People are intrigued by the mysteries and promise of space travel. Not only in fictional media, where popular stories have taken viewers to "the final frontier" or to "a galaxy far, far away," but in the real world as well. Astronauts are viewed as gods among men. Even the ones that failed their mission had their legacy cemented in a Tom Hanks blockbuster. However, most people don't work for NASA, so the cosmos are still a mysterious subject for the majority of Americans. Luckily, for those of you that wish to be enlightened, Seattle's Museum of Flight is hosting the "Above and Beyond - The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition" exhibit starting May 28, to satisfy the astronaut inside of you.

"Above and Beyond" is a touring exhibit with legitimate bonafides from Boeing, NASA, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Although it has already been showcased in a few cities, such as St. Louis and Abu Dhabi (yes, really), Seattle is the first west coast stop for the exhibition.

Space junkies should be thrilled with the 5,000 feet display, which promises high-tech activities such as a 180-degree immersive theatre presentation, a space elevator simulation, a virtual high-speed flying race where participants can design and compete in their own supersonic fighter jet, and in case any of this didn't sound crazy enough, a motion-capture group activity where it demonstrates flight like a bird. And that's not even the tip of the iceberg The exhibit will feature five themed galleries in total, each with different interactive experiences that should entertain and educate visitors for hours.

These five themes, "Up, Faster, Higher, Farther, and Smarter," are meant to all be key components of space travel and flight. Jaiwon Shin, the Associate Administrator for NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate in Washington, said in a press release that the exhibit's many user-friendly activities are meant to represent the human spirit's drive and determinedness to explore new regions.

"This exhibit is a celebration of the innovation that made flight possible during the last century, and serves as an inspiration for the next generation of aviation and space visionaries," Shin said.

The Museum of Flight is pulling out all the stops to welcome "Above and Beyond," most notably on the opening day, where astronaut Tom Jones, who was on four space shuttle missions, will discuss living outside Earth's orbit. He'll also be available to sign his new book, Ask the Astronaut, and to answer questions from those interested in his unique experience.

"Above and Beyond" will stay at The Museum of Flight from May 28 through Sept. 10. Tickets to the museum cost $23 for adults, $14 for kids, and free for those under 4 years old (all of these prices are cheaper if purchased online, except for the free ones, obviously).

For more information on "Above and Beyond," visit aboveandbeyondexhibition.com, and for more information on The Museum of Flight, visit www.museumofflight.org.