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Challenger Learning Center Network

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They envisioned a place where children, teachers and citizens alike could touch the future: manipulate equipment, conduct experiments, solve problems, and work together-immersing themselves in space-like surroundings. The goal: to spark youth interest and joy in science and engineering; a spark that could change their lives. The result: the creation of a Challenger Learning Center.

The first Challenger Learning Center opened in Houston in August 1988. Today, there are more than 46 Learning Centers in the U.S., Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. It maintains strong partnerships with NASA, other federal agencies, universities and the aerospace industry who help keep curriculum current.  Please visit the national website for more information:

On January 28, 1986, the seven crew members of the Space Shuttle Challenger/STS-51L “Teacher in Space” mission set out to broaden educational horizons and advance scientific knowledge. Their mission exemplified man’s noblest and most wondrous qualities – to explore, discover, and teach. To the nation’s shock and sorrow, their Space Shuttle exploded 73 seconds after liftoff.

In the aftermath of the Challenger accident, the crew’s families came together, firmly committed to the belief that they must carry on the spirit of their loved ones by continuing the Challenger crew’s educational mission. In April 1986, they created Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center).

​501c3 Non-Profit

Educational Organization​