Buzz Lightyear is now part of the Smithsonian

To the Smithsonian -- and beyond!

Buzz Lightyear of "Toy Story" fame is now part of the National Air and Space Museum's popular culture collection.

Photo by NASA

The 12-inch action figure was launched into space on May 31, 2008, aboard the space shuttle Discovery (STS-124) on a trip to the International Space Station and returned 15 months later on Discovery (STS-128), making it the longest serving toy in space.

The Space Ranger was part of a Disney-NASA partnership focused on creating "interactive games, educational worksheets and special messages encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics," according to a news release from the Smithsonian. (Though, some may surmise Buzz had a top secret mission to fight the Evil Emperor Zurg.)

The figure was also used by the astronauts, according to the release, "occasionally, to have a little fun on the side." Yeah, imagine the astronauts making Buzz fly in zero gravity.

“It is truly one of the biggest thrills of my career to have one of Pixar’s most beloved characters, Buzz Lightyear, travel in space and now travel in time as part of the Smithsonian collection where he will inspire future generations of explorers, engineers and scientists to infinity and beyond,” John Lasseter, chief creative officer at Pixar Animation Studios, said in a release.

The action figure will go on display in the museum’s “Moving Beyond Earth” gallery this summer.

Now we just need a place for Woody.

The National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is located at Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.