[A public attraction called “LUNA: A Journey to the Moon” has recently opened in San Antonio, Texas and San Francisco, joining other U.S. cities. The short story below from CultureMap San Antonio describes the experience. Similar coverage is available from Secret Los Angeles. The tag line used on the LUNA website is “It’s not just an experience, it’s a mission, and you are part of it.” As presence-evoking as it seems to be, it likely doesn’t match the experience offered by the LUNA training facility created by the European Space Agency in Cologne, Germany. –Matthew]

Virtual Moon landing experience blasts off in San Antonio

By Brandon Watson
December 8, 2025

The Shops at Rivercenter is hoping its newest attraction will put San Antonians over the moon. Luna VR is now open at the downtown mall, offering a one-of-a-kind virtual reality journey through space without leaving Alamo City.

“Guided by authentic astronaut audio and cinematic visuals, you’ll orbit Earth, navigate through space, and take humanity’s first steps on the Moon,” explains production company Fever. “Feel the weightlessness, the silence, and the wonder of standing on another world. Luna is more than virtual reality — it’s a journey across space and time.”

To accomplish the mind-blowing feat, Luna combines leading-edge virtual reality hardware with space simulation technology. Once suited up, guests are transported to the center of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, starting with astronaut training.

After explorers are launched on the iconic Saturn V rocket, the experience continues with a lunar landing and exploration of the Moon’s surface. To add an extra layer of realism, the session is soundtracked by authentic NASA transmissions, mission control audio, and cosmic sounds.

Luna was designed to captivate families, students, science enthusiasts, and anyone with a curiosity about space (in other words, almost everybody). The trip lasts about 50 minutes, with 35 minutes spent in the VR environment and additional time for preparation and returning gear. Group sessions can accommodate 5–8 participants.

Luna VR is located on the lower level of The Shops at Rivercenter, inside the Titanic: A Voyage Through Time exhibit and below H&M. The experience welcomes visitors aged 10 and up and is fully ADA compliant. Tickets start at $19, depending on the preferred dates and times.