Space Explorers: The Infinite at Science Centre Singapore is trippy, sublime, and surprisingly emotional. Happening from now till Mar 23, 2025, the virtual reality (VR) experience takes participants on an extraordinary journey 400 kilometres above Earth and aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Now, I am somewhat familiar with VR environments and games but they typically involve a gun, zombies and monsters. Space Explorers: The Infinite is on a whole different level even though your feet are firmly planted on the ground. It is, after all, the world’s largest extended reality space exploration experience. It is currently making its Southeast Asian debut, presented by Science Centre Singapore in partnership with Kingsmen Exhibits.
Created by Felix & Paul Studios in collaboration with Time Studios and NASA, Space Explorers: The Infinite expands on the success of the Primetime Emmy Award-winning series Space Explorers: The ISS Experience. This experience is curated from over 250 hours of 3D-360-degree immersive content filmed onboard the ISS, more than 16 hours of astronaut testimonials, and the first spacewalk filmed in VR. The production – to date the largest ever to be filmed in space – offers unprecedented access into the lives of astronauts as they train for and embark on life-changing missions.
The final frontier awaits
My journey began rather humbly at Science Centre Annexe Hall 2 and 3. Before entering, big bags and backpacks had to be stored in the lockers located at the entrance (your hands should be free and mobile phones should be in your pockets). Inside, we were first introduced to each of the ISS crew, and the specialist cameras used during the filming. My group was then ushered into a dark space-themed room that set the mood for what’s to come.
After a quick introduction on how to wear the VR headset, the multi-sensory free-roaming VR experience began. I stepped gingerly into the main hall and was instantly transported into a life-sized virtual recreation of the iconic space station in 3D. It took a while to get used to the experience, and as someone who is prone to motion sickness, I realised it was best to go slow and avoid sudden movements. The headset allowed me to “see” my hands and outlines of other people in my group so I did not worry too much about knocking into someone or walking into a wall.
Within the station were interactive elements such as glowing orbs which, when “pressed”, revealed meticulously detailed life-sized footage of the daily routines of the astronauts conducting cutting-edge scientific research. It was incredibly awe-inspiring to see the crew right in front of me as they spoke about living and working in space. I could see the cramped quarters, wires and all the necessary equipment around me, as if I was really there – minus the zero gravity, of course.
The last part of the experience brought me out into space. This was a breathtaking cinematic VR adventure as I experienced the exhilaration of a real spacewalk and took in the gorgeous views of Earth. (If you are afraid of heights, just don’t look down.)
Space Explorers: The Infinite is certainly a unique way to experience the cosmos firsthand for ordinary folks. The whole experience lasted about 45 minutes but it was a memorable journey that made me reflect about our technological progression towards the stars and our role on Earth.
If only the Space Explorers creators could do something about gravity…
Space Explorers: The Infinite runs from now till Mar 23, 2024 at Science Centre Singapore. Get tickets (from $32) here.
