Get a Sneak Peek at Angry Birds Space

Rovio debuted the latest Angry Birds game, Angry Birds Space, in the Samsung Bloggers Lounge at SXSW Friday. As an astronomy lover who comes from a family of Angry Birds lovers, this one has me doubly excited.

Angry Birds Space takes place in a weightless environment where you have learn the physics of gravitational pull from planetary bodies to get to those egg-stealing pigs. Because of that science connection, NASA astronaut Ronald Garan was at the game launch. He said he hopes that Angry Birds Space and games like it will inspire the next generation of scientists.

In fact, on last November’s Soyuz mission, one of the astronaut’s daughters chose the Red Bird as the toy to hang from a tether. When it starts to float, those watching the mission through the video stream know when they’ve reached space.

Angry Birds Space will be available March 22 on Android and iOS as well as PC. Those who play through a Samsung smartphone or tablet will get a few bonus features:

• The Lazer Bird, which has super vision and a super power strike
• An extra Lazer Bird level
• The Danger Zone, which is 30 packages available to all players as a purchased bonus pack, will be available to Samsung users free for three months

You can see more of Angry Birds Space at angrybirds.com/space, or watch this video of a demo from the launch: