Alton Towers has confirmed plans to launch the UK’s first ever virtual reality rollercoaster, rebranding its Air ride as Galactica for the all-new space-themed VR experience.

Attractions Management reported earlier this month that the theme park operator was likely adding the VR Coaster technology to its Air ride after it was revealed that Mack Rides and VR Coaster were working on nine new virtual reality rollercoasters, with the new technology to be announced for a major attraction this month.

Alton Towers is leading the way for development of VR coasters worldwide in 2016, with Mack also telling Attractions Management that it is working with several major IPs for branded VR ride experiences this year, which will be revealed in the coming months.

Alton Towers says that Galactica will be “the world’s first rollercoaster entirely customised for the full virtual reality experience”, putting riders into the position of astronauts and sending them into outer space. The headset itself has been developed by the UK's Figment Productions.

The £12m (US$17.7m, €16.2m) rollercoaster, designed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), first opened in March 2002. The ride was the first flying rollercoaster and at the time of opening was one of the most expensive rollercoasters ever made and among the most technologically-advanced.

“Galactica uses groundbreaking technology to give riders a breathtaking and completely unique rollercoaster experience,” said Gill Riley, marketing director at Alton Towers, unveiling the attraction at London’s Science Museum.

“There is nowhere else in the world that people can experience the feeling of a flying rollercoaster combined with soaring through the universe. For two minutes, our guests will be transported into space and we believe Galactica showcases the future for theme parks around the world – it’s a complete game-changer!”