Challenger Learning Center History

National History

On January 28, 1986, seven people lost their lives. Astronauts onboard the shuttle named Challenger launched from Earth on what was called the “Education Mission.” With a teacher on board, they set out to inspire students and to use the thrill of space exploration to ignite an interest in math, science, and technology. However, the shuttle traveled upward for only 72 seconds. Before leaving Earth’s atmosphere, an explosion ended the mission and ended the astronauts’ lives. Their dreams, however, did not die with them.

The astronauts ’ families resolved to create a living, dynamic memorial to honor their loved ones and to carry on their dreams. The seven families founded the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. With NASA’s help, this organization designed the Challenger Learning Center, an educational space science program for students and adults alike. This is their dream, their ongoing memorial to the crew.

Challenger Crew Dick Scobee – Commander Mike Smith – Pilot El Onizuka – Mission Specialist Judy Resnik – Mission Specialist Ron McNair – Mission Specialist Greg Jarvis – Payload Specialist Christa McAuliffe – Teacher in Space Participant

Local History

The Challenger Learning Center at the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center now carries on the dreams of those seven astronauts. This site is the 30th member of a network of over 50 centers across the nation and overseas. Since October 9, 1997, over 60,600 students have journeyed to Mars, explored Comet Halley, or returned to the Moon in 2,300 simulated space missions. Approximately 1,175 teachers have attended our professional development workshops. 2,500 people have participated in Public Missions and 1,500 adults have experienced the thrill of space travel in our Corporate Team Building Programs.

Other enrichment programs, including educational space science activities, astronaut visits, special events, Girl Scout events, and summer camps, have reached untold thousands of community members, students, and teachers.

On October 13, 2007, the Discovery Museum’s Challenger Learning Center was entered into the U.S. House of Representatives’ Congressional Record by Congresswoman Doris Matsui in honor of our 10th Anniversary.