• 'The Lunar Light: Discovery' combines VR, escape room elements, and live actors to immerse participants in a simulated lunar environment set in 2055.
• The experience is spearheaded by Danielle Roosa, granddaughter of Apollo 14 astronaut Stuart Roosa, with the goal of making space exploration accessible and engaging for the general public.
• The Santa Monica pop-up is a proof of concept for Roosa's larger vision of creating a 'Disneyland of space exploration,' emphasizing human connection alongside technology.

'The Lunar Light: Discovery' is a unique VR experience running in Santa Monica that transports participants to a lunar community in 2055. Through a combination of virtual reality, theatrical performances, and escape room-style puzzles, attendees explore a moon base and interact with quirky characters, including a sassy robot. The project is led by Danielle Roosa, the granddaughter of Apollo 14 astronaut Stuart Roosa, who aims to make space exploration relatable and foster a sense of unity through shared experiences.

• What: 'The Lunar Light: Discovery' is a VR experience that simulates a visit to a lunar community in 2055, incorporating elements of virtual reality, live theater, and escape room puzzles.
• Who: Danielle Roosa (creator and founder of Back to Space), Stuart Roosa (Danielle's grandfather and Apollo 14 astronaut), Jim Keyes (mentor and investor, former 7-Eleven and Blockbuster executive), a cast of actors, and participants.
• When: The Santa Monica pop-up runs through mid-May. The experience is set in 2055.
• Where: 1813 Centinela Ave, Santa Monica (pop-up location); Dallas (previous pop-up location).

'The Lunar Light: Discovery' offers a novel approach to space exploration, blending entertainment and education to engage a broader audience. Roosa's personal connection to space, combined with her understanding of immersive theater, has resulted in a unique experience that prioritizes human connection and humor. The concept serves as a proof of concept for a larger vision, with potential for expansion and adaptation in various museums and facilities. The incorporation of VR facilitates the immersion but also the human to human connection through performing minor actions together. By demystifying space travel, 'Lunar Light' aims to reignite public interest in space exploration.

"I do think that space unites people."

"I think human-to-human contact is the only thing that’s going to save us in the world. Obviously I like VR, but I think the human connection is what makes the experience."

"I want people to feel a part of the space conversation."

'The Lunar Light: Discovery' presents an innovative way to engage the public with space exploration, blending VR technology with live performance and escape room elements. As a proof of concept for a larger immersive facility, it highlights the potential for combining entertainment and education to foster a renewed interest in space travel and scientific discovery. The current status is a pop-up in Santa Monica, with a vision of expansion in the future.