NASA just released a free Dungeons and Dragons adventure that explores an alternative universe where the Hubble Space Telescope never existed. Titled “The Lost Universe,” NASA’s free adventure can be easily adapted to Dungeons and Dragons or any other tabletop roleplaying system.

Dungeons and Dragons has reached new heights these last couple of years. Critical Role and Stranger Things did wonders to draw attention to the iconic TTRPG, and the award-winning Baldur’s Gate 3, which uses modified 5th Edition D&D mechanics in its gameplay, catapulted it into further relevance.

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Now, even the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is getting in on the popularity of Dungeons and Dragons. The independent government organization recently released “The Lost Universe,” a 44-page adventure for Dungeons and Dragons. Though it was designed with a group of four to seven D&D characters from levels 7 to 10 in mind, “The Lost Universe” is system agnostic. During the adventure, players begin as themselves in another version of Earth where the Hubble Space Telescope was never created, only to be brought into a fantasy world to uncover the mystery of its disappearance – all while learning about actual science and history.

NASA’s D&D Adventure is an Isekai About the Hubble Space Telescope

• “The Lost Universe” is designed for four to seven level 7-10 D&D characters, but it can be played using any TTRPG system.
• Players hail from an alternative universe where the Hubble Space Telescope was erased from history along with several scientists dedicated to studying the cosmos.
• They are transported to the city of Aldastron on the rogue planet of Exlaris to unravel the mystery of the missing telescope, all while learning science facts and skills.

Players can also download a map of Aldastron – the city and region where the adventure takes place – as well as a printable poster. NASA has also encouraged fans who play through the adventure to share their experiences via the #NASATTRPG tag on social media.

NASA isn’t the first unexpected TTRPG crossover fans have experienced. In 2019, Wendy’s released a Dungeons and Dragons-like roleplaying system called Feast of Legends, which included an adventure featuring Ronald McDonald as the final boss.

Needless to say, with thousands of players liking, reposting, and bookmarking the announcement on Twitter, it is clear fans got a kick out of the NASA TTRPG. The organization referred to “The Lost Universe” as its first TTRPG, so players will have to see if NASA eventually makes a sequel to this charming adventure – or even a complete third-party D&D book.

Dungeons and Dragons

Created by Gary Gygax, Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop game in which players craft their own worlds and band together to take on adventures through mysterious realms outlined in companion materials. One of the best role-playing games ever made, it has been adapted into a variety of video games and other media.

Franchise

Dungeons & Dragons

Original Release Date

1974-00-00

Publisher

Wizards of the Coast

Designer

E. Gary Gygax , Dave Arneson