HOUSTON -- He's used to traveling to the depths of space with his signature backpack rocket and fold-out wings, but Buzz Lightyear will soon go "to infinity and beyond" in a space shuttle, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported Friday.

NASA and Disney Parks announced that a 12-inch-tall Buzz Lightyear action figure will join the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery in their latest mission.

Disney officials said this is an effort to get students interested in science and technology.

"It's all about getting kids interested in science and math," said Duncan Wardel of Disney Parks said. "It's a very fun way of doing it in an online environment."

During the launch, Buzz will be stored in the cargo area. Once in space, he will perform experiments in zero gravity, which can be accessed via online tutorials for children worldwide.

Disney and NASA developed an online program called the "Space Ranger Education Series." The program includes games for students and educational materials for teachers to bring to the classroom.

Organizers hope this mission will help to inspire the next generation of space rangers.

"I think this is a great opportunity for kids around the world to get excited about science, math and space travel," Wardel said.

The Discovery crew will also take a yellow jersey worn by Lance Armstrong in the Tour de France, the last jersey worn in a game by Houston Astro Craig Biggio and the backup jersey that Eli Manning took to the Super Bowl.

Discovery is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center at 6:02 p.m. Saturday