rare experience. But I truly didn’t know how profoundly it would affect me. I went on Valentine’s Day with my partner, and afterward, we kept saying, “Remember when we went to outer space?!”  

Space Explorers: The Infinite is an immersive virtual reality (VR) journey that places you directly on the International Space Station (ISS). The thing is, you can read a book about space, watch a Youtube video, or view photos, but nothing prepares you for this kind of exposure. This groundbreaking exhibit takes you into the world of real astronauts as they go about their daily routines—conducting experiments, maintaining equipment, and navigating the challenges of life in zero gravity. What makes this VR experience stand out is the authenticity and emotional depth of the storytelling. You’re not just observing; you’re experiencing their lives, with real footage of astronauts filmed aboard the ISS. It’s an unprecedented chance for ordinary people to feel, even for a moment, what it’s like to be on the Space Station with them. 

Once you sign in, you are introduced to the astronauts who were filmed for the experience with photos and short biographies. The walkup is very space age, which I love, because Mid-Century-Modern style is what I associate with Midland. It starts with a small light show and then a fitting for your VR headset. The immersive experience includes four distinct chapters, each with unique stories and visuals, and it’s about 50 minutes long. Before donning the headset, we were enjoying the lights, but once we put the VR headsets on, the world around us completely changed. 

The magic begins as you and your group are transformed into avatars, glowing like celestial beings. The avatars—outlined humans with sparkling golden, blue, or green glows—make it easy to keep track of one another. Then, you are placed in a large grid of the ISS. Floating orbs act as portals, transporting you into real-life scenes where astronauts speak directly to you about their experiences, thoughts, and emotions. You can walk around the grid and explore as you like, but I highly recommend touching as many orbs as you can, as each one reveals a new part of life aboard the ISS. The 360-degree view makes you feel as though you’re truly there, sharing in the astronauts’ daily lives and awe-inspiring views of space. The orbs outside of the ISS grid are INCREDIBLE make sure you touch those. 

One of the most breathtaking moments of the experience is the first time you see Earth from space. As the curvature of the planet unfolds before you, the vibrant blues and greens of oceans and continents will make you gasp. Seeing Earth from this view is profound and shifts your entire perspective. I tried so hard to hold back tears in my VR headset but I failed. It was so beautiful. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of unity with everyone on Earth, even as you float so far away from it. Also a sense of responsibility to really take care and protect our home. I can’t stop thinking about it. 

The experience of being on the ISS doesn’t just teach you about space—it connects you with the infinite possibilities of human exploration and shared experiences. Even in the vastness of space, the experience reminds you that we are never truly alone. There’s something deeply human in seeing how astronauts work together, share their emotions, and reflect on their place in the universe. It’s not just a VR experience—it’s a chance to journey beyond yourself and truly connect with the infinite.