"prepare for a new flight" and to "watch this space". On 12 January 2016, Alton Towers announced that Air would be re-themed as Galactica for the 2016 season and would include on-ride virtual reality headsets simulating a ride through the cosmos. The announcement was made at an event held at the Science Museum. Each seat on the roller coaster was initially fitted with a Samsung Gear VR headset and pouch. The virtual reality experience was optional, as guests could choose to ride without using the headsets. A promotional website was also released explaining more information about the ride and its new storyline. In late February 2016, the park announced that the official opening date would be 24 March 2016. For the 2018 season, the virtual reality headsets were reduced to the back three rows of each train only, with guests choosing whether to use the VR or not when they entered the station. On 17 March 2019, Alton Towers announced that the virtual reality headsets would be removed entirely due to guest feedback. Despite the removal of virtual reality, the ride has maintained its Galactica name and theme. Characteristics Statistics At the time of opening, Galactica was the tallest ride at Alton Towers, standing tall. The ride reaches a top speed of . Riders can experience a g-force of up to 3.5g whilst on the ride. One cycle of the ride lasts approximately one minute and forty seconds. Trains Galactica features a dual-platform loading station, permitting three trains to operate simultaneously. Each train has seven cars, with each car carrying four riders side-by-side in a single row. This configuration allows for up to 1500 riders per hour, although this was heavily reduced when VR was in operation. Station and loading Riders board a train sitting down, in a similar style to inverted roller coasters. Riders are restrained through a padded over-the-shoulder harness and a lap bar. At the ankles, two flaps hold the legs in position and close as the harness locks into place. After a train is fully locked and checked, riders are raised into the flying position and the train departs the station. From 2016 to 2018, riders had the option of wearing virtual reality headsets, which were attached to the restraints. Ride layout Galactica departs the station and rises a chain lift hill. The ride's first drop dips to the right, before rising back up and flying