When the ride opened on Jan. 15, 1975, an Apollo moonwalker was its first passenger, NASA's insignia was on display and Space Mountain was dedicated to opening the new frontier.

Blasting off from Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, Space Mountain has delighted guests with a thrilling adventure through the cosmos since its grand opening on 1975. For 50 years and counting,

Space Mountain is one of the most recognizable theme park attractions around the world, but here’s what you may not know about the beloved ride.

Space Mountain in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park celebrates its 50th anniversary Wednesday and the park is set to celebrate. Throughout the night of January 15, the exterior of Space Mountain will bathed in a golden glow visible throughout the Magic Kingdom.