Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science) is inviting guests to embrace the dangers of the cosmos like never before with the debut of “How to Die in Space: An Interactive Adventure Through the Cosmos,” a one-of-a-kind, interactive live show in the Frost Planetarium. The experience blends humor, science, and audience participation into an unforgettable journey through the universe.
Inspired by the book of the same name by astrophysicist, science educator and science communicator Dr. Paul M. Sutter, “How to Die in Space” is a choose-your-own-adventure experience where audiences take control of a doomed space mission. Throughout the show, guests make decisions that determine their fate, often leading to hilariously catastrophic endings. With a tone that mixes sharp wit and playful sarcasm, the production transforms cosmic threats like black holes, supernovas, and rogue planets into engaging and memorable lessons about the universe.
“This show flips the traditional planetarium experience on its head,” said Dr. Analisa Duran, Knight Vice President of Science Education at Frost Science. “By putting the audience in control, we’re making science more immersive, more entertaining, and more accessible, while still delivering real educational value.”
“How to Die in Space began as a book, but working with Frost Science allowed us to transform those ideas into a fully immersive experience. Together, we’ve created a show that blends real astrophysics with humor and storytelling to explore just how dangerous and fascinating the universe can be,” said Dr. Paul Sutter.
“How to Die in Space: An Interactive Adventure Through the Cosmos” will be shown daily in the Frost Planetarium. The production marks a major milestone for the museum as the first release from Frost Science Studios, a newly established initiative dedicated to producing original planetarium content. These shows will premiere at Frost Science and be distributed to other museums and planetariums worldwide, positioning the institution as a leader in immersive science storytelling.
The show’s dynamic audio experience was developed in collaboration with the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Through a competitive selection process, Frost School student composer and sound designer Jacey Schell was chosen to create the project’s original score. Frost School faculty members, Susan Green and Tom Collins, served as musical advisors, helping to shape a soundscape designed specifically for the Frost Planetarium’s cutting-edge system.
With 12 speakers positioned around the dome and four subwoofers beneath the rear stage, the theater delivers immersive spatial audio that places audiences directly inside the action, whether they’re drifting toward a black hole or narrowly escaping cosmic disaster. Additional creative contributions came from the University of Miami Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing, where designers Emily Anderson, Barbara Griffin, Regina Salem, and Veronica Meneses, under the guidance of Prof. Anna Queiroz, developed custom pre-show graphics to enhance the overall guest experience.
“Interactive, immersive experiences are shaping the future of entertainment, and this collaboration between Frost Science and the Frost School of Music brings that future into focus now,” said Tom Collins, Associate Professor of Music Engineering Technology at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. “This collaboration is especially meaningful in that it gives our students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology while showcasing the Frost School’s elite audio engineering talent to the public who experiences this show.”
Admission to “How to Die in Space: An Interactive Adventure Through the Cosmos” is included with all museum tickets. For more information, please visit frostscience.org and follow Frost Science on Facebook, X, TikTok, and Instagram @frostscience.
Content Courtesy of Frost Science
