In 1956, the first rocket-spinner attraction opened at Disneyland and was known as the Astro Jets. The "jets" made a 50-foot circle around a large red-checkered rocket and guests were able climb upwards of 36 feet in their ride vehicles from the ground level they were boarded at.

The name Astro Jets was changed in 1964 when United Airlines, as a new park sponsor contended the name was free advertising for American Airlines' coast-to-coast Astrojet service.

After this dispute, the name was changed to Tomorrowland Jets. The name lasted until September of 1966, when the attraction was closed to make room for the new renovated Tomorrowland.

The attraction returned in August 1967 as the Rocket Jets. This version was located on top of the new PeopleMover platform, and was accessible from ground level via an elevator. The focal point of this version was its replica Saturn V/NASA-themed rocket in the center.

This version remained open until 1997, when it closed for renovations with the rest of Tomorrowland. The new form of the attraction opened one year later as Astro Orbitor.

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