Late last week, Michael W. Smith made a long awaited visit to NASA where he was treated to a private tour and the opportunity to pilot the space shuttle simulator.

NASA experts ushered him through a bit of training and then allowed the GRAMMY® winning artist to fly the same simulator that the astronauts use when training for their missions, which he did with great skill, landing with precision and accuracy on one of his very first attempts. After his time in the simulator, Michael toured Mission Control while they worked with the astronauts on the International Space Station, preparing for a space walk. “This opportunity was a result of my friendship with Bart Phillips from Focus on the Family and his relationship with Colonel Terry Virts. I had a great time. It was pretty challenging; I have such great respect for the men and women who pilot these amazing crafts.”

Smith kicks off his It’s A Wonderful Christmas Tour on Nov. 29 in Binghamton, NY, with Melinda Doolittle and The Katinas. Each tour date will also feature a full symphony. The tour will be making at stop at the Winspear Centre For Music in Edmonton for three shows. Visit the YMZ Concert listings from more details. Michael’s 20th album, It’s A Wonderful Christmas, released to retail on October 16th and debut at no. 16 on the October Canadian retail sales chart.