PIGEON FORGE, TN - On Friday, May 8, space enthusiasts and families alike have an extraordinary opportunity to meet real-life astronaut Capt. Barry Wilmore at the cutting-edge Truth Traveler attraction. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can join the free meet-and-greet event featuring Capt. Wilmore, a Tennessee native famously “stuck” on the International Space Station for an unprecedented nine months during the Boeing Starliner’s first crewed mission.

	Barry Wilmore

Joining Capt. Wilmore will be Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis and visionary behind the Ark Encounter in Kentucky and the Truth Traveler attractions that blend thrilling tech with biblical storytelling. Also present will be Christian author and speaker Heidi St. John, who will have her books available for signing.

Capt. Wilmore’s remarkable story of resilience and faith is chronicled in his book *Stuck in Space*, which will be available for purchase and autograph at the event. Ken Ham and Heidi St. John will also sign copies of their works. Visitors can take photos with these inspiring speakers even without purchasing a book.

With an impressive career at NASA, Capt. Wilmore piloted the space shuttle Atlantis, commanded the International Space Station, and logged 464 days and 32 hours in spacewalks. His open sharing of his Christian faith has made him not only an American hero but also a role model of courage and conviction. As Ken Ham shared, “It’s always great to spend time with this American hero… He is not ashamed of his Christian faith, which he shares openly.”

Ken Ham (left) with Barry Wilmore and his wife, Deanna, at the Astronaut Encounter at the Ark Encounter in July 2025. Image by Truth Traveler

The meet-and-greet coincides with the popular “Teach Them Diligently” homeschool conference at the LeConte Center, where all three will be speaking, making this a can't-miss experience for families passionate about faith, education, and space exploration.

Truth Traveler, located at 2680 Parkway across from Pigeon Forge’s iconic Ferris wheel, offers a groundbreaking 5D virtual reality ride that transports guests through pivotal moments in biblical history, ending with Christ’s birth, death, resurrection, and ascension. The immersive adventure includes motion benches, haptics, VR goggles, and a custom planetarium tour of the solar system for ticketed guests.

On May 8 only, attendees of the meet-and-greet can purchase Truth Traveler tickets at the window and enjoy a 20% discount on same-day tours.

Answers in Genesis, the ministry behind Truth Traveler and other Christian-themed attractions such as the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, continues its mission of equipping Christians to defend their faith, inspiring millions worldwide.

For more details about the meet and greet and Truth Traveler, visit AnswersinGenesis.org.

Don’t miss your chance to meet a space pioneer, explore cutting-edge biblical adventures, and connect with inspiring Christian voices—all in one unforgettable day at Pigeon Forge!