Galactica (roller coaster)

Galactica is a flying roller coaster located at Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire, England. Originally opened in 2002 as Air, it was the world's first purpose-built flying coaster. Riders are secured in a prone position, facing downwards, giving the sensation of flying.

In 2016, the ride was relaunched as Galactica, incorporating virtual reality headsets into the experience. Riders wore the headsets during the ride, immersing them in a virtual space travel narrative synchronized with the coaster's movements. While the physical track layout remained unchanged from its Air configuration, the VR overlay aimed to provide a new and enhanced sensory experience.

The VR component was removed in 2017 due to mixed rider feedback and operational challenges. The ride reverted to a non-VR flying coaster experience, maintaining the Galactica name. Key features of the ride include its unique riding position, smooth and graceful maneuvers, and a focus on the feeling of flight. The ride's layout consists of a series of inversions, including a pretzel loop and barrel rolls, designed to enhance the sensation of flying.