From the outside, the kids’ hands-on science exhibit The Race for Planet X is a 40-foot truck with cool graphics on the side.

But when Southeast Arkansas residents step inside, participants become explorers on a spaceship orbiting the mysterious Planet X.

The Race for Planet X truck, which makes periodic trips to the Center, is made possible thanks to a $7-million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation through the Arkansas Discovery Network. The Arts & Science Center is one of seven Arkansas Discovery Network member museums in the state. The exhibit is free.

While on board the spaceship in a truck, participants stand in the tiny, dark entry cabin and a computerized voice gives them mission instructions. Two metal doors open with a Star Trek-like whoosh to reveal a space station bathed in soft blue and green lights. Inside the Planet ‘X’ spaceship, students design a landing capsule using a computer-assisted drawing program. They explore the outside landscape with the help of a camera mounted on a remote-controlled rover. They also repair a malfunctioning fuel cell, direct lasers to find a proper landing spot and build “planetquake”-proof structures as well as protect the universe from the evil Dr. Nogood.

Teachers also may schedule special Planet X truck visits to their schools. Program plans also are available to use with the truck visit to a school.