NASA Space Mission Leader Launches Space Science Board Game

TUCSON, Ariz., March 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Xtronaut Enterprises, co-founded by University of Arizona Professor Dante Lauretta, the Principal Investigator of the NASA OSIRIS-REx space mission, launches its new board game on Kickstarter -- Xtronaut 2.0: The Game of Solar System Exploration -- a game where players build and launch rockets to complete space missions throughout the solar system, based on scientifically accurate rocket science. Xtronaut 2.0 is now available on Kickstarter at a pledge level of $45 and is for 2-6 players ages 8+. 

The award-winning team at Xtronaut Enterprises created Xtronaut 2.0. The original Xtronaut game, launched in 2015, received the designation of a Best Family Boardgame by Good Housekeeping and many other awards. Xtronaut's second game, Constellations, won the Mensa Select Award and the Silver Prize at the International Serious Play Conference. Xtronaut 2.0 is bigger and better than the original, with more missions, spacecraft, action cards, and six-player gameplay. The game has incorporated feedback from many of its over 12,000 Xtronaut customers.

Xtronaut is honored by support from the Planetary Society and backers can choose to receive Xtronaut 2.0 together with a Planetary Society membership. 

"Xtronaut 2.0 provides fun and educational gameplay using beautiful components. It incorporates the realistic challenges of developing and flying exciting space missions," said Planetary Society Chief Scientist Dr. Bruce Betts.

Xtronaut is also pleased that it continues its longstanding support of Boys and Girls Clubs across the U.S., and now backers can donate copies of the game to clubhouses of their choice. Xtronaut will provide additional games to clubs at specific funding levels. 

Professor Lauretta used his experience developing and leading OSIRIS-REx – scheduled to collect a sample from asteroid Bennu this August – to design Xtronaut 2.0. The game is based on fundamental science, rocket engineering, and technology. Xtronaut 2.0 includes a science handbook that connects players to real space and rocket science with fun and engaging gameplay. It is ideal for families, schools, homeschoolers, and informal learning environments, like the Boys and Girls Clubs.  

Professor Dante Lauretta said, "Xtronaut 2.0 allows players to share in the thrill of launching a space mission of discovery, like OSIRIS-REx."

The Kickstarter Campaign for Xtronaut 2.0 runs from Feb. 27- April 2, 2020.

The original Xtronaut was a multiple award winner:

• Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award 2016 - Family Board Game Category
• City Kids Magazine - Top 5 STEM Toy
• Top Solar System For Kids Science Toy - Fractus Learning
• 10+ Science Games for Your Homeschool - My Little Poppies
• Top 5 Games | Toy Fair 2016 - Twenty-Sided Store
• 15 Awesome Math Toys and Games - Math Insider
• 2016 Holiday Hot List - eBay
• Educational Gift Ideas for Christmas 2016 - First Tutors
• Amazon Launchpad - Program Awardee

About Xtronaut Enterprises:  

Dante Lauretta and Michael Lyon founded Xtronaut to develop innovative educational content associated with space exploration. Dr. Lauretta has spent 16 years leading the OSIRIS-REx mission. Xtronaut also produces the award-winning games Constellations: The Game of Stargazing and the Night Sky and Downlink: The Game of Planetary Discovery.

About The Planetary Society:

The Planetary Society has inspired millions of people to explore other worlds and seek other life. With the mission to empower the world's citizens to advance space science and exploration, its international membership makes the non-governmental Planetary Society the largest space interest group in the world, with Bill Nye serving as CEO.

Information:

Dante Lauretta: [email protected]

Michael Lyon: [email protected]

Related Images

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Xtronaut 2.0: The Game of Solar System Exploration
Front and Back Box for space-related, STEM, fun board game about rockets and space science, developed by leading NASA mission leader.

Related Links

Kickstarter Campaign

SOURCE Xtronaut Enterprises, Inc.