Challenger Learning Center

Space Missions

The Castle Challenger Learning Center Foundation is part of a growing international network established by Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Following the tragedy of the Challenger Space Shuttle accident in 1986, the families of the seven astronauts, in conjunction with educators, scientists, and NASA engineers, created this living memorial. As you participate in this program, you are carrying on the mission of the original Challenger crew.

For further information on the national Challenger network, see www.challenger.org

A visit to our Challenger Learning Center isn't just a field trip. It is a deeply grounded learning experience that engages students, transforming them into scientists, engineers, or researchers, and places them in a simulated space mission where they solve real-life challenges.

The entire Challenger experience, from pre-mission preparatory activities to the post-mission celebration, is an interactive, hands-on, and exhilarating adventure. Students apply the math, science, and language arts knowledge they acquire in the classroom to a spectacular real-life situation. They develop and expand their communication, decision-making, and problem solving skills. Teamwork is a key element necessary for a successful mission. Students return to the classroom filled with confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

We offer three different missions:

When students arrive at our Challenger Learning Center, they are greeted by Mission Commanders dressed in NASA flight suits. The Commanders provide an orientation briefing in which the students are given an overview of the mission and crew assignments, as determined by a "crew manifest" prepared in advance by their teacher. Pairs of students are assigned to partner on one of eight teams:

Communications Team (COM)

"Mission Control, this is the space station. Do you copy? Over." COM officers facilitate verbal communications between the spacecraft and mission control. They are skilled in reading and oral communications and have the ability to work in high stress situations while remaining focused on specific tasks.

Data Team (DATA)

DATA officers transfer all electronic messages between Mission Control and the spacecraft and access the research video library on demand. It sounds stress free until you realize that DATA officers are transmitting and receiving messages for six teams! DATA officers rely on strong reading, writing, and organizational skills.

Navigation Team (NAV)

Are we there yet? The Navigation officers can easily answer this question because they're responsible for guiding the spacecraft on its journey. They also plan and coordinate launches and/or landings as the scenario requires. Navigation officers have strong mathematics, reading, and oral communication skills, especially understanding of coordinate geometry, basic knowledge of angle measurements, and an interest in astronomy.

Probe Team (PROBE)

As a member of the Probe Team, students assemble, deploy, and monitor one or more space probes launched during a mission. The position requires strong mechanical skills, good verbal ability, and proficiency in mathematics, reading, analytical problem solving, and deduction skills.

Medical Team (MED)

How does living in space affect the human body? Medical officers are tasked with monitoring all spacecraft astronauts for auditory and visual response time, respiration rate, skin temperature, and heart rate. Skills required for this position include strong interest in biology and proficiency in reading and mathematics.

Remote Team (REM)

As members of the Remote team, students work in a glovebox environment to analyze rock, mineral, and soil samples. Depending on the mission, the REM team also operates a robotic arm to collect rock samples for analysis. Good research skills are needed for this team.

Life Support Team (LS)

Staying alive and comfortable in space requires the Life Support team's constant vigilance. Life Support team members take thermomometer, barometer, and hygrometer readings. They also perform pH and TDS tests on the spacecraft's water supply and adjust the angle of the solar panels. The position requires strong problem solving and research skills and interest in environmental science and chemistry. Being able to stay calm and focused during life threatening emergencies is also crucial.

Isolation Team (ISO)

Isolation team members use robotic arms to conduct research related to radioactivity, meteoroids, and hazardous materials. Good motor skills and the ability to read and interpret data are important for members of this team.

After being greeted by Mission Commanders, students are divided into two groups. Half of the students are assigned to Mission Control while the others go to the spacecraft. At the mission's midpoint, the young astronauts exchange places so every participant can experience working in both environments. During the mission, students must accomplish specific tasks in order for the mission to be a success. Astronauts on board the spacecraft build and launch space probes, monitor life support functions and astronaut health, conduct experiments on extraterrestrial materials, and plot navigation courses for the spacecraft, probes, and sensors. Engineers at Mission Control direct and support these endeavors by issuing instructions to the astronauts, answering their questions, and doing necessary research.

When the mission is at full throttle, there is a flurry of messages between Mission Control and the spacecraft heard over the loud speakers. Electronic messages (e-mails) rush back and forth. At any moment, emergency alarms and flashing red lights may signal hazardous conditions for the astronauts that need to be fixed. Meanwhile, everyone must continue working to ensure that the mission's goal is accomplished.

The simulation provides students with numerous opportunities to apply the skills they've learned in the classroom. Even when they aren't necessarily aware that they're doing so, students are using principles of science and mathematics, as well as reading and communications skills, to complete their mission.

We train teachers to prepare their students for missions and to assist their students during missions. Please call the Challenger office at 209-726-0296 for further information and to book a mission with us.

We have launch windows available in November, December, and March through June.

Price: $600 for up to 38 students. Teacher training is included and is required.

Book early! Price is reduced to $500 in November and December.

School Groups: Monday through Friday, up to three sessions per day. Suggested Start Times: 8:30, 11:00, and 1:30.
Other start times available on request. Missions are two hours long. Please allow for half an hour between missions.

Corporate, service groups, private parties: late afternoon, evening, and week end missions available by reservation.