Challenger Center Blog

Challenger Center Announces New Leadership Team

2011-12-14T12:20:00.003-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Angie Tene
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
atenne@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Challenger Center Announces New Leadership Team

Board of Directors positions organization for greater student impact and significant growth as it enters its 26th year of space science learning service

Dr. Scott Parazynski, chairman of Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center), today announced a new leadership team for the non-profit organization with Dr. Lance Bush as President and Chief Executive Officer and Steven Kussmann as Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Bush is currently the Chief Strategic Officer and head of the Washington office of Paragon Space Development Corporation. Kussmann is currently Challenger Center's Director of Operations. Both will assume their new positions January 2, 2012.

Dr. Bush brings more than 25 years of leadership, aerospace industry experience and entrepreneurial talent to Challenger Center. His broad experience in Washington and within the space community includes nearly 20 years of service with NASA and at NASA Headquarters in a role spanning human spaceflight, life sciences, commercialization and international relations. Mr. Kussmann, who joined Challenger Center in April 2011, brings more than 25 years of non-profit management and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education experience to his new leadership role.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Bush as our new President and CEO," said Dr. Parazynski, chairman of Challenger Center's board of directors and a former NASA astronaut. "Lance is an exceptional leader, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the aerospace, space science and non-profit sectors. He is a natural fit for our senior management team, and we are delighted to have him at the Challenger Center helm as we launch a significant expansion of our STEM education mission and work with our network of Challenger Learning Centers to achieve new heights."

"The Challenger Center family is proud of its accomplishments over the last 25 years, but our greatest achievements are yet to come," said Dr. Parazynski. "The selection of our new leadership team followed a deliberative process by the board of directors, and it signifies that Challenger Center will play an even greater role in ensuring America's dominance in science, engineering, and innovation."

"Inspiration, education, innovation, and leadership are hallmarks of our nation's greatness, and they are what Challenger Center did during its first 25 year of service and will continue to do in the future," said Dr. Bush. "It is a great honor to be selected as Challenger Center's new President and CEO, and I look forward to working with our extensive STEM education team of staff members, our Challenger Learning Center educators, friends and volunteers to grow the organization. We must strengthen our nation by building and applying the scientific knowledge that drives innovation, industry, and the human spirit, all of which starts with our school children."

"We are delighted to have Lance and Steve leading Challenger Center," said Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, founding chair of Challenger Center and widow of Dick Scobee, commander of the Challenger STS 51-L mission. "With this superb team in place, Challenger Center will play a vital, growing, and pivotal role in STEM learning achievement in the new era of space exploration."

Based on Challenger Center's new five-year strategic plan, the organization will expand its widely-heralded immersive, hands-on spaceflight simulations offered at its Challenger Learning Centers. While the current missions will continue to be hallmarks of the student experience, Challenger Center will create new missions and technologies to address the future of space exploration and the Next Generation Science Standards.

"Challenger Center's unique, hands-on participatory exploration missions to deep space, beneath our oceans, to the polar icecaps and inside the human body will inspire scientific literacy for millions of children while encouraging the pursuit of exciting, meaningful STEM careers for many of our 'crewmembers'," said Dr. Parazynski.

"Challenger Center's future will be built upon its existing partnerships with the education community and the aerospace and technology industries and among its new strategic partners," said Dr. Parazynski. "With private sector support, it will ensure its missions and learning activities continue to introduce students to state-of-the-art space science. It also will increase awareness of its services among students, teachers and parents, and bolster the capacities of its Challenger Learning Centers for engaging and exciting children about exploration -- on and off the planet."

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

Exciting Interactive Series Features Astronaut Captain Jim Lovell

2011-12-01T17:20:00.002-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Exciting Interactive Series Features Astronaut Captain Jim Lovell

Live astronaut webcast on Wednesday, December 7, at 12:00pm EST

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Join Challenger Center for Space Science Education on Wednesday December 7, 2011, 12:00pm (Eastern Time) for an interactive webcast with former NASA Astronaut, Captain James Lovell. The interview is part of an exciting series of interactive webcasts celebrating the 25th anniversary of Challenger Center's educational programs. Each month during the 25th anniversary year, Challenger Center will feature an astronaut, as the guest of a live webcast, with an opportunity for the public to ask questions. Captain Lovell will discuss his experiences as an astronaut and answer questions during the live webcast. No registration is required and the webcast is free. To join the webcast, visit http://webcast.challenger.org.

You may submit questions ahead of time via email to web_cast@challenger.org, or use the instant message feature during the live webcast. Adobe Flash Player is required to participate and view the webcast. A new web environment will open on your computer with a chat interface to ask questions.

December Featured Guest Background:

Captain James Lovell, Jr. (US Navy, Ret.) was chosen as an astronaut in 1962, following extensive experience as a naval aviator and test pilot. He went on to build a distinguished NASA career, serving as pilot on the history-making Gemini 7 flight in 1965 with Command Pilot Frank Borman. This flight set an endurance record of fourteen days in space, and also was the target vehicle for the first space rendezvous with Gemini 6A. He was also the Commander of the Gemini 12 spacecraft in November 1966 with Pilot Buzz Aldrin.

Lovell was the Command Module Pilot for Apollo 8 with Commander Frank Borman and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders. They launched on December 21, 1968, becoming the first men to travel to the Moon. Lovell served as the navigator, using a sextant to determine position by measuring star positions. The craft entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve and made ten orbits over twenty hours. They broadcast television pictures of the lunar surface back to Earth, and Lovell took his turn reading a passage from the Book of Genesis. They began their return to Earth on Christmas Day with a rocket burn made on the Moon's far side, out of radio contact with Earth. When contact was re-established, Lovell was the first to announce the good news, "Please be informed, there is a Santa Claus." The crew splashed down safely on December 27.

Lovell is best known as the Commander of the now legendary Apollo 13 mission with pilots Jack Swigert and Fred Haise. The Apollo 13 mission suffered a critical failure en route to the Moon but was brought back safely to Earth by the efforts of the crew and mission control. Apollo 13 returned safely to Earth on April Lovell is a recipient of the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is one of only 24 people to have flown to the Moon, the first of only three people to fly to the Moon twice. Lovell was also the first person to fly in space four times.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

Live Challenger Center Webcast with NASA's Troy Cline from the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission

2011-11-21T12:00:00.002-05:00

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Join Challenger Center for Space Science Education on Thursday December 1st, 2011, 10:00am (Eastern Time) for an interactive webcast with Education and Public Outreach (EPO) Lead, Troy Cline from the NASA Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) live from Browne Academy in Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Cline, will share information about the most recent NASA EPO programs and activities including LEGO, paper, and edible models of the MMS spacecraft, virtual environments, NASA Edge Video Podcasting, the NASA Mathematics Educator's Guide, the NASA Space Weather Media Viewer, the NASA Sun-Earth Day program. Mr. Cline will answer questions from online participants and students at the Academy during the live webcast. No registration is required and the webcast is free. To join the webcast, visit webcast.challenger.org.

You may submit questions ahead of time via email to web_cast@challenger.org, or use theinstant message feature during the live webcast. Adobe Flash Player is required to participate and view the webcast. A new web environment will open on your computer with a chat interface to ask questions.

Featured Guest Background:
Troy Cline is the Education and Public Outreach (EPO) Lead for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS). Mr. Cline's responsibilities include planning, coordinating, implementing and managing the MMS mission's outreach activities to meet NASA's EPO goals and guidelines. Mr. Cline also serves as the Educational Technology Integration Specialist for NASA's Sun-Earth Day and Space Weather Action Center programs. Mr. Cline provides ongoing educational technology support and leadership in the development and distribution of educational programs and materials reaching over 50 million people worldwide.

During Mr. Cline's time at NASA, he has initiated and maintained the formal development of new research based approaches to educational technology integration within Heliophysics education. Heliophysics is the exploration of the Sun, its effects on Earth and the planets of the solar system, and space environmental conditions and their evolution. Mr. Cline's team approach led to the development of a new Heliophysics education program that allows students to create Space Weather Action Centers in their schools. These centers encourage students to collect Space Weather data from existing resources, analyze that data and deliver an inexpensive video report on space weather and/or mission science. Mr. Cline continues to lead his team in social media integration, applications, and in the development of new podcasting programs. To see a Challenger Center student video report visit: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=opaMv5t9hnk&noredirect=1.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

A Lesson In Aviation and Technology

2011-11-08T11:56:00.005-05:00

By Stephanie Roth
Posted: October 20, 2011

Scores of volunteers from the FAA, various DOT modes and the military, organized and ran the 5th annual Garrett A. Morgan showcase that attracted more than 500 students from 11 schools in the Washington, D.C. metro area on Oct.4. The event was held in conjunction with the Air Traffic Controllers Association (ATCA) national conference in the nation’s capital.

FAA Garrett Morgan volunteers Cyril Shepherd (left in red shirt) and Denise Davis (in red shirt) with students from Bates Middle School, Annapolis, MD, and a talking robot from Lockheed Martin that helps control air traffic and build space shuttles. According to the students, the robot was very funny and entertaining. (All Photos Courtesy of FAA.)
“It's our privilege to invite local private and public schools, work with teachers, develop a hands on ‘youth day,’ and get invited back year after year by the ATCA team,” said Dr. Belinda Bender, who was among some 100 FAA volunteers who participated in the event.
The DOT program is named after Morgan, an African American who invented the traffic signal. The event highlighted science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
“This was the best field trip ever,” said a student from Browne Academy in Alexandria, VA, as he stepped on the bus to return to school. One of the exhibits he visited was the popular hands-on FAA Command and Control Communications program, which provides secure and reliable communications during national disasters, terrorist threats and national security events. The students also wrote and edited their own newsletter of the event. Each school typically sends up to three reporters to the conference. Hazel Ware from Potomac Heights Christian Academy in Indian Hill, MD, said that attending the conference “opened my eyes” to new opportunities, and gave her a clear view of areas she might wish to pursue.

Pilots, flight attendants, flight crew technicians, engineers, logistics and transportation specialists, and mechanics from Bolling and Andrews Air Force bases are among the more than 350 military personnel that have helped chaperone the students for FAA’s Garrett Morgan events over the years.
Former Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater founded the program as a national education initiative in 1997, and Congress raised it to a new level when it authorized establishment as the Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education Program funding as part of SAFETEA-LU. Since then it has introduced more than 100,000 students from the Washington, D.C. area to the world of aviation and technology. The ACTA showcase, however, receives no funding from the program and volunteers use their own leave time to participate.
During the showcase, Randall P. Burdette, Director of Aviation for the State of Virginia, presented Presidential Awards for their support of the Garrett A. Morgan program to Richard Jones from Up to 21st Century, Commander Carlos Nunez from the Challenger Center, and Air Traffic Control Association staffers Pete Dumont, Claire Rusk and Ken Carlisle.
Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and other companies that work closely with the aviation and transportation industry promoted transportation careers, co-op agreements, scholarships, tuition assistance and potential internships on site.

Students learned about Newton’s law of gravity from Bufkin Fairchild, FAA Aviation Safety Inspector while FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Ardyth Williams spoke of unmanned aerial systems. Joe Adhoot, from Metron Aviation, rounded out the program with an inspiring presentation about “how opportunity is made.”

FAA volunteers with students from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, from left
Valerie Cook, Cyril Shepherd, Denise Davis and Cheryl Veney.

Contributing: Belinda Bender
Federal Aviation Administration

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Live Astronaut Webcast Thursday, November 10, 2011, 1:00 pm EST

2011-10-31T17:01:00.002-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Live Astronaut Webcast Thursday, November 10, 2011, 1:00 pm EST

Exciting interactive series features Astronaut Frederick Gregory

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Join Challenger Center for Space Science Education on Thursday November 10th, 2011 at 1:00pm (Eastern Time) for a live interactive webcast with former NASA astronaut Frederick Gregory. The interview is part of an exciting series of interactive webcasts celebrating the 25th anniversary of Challenger Center's educational programs. Each month during the 25th anniversary year, Challenger Center will feature an astronaut, as the guest of a live webcast, with an opportunity for the public to ask questions. Colonel (USAF, Ret.) Frederick Gregory will discuss his experiences as a Shuttle astronaut and answer questions during the live webcast. No registration is required and the webcast is free. To join the webcast, visit http://webcast.challenger.org.

You may submit questions at: http://www.challenger.org/25 or by email to 25@challenger.org, or use the instant message feature during the live webcast. Adobe Flash Player is required to participate and view the webcast. A new web environment will open on your computer with a chat interface to ask questions.

November Featured Astronaut Background:

Colonel (USAF, Ret.) Frederick Gregory attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School, graduating in 1971, and was an operational test pilot - flying fighter planes and helicopters. He served as a research test pilot at NASA's Langley Research Center, Virginia and until selected for the Astronaut Program in 1978. Gregory has logged more than 6,976 hours flying time in over 50 types of aircraft -- including 550 combat missions in Vietnam. He was selected as an astronaut in 1978. As veteran of three Shuttle missions, Colonel Gregory has logged over 455 hours in space. Colonel Gregory served as pilot on STS-51B, and was the Commander on STS-33, and STS-44. Colonel Gregory served at NASA Headquarters as Associate Administrator for the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (1992-2001), Associate Administrator for the Office of Space Flight (2001-2002), and NASA Deputy Administrator (2002-2005).

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

Interview with former astronaut Scott Parazynski

2011-10-31T13:35:00.001-04:00

Former Astronaut and Challenger Center's Chairman of the Board Scott Parazynski discussed space exploration and role of Challenger Center in promoting STEM at AOPA.

Live Astronaut Webcast Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 1:00pm EDT

2011-10-11T12:04:00.002-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Live Astronaut Webcast Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 1:00pm EDT

Exciting interactive series features astronaut Dr. Thomas Jones

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Join Challenger Center for Space Science Education for a live interactive webcast with former NASA Astronaut, Dr. Thomas Jones, on Tuesday, October 25th, 2011, 1:00pm (Eastern Time). The interview is part of an exciting series of interactive webcasts celebrating the 25th anniversary of Challenger Center's educational programs. Each month during the 25th anniversary year, Challenger Center will feature an astronaut, as the guest of a live webcast, with an opportunity for the public to ask questions. Dr. Jones will discuss his experiences as a Shuttle astronaut and answer questions during the live webcast. No registration is required and the webcast is free. To join the webcast, visit http://webcast.challenger.org.

You may submit questions at: http://www.challenger.org/25 or by email to 25@challenger.org, or use the instant message feature during the live webcast. Adobe Flash Player is required to participate and view the webcast. A new web environment will open on your computer with a chat interface to ask questions.

October Featured Astronaut Background:

Dr. Thomas Jones became an astronaut in July 1991. In 1994, Dr. Jones flew as a mission specialist on successive flights of space shuttle Endeavour. First, in April 1994, Dr. Jones ran science operations on the "night shift" during STS-59, the first flight of the Space Radar Laboratory (SRL-1). Then, in October 1994, Dr. Jones was the payload commander on the SRL-2 mission, STS-68. Dr. Jones next flew in late 1996 on Columbia. Mission STS-80 successfully deployed and retrieved 2 science satellites. While helping set a Shuttle endurance record of nearly 18 days in orbit, Dr. Jones used Columbia's robot arm to release the Wake Shield satellite and later grapple it from orbit. Dr. Jones' latest space flight was aboard Atlantis on STS-98, in February 2001. Dr. Jones and his crew delivered the U.S. Destiny Laboratory Module to the Space Station, and he helped install the Lab in a series of 3 space walks lasting over 19 hours. The successful addition of Destiny gave the first Expedition Crew the largest space outpost in history and marked the start of onboard scientific research at the ISS. A veteran of four space flights, Dr. Jones has logged over 52 days (1,272 hours) in space, including 3 space walks totaling over 19 hours. Dr. Jones graduated from Kenwood Senior High School, Essex, Maryland, in 1973; received a Bachelor of Science degree in basic sciences from the United States Air Force (USAF) Academy in Colorado Springs in 1977, and a doctorate in planetary science from the University of Arizona in Tucson in 1988. He was also an Eagle Scout.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

Live Astronaut Webcast Wednesday, September 28, 2011, 2:00 pm EDT

2011-09-21T11:50:00.003-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Live Astronaut Webcast Wednesday, September 28, 2011, 2:00 pm EDT
Exciting interactive series features astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Join Challenger Center for Space Science Education on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 at 2:00pmEDT for a talk with former NASA Astronaut, Dr. Bernard Harris.

The live interactive webcast is open to the general public and is part of an exciting series of interactive webcasts celebrating the 25th anniversary of Challenger Center's educational programs. Each month during the 25th anniversary year, Challenger Center features an astronaut, as the guest of a live webcast, with an opportunity for the public to ask questions. Dr. Harris will discuss his experiences as a Shuttle astronaut, his work with The Harris Foundation, and will answer questions during the live webcast. No registration is required and the webcast is free. To join the live webcast, or view archived webcasts, visit http://webcast.challenger.org.

Anyone may submit questions ahead of time at: http://www.challenger.org/25 or by sending an e-mail to25@challenger.org, or just use theinstant message feature during the live webcast. Adobe Flash Player is required to participate and view the webcast (a new web environment will open on your computer with a chat interface to ask questions).

September Featured Astronaut Background:

Dr. Bernard Harris completed his residency training in 1985 at the Mayo Clinic and then received a National Research Council Fellowship at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California. Dr. Harris was selected by NASA to be an astronaut in January, 1990. He served as the crew representative for Shuttle Software in the Astronaut Office Operations Development Branch. A veteran of two space flights, Dr. Harris has logged more than 438 hours in space. He served as mission specialist on STS-55 (April 26 to May 6, 1993), and was the Payload Commander on STS-63 (February 2-11, 1995). Since Dr. Harris left NASA in April 1996, he founded The Harris Foundation, a Houston, Texas-based non-profit organization, whose stated mission is to invest in community-based initiatives to support education, health and wealth. The Harris Foundation supports programs that empower individuals, in particular minorities and other economically and/or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

Organizations Win CILC Pinnacle Awards for Content

2011-09-12T15:35:00.009-04:00

Thirty-three providers across the United States and beyond earned a coveted Pinnacle Award for the 2010-2011 school year from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC), which helps schools by advancing learning through videoconferencing and other collaborative technologies.

The awards are presented annually to providers who post top-ranking programs to www.cilc.org for K-12 students or professional development of educators. These awards are based exclusively on feedback from teachers who have used the content in their classrooms or for their own professional advancement.

K-12 STUDENT CONTENT PINNACLE AWARDS

Recipients received a 2.85 average score out of a possible 3 on their program evaluations submitted by teachers and other end-users. The evaluation assesses seven areas: two related to the effectiveness of the presenter and five related to the educational content of the program. All content posted to www.cilc.org by Pinnacle Award winners is marked with the CILC flame to convey Pinnacle status.

“The number of providers earning the Pinnacle designation increased more than 15 percent over last year,” said Ruth E. Blankenbaker, CILC CEO. “It is exciting to see the momentum continue as the quality of videoconferencing programs for K-12 continues to get better and better.”

The award began in 2007-2008. Cultural organizations receiving a 2010-2011 CILC Pinnacle Award are:

Adventures In Medicine & Science (AIMS) Program of Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO - USA
Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, AK - USA
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Ann Arbor, MI - USA
Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, GA - USA
CESA 7 Educational Technology Services, Green Bay, WI - USA
Challenger Learning Center, Brownsburg, IN - USA
Challenger Learning Center, Rochester, New York - USA
Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, OH
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, The Dalles, OR - USA
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, OH - USA Durham Museum, Omaha, NE - USA
East Central Ohio Educational Service Center, New Philadelphia, OH - USA
Frazier international History Museum, Louisville, KY - USA
Hank Fincken: A National Theatre Company of One, Indianapolis, IN - USA
Kigluait Educational Adventures, Talkeetna, AK - USA
Kings County Office of Education, Hanford, CA - USA
Lower East Side Tenement Museum, New York, NY - USA
Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, MN - USA
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, Ft. Worth, TX - USA
Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH - USA
Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton, OH - USA
Reef HQ Aquarium (Australia), Townsville, Queensland - Australia
Roper Mountain Science Center, Greenville, SC - USA
Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario - Canada
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, Drumheller, Alberta - Canada
Stark Parks, Canton, OH - USA
The Bathysphere Underwater Biological Laboratory, Rochester, NY - USA
The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, Minneapolis, MN - USA
The Sheffield Museum of Rural Life, Sheffield, Ontario - Canada

An additional 25 content providers received Honorable Mention, which requires an average score of 2.8-2.84 out of a possible 3 on their program evaluations. Recipients of the award are:

Brad Tassell, Bowling Green, KY - USA
Born 2 Move Movement Adventures, Green Bay, WI - USA
Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH - USA
Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, MI - USA
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Fort Worth, TX - USA
Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center, Glen Cove, NY - USA
Inner Asian & Uralic National Resource Center, Bloomington, IN - USA
InterLingo Spanish, Manizales, Caldas - Colombia
LEARNnco, Tiffin, OH - USA
Manhattan School of Music, New York, NY - USA
Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI - USA
Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL - USA
Mount Washington Observatory, North Conway, NH - USA
NASA’s Digital Learning Network (Ames Research Center), Moffett Field, CA - USA
NASA's Digital Learning Network, Kennedy Space Center, FL - USA
Oiada International, Newark, NJ - USA
Orange County Department of Education, Costa Mesa, CA - USA
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA - USA
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland, OH - USA
Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO - USA
Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN - USA
The National WWII Museum, New Orleans, LA - USA
The Paley Center for Media - New York, NY - USA
Valerie Marsh, Carmel, IN - USA
Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, OH - USA

“Because the Pinnacle is based on direct input from teachers who have experienced the programs first hand, it is highly credible,” said John Ittlelson, CILC board member and professor emeritus at Cal State University Monterey Bay. “When teachers are choosing content to use in their own classrooms, the Pinnacle designation is a helpful tool to aid in the selection process.”

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PINNACLE AWARDS

Four providers of professional development programs for educators have earned the coveted Pinnacle Award for the 2010-2011 school year from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). The award is presented annually to providers who post top-ranking professional development content to www.cilc.org.

CILC Pinnacle Award-winning recipients received a 2.8 average score out of a possible 3 on their program evaluations submitted by teachers and other end-users. The evaluation assesses seven areas: two related to the effectiveness of the presenter and five related to the scope and effectiveness of the professional development program.

“We congratulate these professional development providers who are at the top of the list when it comes to presenting content via videoconferencing,” said Ruth E. Blankenbaker, CILC CEO. “Educators and school systems appreciate being able to access high-quality professional development programs through videoconferencing. The cost-savings and time-savings are very real.”

The award for professional development providers began in 2008-2009. Professional development providers receiving a 2010-2011 CILC Pinnacle Award are:

Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH - USA
Collaborative For Teaching and Learning (CLT), Louisville, KY - USA
Digital Journey-Howie DiBlasi, Georgetown, TX - USA
The National WWII Museum, New Orleans, LA - USA

An additional four professional development providers received Honorable Mention, which requires a score of 2.6-2.79 out of a possible 3 on their program evaluations. Recipients of the award are:

CILC Professional Development, Indianapolis, IN - USA
Jeff Harker, Greenfield, IN - USA
SOITA Learning Technologies, Franklin, OH - USA
NORT2H (Northern Ohio Research & Training Technology Hub), Elyria, OH - USA

“The CILC Pinnacle Award is based on direct input from teachers who have experienced the professional development programs first hand,” said Bernice Stafford, CILC board member and VP - Implementation & Education Partnerships at Evans Newton Incorporated. “When fellow teachers affirm the quality of a program by giving a top score, other teachers are sure to take note.”

About CILC

The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC), established in 1994 as a not-for-profit, specializes in the access to applications and the utilization of video conferencing for live interactive content and professional development as well as web-based collaborative learning environments for K-20 education. CILC provides consulting expertise in video conferencing, integration, problem-based learning projects, school-community partnerships, and effective techniques for the delivery and development of quality programs. Visit www.cilc.org to explore the various providers of content and diversity of programs and trainings available.

Davis Receives National Challenger Center Award

2011-09-08T14:44:00.002-04:00

PADUCAH, KY - Ballard County native Sarah Davis recently was one of three recipients receiving 2011 Shining Star Awards at the Challenger Center’s Annual National Conference in Alexandria, VA.

Nearly 100 people attended the conference including personnel from over 30 Challenger Learning Centers, Challenger Alumni, donors and supporters, including Adm. Craig Steidle, President, Commercial Spaceflight Federation and Leland Melvin, NASA Associate Administrator for Education and Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee.

Davis, an Administrative Assistant and gift shop manager at the Challenger Learning Center at Paducah, was recognized for her exemplary service and dedication for the betterment of the Challenger Learning Center. Davis has worked at the center located on the West Kentucky Community and Technical College campus since its opening nine years ago.

Mellisa Duncan, director of the Challenger Learning Center at Paducah, nominated Davis for the award noting her length of time at the center and how she has improved the process of registration of students, maintained contact with the school districts and other interested groups, developed the gift shop into an excellent facility, and assisted other staff members to make the center the success it is.

Davis graduated from WKCTC with an Associate in Applied Science degree in 2001.

Statement on Resignation of Challenger Center President, Daniel Barstow

2011-09-01T13:09:00.002-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Statement on Resignation of Challenger Center President, Daniel Barstow

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The Board of Directors of Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center) announced today that Daniel Barstow, the STEM education nonprofit organization's president, has resigned effective August 31, 2011 to pursue other opportunities. Challenger Center's Board of Directors will search for a successor and has appointed Steven Kussmann, Director of Operations, as Acting President.

"Dan has served our organization professionally, and his sincere dedication for our mission and work will be missed," said Scott Parazynski, Challenger Center's board chairman. "We have an exceptional staff, a talented board, a strong network of Challenger Learning Centers and many dedicated supporters. The Board is confident that there will be a smooth transition to new leadership as we focus on our vision to substantially grow our reach across the nation and continue to deliver the finest hands-on STEM education and career inspiration on the planet."

Barstow was elected president in December 2008 and played a role in strengthening Challenger Center's operational structure, expanding its educational work, and in the success of Challenger Center's 25th anniversary celebrations this year. Concerning his decision to resign, Barstow said: "I am grateful to have led Challenger Center as its president for the past three years. I want to thank the Board for giving me the opportunity to work with an extraordinary team of people dedicated to serving Challenger Center's STEM education community and our great nation."

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Website for Author, Speaker and Educator Dr. June Scobee Rodgers debuts at 25th Anniversary Event

2011-08-29T13:00:00.003-04:00

News Release

For immediate release
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Dr. June Scobee Rodgers has announced a new informative and interactive website to support her ongoing advocacy efforts in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education - www.junescobeerodgers.com. The website features a calendar of Scobee Rodgers' speaking engagements and book signings, offers frequent updates and motivational messages to teachers and students, and provides a downloadable form with booking information.

"I am very excited to launch this website," said Scobee Rodgers. "It covers it all - not only can viewers order my books or locate where I will be speaking, but it highlights one of my greatest passions, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. With proceeds from book sales and speaking engagements directly supporting Challenger Center, my hope is that this website will further advance our mission and the immediate importance of STEM education in America."

The website announcement was made in Alexandria, VA, where Scobee Rodgers participated in the annual conference of the Challenger Learning Center network and for a special 25th Anniversary Celebration of Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Scobee Rodgers serves as Founding Chairman for the organization, which was established in honor of the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger accident, which claimed the life of her husband, Commander Dick Scobee, and his six crewmates including teacher Christa McAuliffe.

Scobee Rodgers is author of Silver Linings: My Life Before and After Challenger 7, Founding Chairman for the Challenger Center, a nationally recognized advocate for the advancement of math and science education, an inspirational and high demand speaker, and a recipient of the National Award for Excellence in Leadership. Please visit her website at www.junescobeerodgers.com.

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For marketing, contact Matthew Michael (m.michael@mandrmarketinggroup.com); for publicity, contact Gwen Griffin (gwen@griffincg.com); and for booking, email booking@junescobeerodgers.com.

Challenger Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Expanded Commitment to STEM Education

2011-08-23T11:40:00.001-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Challenger Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Expanded Commitment to STEM Education

Leading Provider of Science Education Honors Space Exploration Leaders and Outlines Growth Strategies to Help Ensure the Nation's STEM Supremacy

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Challenger Center for Space Science Education announced today that the chairman of its board of directors, Dr. Scott Parazynski, will detail the organization's strategic growth plan and the expanded role it will play in strengthening America's STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education in the next five years.
Dr. Parazynski, an astronaut who flew five shuttle missions, including STS-95 as personal physician to Senator John Glenn, will speak at several events during the Challenger Center Annual Conference 2011: From Tragedy to Triumph on August 22-25 at the Monaco Hotel, Alexandria, VA. He will address an executive director's breakfast on August 24, as well an Anniversary Awards Banquet later that day at The Women's Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery. The conference convenes representatives from Challenger Center's network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers, educational leaders, astronauts and government and industry leaders, including executives from NASA and the aerospace industry. They come together to support the growth of Challenger Center, one of the nation's most respected and long-standing STEM organization, and to honor the fallen astronauts of the Challenger and Columbia space shuttles.

"The Challenger Center family is proud of its accomplishments over the last 25 years, but our greatest achievements are yet to come," said Dr. Parazynski. "We've come together to celebrate our past and to herald in a new and even more dynamic era in support of STEM education. Challenger Center has a greater role in ensuring America's dominance in science, exploration, and innovation."

Challenger Center's annual conference marks the organization's 25th anniversary as a leading provider of STEM education and career inspiration. The non-profit Challenger Center was founded in 1986 to honor the educational mission of the seven astronauts who flew aboard the Challenger space shuttle. Its national network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers has engaged more than four million students in simulated missions to the Moon, Mars, Comet Halley, and the asteroids, as well as in other science-themed learning experiences.

Building on a Legacy of Success

Dr. Parazynski views Challenger Center's mission as vital for America's prosperity. "Discover, innovate, and lead are what we do as Americans and what Challenger Center will continue to do in its next 25 years," he noted. "Nothing will strengthen our nation more than building the STEM education foundation and scientific knowledge that drives innovation, industry, and the human spirit. It all starts with our children. They must believe that the greatest discoveries, the most wonderful achievements, and unprecedented prosperity lie before us. We must prepare them academically and inspire them personally for that future. Challenger Center gives students the inspiration and STEM learning desire which convinces them that the future is theirs for the taking."

Dr. Parazynski explained that the immersive, hands-on spaceflight simulations offered at its Challenger Learning Centers will continue to be hallmarks of the organization's STEM education. He said that the organization will also explore new strategies for engaging greater numbers of students each year with learning that is real, experiential, and motivating.

"To stay at the forefront of educational innovation, Challenger Center will enter the growing online learning opportunities for students and teachers with virtual missions and other applications," he added. "This approach will greatly expand our reach while offering high-quality learning programs to students beyond the reach of our Learning Centers."

The organization also will leverage its advanced simulation technology to offer missions in STEM domains involving deep-ocean and polar exploration, bioscience and Nano science.

"Having been forged in the shuttle program, Challenger Center will maintain a major presence in space exploration and the space sciences, but we see opportunities to offer inspirational STEM learning experiences in many other domains, which can benefit from our unique and highly-successful instructional approach," said Dr. Parazynski. "We look forward to bolstering existing partnerships and creating new ones across a variety of STEM industries. Building our next generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders will take concerted cooperation between the private and public sectors, and Challenger Center intends to lead the way."

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Challenger Center Honors Retiring Leader

2011-08-19T11:57:00.003-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Challenger Center Honors Retiring Leader
Statement on Retirement of Keith Cowing from Challenger Center Board of Directors

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Challenger Center for Space Science Education announced today the retirement of Keith Cowing from Challenger Center's Board of Directors effective August 24, 2011.

Mr. Cowing has been a Challenger Center board member since 2008 and served as chairman of the board's Public Relations Committee, playing a key role in support of the organization's 25th anniversary celebration activities. A leading aerospace public policy figure and former NASA manager, Mr. Cowing is the editor and webmaster of NASA Watch, a highly-regarded online publication devoted to the open exchange of information on space policy and NASA operations. He is also editor of SpaceRef.com, an online space news and reference resource, and OnOrbit.com.

"Keith Cowing has been immensely valuable to Challenger Center," said Scott Parazynski, chairman of the board of directors. "His energy, direction and extensive public relations, aerospace and manned space flight knowledge contributed significantly to Challenger Center's mission and public support. We will miss his seasoned insight, dedication and contagious enthusiasm."

"Challenger Center is deeply grateful for Keith's service and leadership," June Scobee Rodgers, the founding chair of the Challenger Center's board of directors and widow of Dick Scobee, commander of the Challenger Space Shuttle, stated. "His tireless energy, creativity and passion for our mission carried Challenger Center to new heights and distances. His vision and ongoing efforts to promote Challenger Center and our 48 Learning Centers advanced our service to the nation and benefitted the lives of the hundreds of thousand children inspired by our space science education programs each year."

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Live Astronaut Webcast Tuesday, July 26th, 2011, 1:00pm EDT

2011-07-19T12:48:00.003-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Live Astronaut Webcast Tuesday, July 26th, 2011, 1:00pm EDT
Exciting interactive series features astronaut Dr. Roger Crouch

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Join Challenger Center for Space Science Education on Tuesday, July 26th, 2011, 1:00 pm EDT for a live interactive webcast with former NASA Astronaut, Dr. Roger Crouch.

The interview is part of an exciting series of interactive webcasts celebrating the 25th anniversary of Challenger Center's educational programs. Each month during the 25th anniversary year, Challenger Center will feature an astronaut, as the guest of a live webcast, with an opportunity for the public to ask questions. Dr. Crouch will discuss his experiences as a Shuttle astronaut and as NASA Senior Scientist for the International Space Station and answer questions during the live webcast. No registration is required and the webcast is free. To join the webcast, visit http://webcast.challenger.org.

You may submit questions at: http://www.challenger.org/25 or by email to25@challenger.org, or use theinstant message feature during the live webcast. Adobe Flash Player is required to participate and view the webcast. A new web environment will open on your computer with a chat interface to ask questions.

July Featured Astronaut Background: Roger Crouch

Retired from NASA and MIT, Dr. Roger Crouch currently consults with various firms and delivers inspirational and informative lectures to a broad range of audience interests. Dr. Crouch served as Program Scientist on five different Spacelab flights. In addition, he helped organize and has served as co-chair for Microgravity Science Working Groups between NASA and space agencies from the European Space Agency, France, Germany, Japan, and Russia. Dr. Crouch was the founding co-chair of the International Microgravity Science Strategic Planning group consisting of these space agencies plus Canada. Dr. Crouch served as Lead Scientist of the Microgravity Space and Applications Division 1985-1996. In 1996, Dr. Crouch left NASA to train and fly as a payload specialist on NASA Space Shuttle flights STS 83 and STS 94 in 1997. STS-83, the Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL-1) Spacelab mission, was cut short because of problems with one of the Shuttle's fuel cell power units. STS-94 was a re-flight of the MSL-1 and focused on materials and combustion science research.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Challenger Center Honors Shuttle Legacy With Expanded Commitment to Space Science Education

2011-07-12T11:22:00.002-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

Challenger Center Honors Shuttle Legacy With Expanded Commitment to Space Science Education

Leading STEM Education Provider Aims to Inspire and Educate Upwards of Four Million Students Annually to Support Long-Term U.S. Space Exploration Requirements

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center) today announced its commitment to inspire and educate millions of students annually. The visionary program will continue to honor the educational legacy of the Space Shuttle program by helping to usher in the nation's next-generation of space exploration and science. Working with NASA, private space industry leaders, its network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers, the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) community, and schools nationally, Challenger Center will increase the impact of its educational mission by ten-fold over the next five years.

To achieve this goal, Challenger Center, the nation's premier provider of science education and STEM career inspiration, plans to adapt its widely-heralded education programs to the new directions, goals and technologies of space exploration. Currently, its Challenger Learning Centers network engages more than 400,000 students and 40,000 teachers in STEM teaching and learning activities each year though simulated missions to the Moon, Mars, Comet Halley, and the asteroids, as well as in space-themed learning experiences.

Challenger Center's renewed commitment to space science education comes as NASA's Space Shuttle program gives way to a new era of deep-space exploration with the launch of its 135th and final mission, STS-135, on July 8 for a 12-day trip to the International Space Station (ISS). Going forward, NASA will rely on America's private sector for orbital launches and missions to the ISS as it focuses on the exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

"Challenger Center was created to continue and grow the educational mission of the Challenger Space Shuttle. With the flight of the last Space Shuttle, a new era of space exploration emerges, and we recommit to our bold and long-term educational mission" said Daniel Barstow, Challenger Center President. "Though we look back today, our focus must be on the future of our youth and on positioning the nation for future excellence in space. Our nation is on the verge of a dynamic new era of discovery and achievement, and as the space age evolves and its technologies advance, so too will Challenger Center."

Supporting the Future of Spaceflight

"The nation must have a skilled workforce to meet its evolving aerospace needs," said Scott Parazynski, chairman of Challenger Center's board of directors and a former NASA astronaut. "We will require a new generation of young people with the right knowledge and vision to make future space travel a vibrant part of America's economy and an ongoing hallmark of our spirit and capabilities. To support bold missions to Mars and the asteroids as well as the emergence of new industries, Challenger Center will introduce millions of children to these wondrous opportunities and guide them into the future."

Since Challenger Center's founding in 1986 to honor the seven fallen astronauts aboard the Challenger Space Shuttle, its Challenger Learning Centers have engaged over 4,000,000 students in space science exploration and education. Its simulated missions tap into learners' imaginations and educational aspirations, and they have inspired many young people to successfully pursue STEM careers.

To grow its science education programs, Challenger Center will build upon its existing partnerships within the aerospace and technology industries and forge new ones. With private sector support, it will ensure its missions and learning activities continue to introduce students to state-of-the-art space science. It also will increase awareness of its services among students, teachers and parents, and bolster the capacities of its Challenger Learning Centers for engaging and exciting children about space flight.

"Challenger Center will play a vital, growing, and dynamic role in STEM education as our nation transitions to a new era of space exploration," said June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Dick Scobee, commander of the Challenger Space Shuttle, and founding chair of Challenger Center's board of directors. "We will honor the men and women who designed, built, and flew the Space Shuttles by helping to prepare the next-generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. We want to ensure that America continues to lead in space exploration and in leveraging its discoveries for new technologies, industries, and the betterment of all humankind.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Statement from the Families of Challenger (STS-51L) and Chairman of the Board of Challenger Center Regarding the Future of Human Spaceflight

2011-07-01T10:29:00.005-04:00

Human spaceflight is one of the greatest enterprises America has ever undertaken—making discoveries, creating inventions, producing role models and educational motivations for our youth, and serving as a strong example of US world leadership.

Since the mid-20th century, NASA has led our Nation and the world in this great undertaking. Today, however, we no longer live in the 20th century—but instead the 21st century. This is a century with new challenges and also new opportunities.

If the United States wishes to continue its leadership in human spaceflight during these challenging economic times, setting an example for all the world to follow, we believe that it must vigorously support the development of new human spaceflight capabilities in the private sector.

We, the families of the Space Shuttle Challenger crew and founders of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education—heroes we lost to further the exploration of space—strongly support the continuation of human spaceflight under a new paradigm of commercially led efforts to low earth orbit, and government led efforts beyond.

We recognize that commercial development in human spaceflight is a new paradigm, but so was America’s government-driven space program at its birth more than 50 years ago.

Our nation and others have been quite successful in moving the aviation industry from a military and government led operation to a viable commercial industry; we believe a similar approach is now necessary in space.

We also recognize that the commercialization of space will bring new innovations, capabilities, public interest, and economies to the grandest of human endeavor. This will also allow NASA to focus on deep space exploration, as it should.

Such an approach to the continued exploration of space is a strong one for our country and our economy. We must not delay in shaping the future of human spaceflight for our next generation of scientists, engineers and astronauts.

- June Scobee Rodgers, Ph.D., widow of Challenger commander Dick Scobee
- Marcia Jarvis Tinsley, widow of Challenger payload specialist Gregory Jarvis
- The Honorable Steven McAuliffe, widower of Challenger Teacher in Space Christa McAuliffe
- Cheryl McNair, widow of Challenger mission specialist Ron McNair
- Lorna Onizuka, widow of Challenger mission specialist Ellison Onizuka
-Charles Resnik, M.D., brother of Challenger mission specialist Judy Resnik
- Jane Smith Wolcott, widow of Challenger pilot Mike Smith
- Dr. Scott Parazynski, M.D., former NASA astronaut and Chairman of the Board, Challenger Center for Space Science Education

About the Challenger Center for Space Science Education
The Challenger Center for Space Science Education is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) education organization created in 1986 by the families of the astronauts from Challenger Space Shuttle “Teacher in Space” mission STS-51-L. Dedicated to the educational spirit of that mission, Challenger Center develops Challenger Learning Centers and other educational programs worldwide to continue the mission of engaging students in science and mathematics education. For more information, please visit www.challenger.org

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Media Contact:
Steve Kussman
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
703-683-9741
steve@challenger.org

NASA's Next-Generation Spacecraft to Land at Tallahassee Challenger Learning Center

2011-06-24T09:52:00.003-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
+1-800-969-5747

NASA's Next-Generation Spacecraft to Land at Tallahassee Challenger Learning Center
Challenger Learning Center Hosts the Nation's New Flagship Spacecraft, NASA Astronauts & Aerospace Engineers to Celebrate the Future of Manned Space Flight

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center) announced today that the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), NASA's newly developed successor to the Space Shuttle, will be on display June 24 and 25 at the Challenger Learning Center in Tallahassee, Florida. By hosting the MPCV, the Tallahassee Challenger Learning Center offers the public a unique opportunity to meet the people and technologies of NASA's future space missions. NASA astronauts Charles Hobough and Jeff Williams, who have spent a combined total of nearly 400 days in space, will participate in presentations and Q&A sessions, along with aerospace engineers from NASA and Lockheed Martin, which built the MPCV.

Incorporating the most advanced human spaceflight design and technologies, the MPCV is intended for crewed missions to an asteroid and then to Mars. It also will serve as a backup vehicle for cargo and crewed missions to the International Space Station. Seventeen feet wide, the capsule can support up to four crew members. The spacecraft is on its way by trailer truck from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in California to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It will also stop at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas.

"Challenger Center's educational mission was created as a lasting memorial to the educational commitment of the Challenger Space Shuttle and its crew, and we honor the past as we strengthen our nation's future by embracing and showcasing the next generation of manned space flight and NASA visionary new spacecraft at a Challenger Learning Center," said Scott Parazynski, chairman of Challenger Center's board of directors and a former NASA astronaut. "We're honored that NASA and Lockheed Martin are publicly introducing the MPCV at our Tallahassee Challenger Learning Center. Just as they're pioneering next-generation space travel, our 48 Challenger Learning Centers are pioneering the next-generation of STEM education and learning for tomorrow's astronauts, engineers and innovators."

The non-profit Challenger Center for Space Science Education is the nation's premier provider of science education and career inspiration and plays an essential leadership role in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Challenger Center was founded in 1986 to honor the educational mission of the seven fallen astronauts who flew aboard the Challenger space shuttle. Its national network of Challenger Learning Centers has engaged over 4 million students in simulated missions to the Moon, Mars, Comet Halley, and the asteroids, as well as in space-themed learning experiences.

Two Days of Extraordinary Space Science Education in addition to hosting the MPCV, astronauts, and aerospace engineers for a two day meet-and-greet, the Tallahassee Challenger Learning Center will screen Hubble 3D at its IMAX theater at noon on both June 24 and 25, and children will be admitted free of charge to both shows. The film is a breathtaking documentary shot in space with an IMAX 3D camera of a shuttle mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.

"When children come to our Challenger Learning Center for the next two days, there'll be no simulations-just real spacecraft, real astronauts, and real aerospace engineers," said Michelle Personette, director of the Tallahassee Challenger Learning Center. "Our students, our Learning Center, and our entire community are fortunate to be able to see and learn about NASA's plans for space exploration."

The following is the schedule of public events:

Friday, June 24

12:00 PM - Screening of Hubble 3D at the IMAX theater. Children will be admitted without charge.

1:00 PM to 7:30 PM - Public viewing of the MPCV, and astronauts Hobough and Williams, as well as aerospace engineers from NASA and Lockheed Martin, will be available to answer questions.

Saturday, June 25

12:00 PM - Screening of Hubble 3D at the IMAX theater. Children will be admitted without charge.

10:00 PM to 7:30 PM - Public viewing of the MPCV, and aerospace engineers from NASA and Lockheed Martin will be available to answer questions.

All events will be held at the Tallahassee Challenger Learning Center, which engages 70,000 students annually in simulated missions and space science activities. The Center is located at:

200 South Duval Street
Tallahassee, Florida

Additionally, the Tallahassee Challenger Learning Center will hold a special event for the 45 lucky children who are attending the Center's rocket camp for the week. On Friday morning, these elementary- and middle-school students, will have an exclusive viewing of the MPCV and will be the first to meet the astronauts and aerospace engineers.

"Challenger Center may not be taking students into space, at least not yet, but we're offering the children of northern Florida an opportunity to see our newehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifst spacecraft up close," said June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Dick Scobee, commander of the Challenger Space Shuttle, and founding chair of Challenger Center's board of directors. "Challenger will always honor its past, but we remain focused on the future - the future of space exploration and the future of STEM education. For two days, our Learning Center in Tallahassee will help usher in both."

For more information about the events, contact the Tallahassee Challenger Center at 850-645-7827 or http://www.challengertlh.com.
About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Live Astronaut Webcast with Astronaut Bob Crippen, Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 1:00pm EDT

2011-06-07T11:51:00.003-04:00

News Release

For immediate release
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
703-683-9740

Live Astronaut Webcast, Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 1:00pm EDT
Exciting interactive series features astronaut Bob Crippen

Join Challenger Center for Space Science Education on Tuesday, June 21st, 2011, 1:00pm (Eastern Time) for a live interactive webcast with former NASA astronaut, Bob Crippen. This is part of an exciting series of interactive webcasts celebrating the 25th anniversary of Challenger Center's educational programs. Each month during the 25th anniversary year, Challenger Center will feature an astronaut as guest of a live webcast, with an opportunity for the public to ask questions. Mr. Crippen will give a presentation and answer questions during the live webcast. No registration is required and the webcast is free. To join the webcast, visit http://webcast.challenger.org.

You may submit questions at http://www.challenger.org/25, email to 25@challenger.org, or use the instant message feature during the live webcast. A new web environment will open on your computer with a chat interface to answer questions.

June Featured Astronaut Background: Bob Crippen

Mr. Crippen, retired U.S. Navy Captain, became a NASA astronaut in September 1969. He was a member of the astronaut support crew for the Skylab 2, 3, and 4 missions and for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission. Mr. Crippen was the pilot of the first orbital test flight of the Shuttle program (STS-1, April 12-14, 1981) and was the commander of three additional shuttle flights: STS-7, June 18-24, 1983; STS-41C, April 6-13, 1984; and STS-41G, October 6-13, 1984. Mr. Crippen served as Director, Space Shuttle, at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and as the director of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center. Under Mr. Crippen's leadership, the center processed, safely launched, and recovered 22 Space Shuttle Missions. After serving as Vice President with Lockheed Martin Information Systems, Mr. Crippen became President of Thiokol Propulsion.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Science Educators Honored as "Teacher of the Year"

2011-06-02T13:05:00.003-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@challenger.org
703-683-9740

Science Educators Honored as "Teacher of the Year"
Challenger Center Names Four Educators as 2011 Award Recipients

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center) announced today the recipients of its 2011 Teacher of the Year awards. Four elementary and middle school teachers were named as recipients, which recognizes educators who exemplify the spirit of Challenger Center's education mission and share a commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning.

Challenger Center congratulates its Teacher of the Year recipients:

- Dr. Laura Crane, science teacher at Academy for the Advancement of Science & Technology, in Hackensack, NJ

- Frannie Kruse, 4th - 6th and 8th grade science and Bible teacher at Colorado Springs Christian School, in Colorado Springs, CO

- Josh Oberts, 5th grade teacher at Oakland Elementary School in Bloomington, IL

- Jim Sauer, elementary teacher at Magdalena Middle/High School in Magdalena, NM

The recipients were nominated by one of the 48 Challenger Learning Centers located across the United States, Canada, Korea and England, based on their strong relationship with their local Learning Center's educational mission and their impact on student learning and the STEM education community.

The Teacher of the Year award recognition includes the presentation of a historical, limited edition Apollo 8 medallion produced by NASA. The medallions contain small amounts of pure aluminum carried into space by Apollo astronaut Frank Borman and were struck in honor of Apollo 8, the historic mission that culminated in man's first orbit of the moon.

The Teacher of the Year medallions are special gifts from the late Mr. Turner N. Wiley, a supporter of Challenger Center and former Chief of NASA's Communication Branch for Engineering at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. His gift is used to honor teachers who perform exemplary work in science education and to reward educators who are working in both classrooms and Challenger Learning Centers to cultivate the next generation of space science explorers.

June Scobee Rodgers, the founding Chairman of Challenger Center for Space Science Education and widow of Challenger commander Dick Scobee, said: "These four gifted teachers come from diverse geographic regions, teach different grade levels, and work with students of varying abilities. What links them together is a genuine desire to ignite their students' curiosities about the universe that surrounds them, as well as to convince them that their futures literally have no boundaries. All of us at Challenger Center are grateful that each of these teachers have found our Challenger Learning Center programs to be a fundamental component of their STEM curriculum."

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

Challenger Center for Space Science Education was created to honor the seven astronauts of shuttle flight STS-51-L: Commander Dick Scobee, Gregory Jarvis, Christa McAuliffe, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, and Michael J. Smith.

Challenger Center Students Fly on Space Shuttle's Final Flight

2011-05-23T10:49:00.002-04:00

News Release

For immediate release
Challenger Center Contact:
Steve Kussmann
skussmann@challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

Challenger Center Students Fly on Space Shuttle's Final Flight

The Space Shuttle Program Honors Challenger Center's 25 Years of Exemplary Space Science Education by Taking Students' Names and Images into Space on Endeavour

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center) announced today that shuttle mission STS-134 carried the names of 4,496 Challenger Learning Center alumni and other students. STS-134 is the last flight of the space shuttle Endeavour and the penultimate flight of NASA's space shuttle program. The mission has also taken digital copies of Silver Linings, My Life Before and After Challenger 7, the autobiography of Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Dick Scobee, commander of the Challenger Space Shuttle, and founding chair of Challenger Center's board of directors. STS-134 is also carrying digital copies of the first two books in the Star Challengers series of young adult science fiction that Dr. Scobee Rodgers co-launched to popularize space science and the Challenger Learning Centers.

"We're deeply moved by NASA's tribute to Challenger Center's quarter of a century legacy of making space science real for children," said Daniel Barstow, president of Challenger Center. "Over four million students have flown simulated 'space missions' at Challenger Learning Centers across the nation. The inspiration and hands-on learning they received inspired and helped prepare them for space missions and science, engineering and technology careers. Now, the names of many of our alumni are flying on STS-134. One day, some will soar into space themselves on their own missions to explore and gain new knowledge." This has extra poignancy, since the Endeavour shuttle was built replace the Challenger.

The non-profit Challenger Center for Space Science Education was founded in 1986 to honor the educational mission of the seven fallen astronauts of STS-51-L who flew aboard the Challenger space shuttle. With the ongoing support of the astronauts' families, NASA, the business community, leading scientists and educators, and the nation, Challenger Center, the nation's premier provider of science education and career inspiration, continues to play an essential leadership role in providing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Its nationwide network of Challenger Learning Centers (CLCs) has engaged over 4 million students in simulated missions to the Moon, Mars, Comet Halley, and the asteroids, as well as in space-themed learning experiences.

Recruiting Tomorrow's Astronauts

Thousands of students volunteered their names as part of an initiative, approved by NASA and conducted last fall by Challenger Center on its web site and through its 48 CLCs, that offered to fly students' names into space. Students also submitted hundreds of images of themselves, often in the "mission" rooms of their CLCs and with CLC staff members. The names and images were transferred onto a DVD and placed aboard Endeavour for the flight.

"These children have been infused with the passion and curiosity for discovery," added Barstow. "One of America's most important missions is to educate students for leadership in science, innovation, and space exploration."

Dr. Scobee Rodgers' book, Silver Linings, published by Smyth & Helwys Publishing (2011), was copied onto a flash drive that was also placed aboard Endeavour. The drive contains two additional books, Moonbase Crisis (2010) and Space Station Crisis, both by best-selling authors Rebecca Moesta and Kevin J. Anderson. Published by Catalyst Game Labs, the books are the first in a series about CLC students who are recruited into the future to apply their skills to save the human race.

"I dedicated the Star Challenger series to the CLC flight directors, teachers, and astronauts who everyday inspire young people to excel and achieve," said Dr. Scobee Rodgers. "It's fitting that tomorrow's leaders, scientists, and astronauts should have their names floating in space today. We must not only keep alive the dreams of our children, we must also make them real."

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit http://www.challenger.org

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Challenger Center Board Members Prepare for Educational Space Missions, using Flight Simulator at NASTAR Center

2011-05-19T18:04:00.003-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact:
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Steve Kussmann
skussmann@challenger.org
703-837-5647

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Alan Stern and Keith Cowing, board members of Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center), participated in training for Scientist-Educator-Astronauts, in preparation for future educational missions on sub-orbital spacecraft.

Using the advanced training equipment at the National Aerospace Training and Research (NASTAR) Center in Southampton, PA, they participated in simulated launch and landing sequences in a high-G centrifuge, and experiencedhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifa high-altitude, low-pressure simulation in a hypobaric chamber. Stern participated as a potential educator astronaut on a future sub-orbital space flight, and Cowing participated as a journalist reporting on the training.

Stern, associate vice president at Southwest Research Institute (www.SWRI.org) and a leader in the field of suborbital research, stated, "This shows sustained interest in the researcher/educator community" in suborbital spaceflight. Ultimately, students in elementary, middle and high school as well as college will be able to design experiments to fly on these space missions, through Virgin Galactic, XCOR Aerospace and other space corporations, in this emerging field.

Cowing, who reports on space through the widely read NASAWatch web site (www.NASAwatch.com), remarked, "Based on my NASTAR experience (centrifuge & altitude chamber), ANYONE in good health with good training can fly to space. These new suborbital vehicles will inaugurate a new era for education and science, and I'm excited to cover it just as its true potential starts to unfold."

Brienna Henwood, Director for Space and Research at NASTAR Center, remarked, "I can't think of a better way to inspire students to pursue science careers, than by providing hands-on space training and realistic spaceflight opportunities that will enable them to one day join the ranks of an entirely new class of explorer – the suborbital scientist-astronaut."

They participated in collaboration with the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), a memberhhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifship organization promoting the development of commercial human spaceflight (www.CommercialSpaceFlight.org).

For more details, see:

Keith Cowing's report on his experiences: www.onorbit.com/node/3344

CSF Press Release: www.commercialspaceflight.org/?p=1541

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

About the Environmental Tectonics Corporation (ETC) NASTAR Center
ETC's The National AeroSpace Training and Research Center (NASTAR) Center houses state-of-the-art equipment and professional staff to support the training and research needs of the aerospace community, including military aviation (fixed and rotary wing), civil aviation (fixed and rotary wing), space travel (government and private) and research support and data collection. NASTAR Center's equipment and programs are highly modular and flexible and can accommodate a wide range of aerospace training and research requirements. For more information please visit www.nastarcenter.com or contact Brienna Henwood at bhenwood@nastarcenter.com or 215.355.9100 x1504.

About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation
The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation's member companies, which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers, and service providers, are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Executive Director John Gedmark at john@commercialspaceflight.org or at 202.349.1121.

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Live Webcast with Astronaut Ken Reightler, Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 1:00pm EDT

2011-05-17T11:05:00.003-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Angie Tenne
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
atenne@challenger.org
703-683-9741

Live Astronaut Webcast, Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 1:00pm EDT
Exciting interactive series features astronaut Ken Reightler

Join Challenger Center for Space Science Education on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 1:00pm (Eastern Time), for a live interactive webcast with former NASA astronaut Ken Reightler. This is part of an exciting series of interactive webcasts celebrating the 25th anniversary of Challenger Center's educational programs. Each month during the 25th anniversary year, Challenger Center will feature an astronaut as guest of a live webcast, with an opportunity for the public to ask questions. Mr. Reightler will give a presentation and answer questions during the live webcast. No registration is required and the webcast is free. To join the webcast, visit http://webcast.challenger.org.

You may submit questions at http://www.challenger.org/25, email to 25@challenger.org, or use the instant message feature during the live webcast. A new web environment will open on your computer with a chat interface to answer questions.

May Featured Astronaut Background: Ken Reightler

Selected by NASA in June 1987, Mr. Reightler completed a year of astronaut candidate training and was designated an astronaut in August 1988. Mr. Reightler served as the pilot on missions STS-48 and STS-60. In 1995, Mr. Reightler retired from the U.S. Navy with the rank of Captain and joined Lockheed Martin in Houston, Texas. He was responsible for managing engineering, science, communications, and mission operations programs providing technical services to NASA. After serving as Vice President and Senior Vice President, in 2004, he was promoted to President, Lockheed Martin Space Operations in Greenbelt, Maryland. Following the win of the Orion/Crew Exploration Vehicle contract in 2006, Mr. Reightler joined Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company as Vice President, NASA Program Integration. In 2011, Mr. Reightler joined ATK as Vice President, Engineering Services.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Space Shuttle Endeavour's Final Launch Inspires Hands-on Public Engagement

2011-04-27T14:53:00.006-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Quest for Stars Mission Contact:

Bobby Russell
bobby@questforstars.com
+1.858.349.5701 (cell)

Challenger Center Contact:

Angie Tenne

info@challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
+1.888.682.9740

Balloon payload to offer unique vantage point from the edge of space

Space Shuttle Endeavour's Final Launch Inspires Hands-on Public Engagement Balloon payload to offer unique vantage point from the edge of space When Space Shuttle Endeavour makes its final trip into space it will be under the watchful eye of a high altitude balloon built and flown by students and volunteers from across the U.S. This will be the second flight of a camera-equipped payload, the first having been successfully flown in February 2011 when images were obtained of Space Shuttle Discovery's launch from a vantage point of over 100,000 feet.

This balloon mission will be conducted by Quest for Stars, a non-profit educational organization, in coordination with Challenger Center for Space Science Education and the Coalition for Space Exploration.

The intent of these balloon flights is to bring together students and citizens from across a broad range of backgrounds who would not normally have contact with a mission to the edge of space. The Coalition for Space Exploration is seeking to enhance public participation and outreach with regard to the benefits of space exploration as well as the sheer excitement of taking part in a mission to a remote location such as these high altitude balloon missions offer.

Much of the mission's excitement will be felt in Senatobia, Mississippi. Senatobia was one of two communities that originally suggested the name "Endeavour" as a possible name for the Space Shuttle being built to replace Space Shuttle Challenger which was lost in 1986. The launch of Endeavour and the balloon mission will be webcast live over the Senatobia school district's TV system. On board will be signatures gathered from a large number of students in Senatobia wishing a speedy recovery for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, wife of STS-134 commander Mark Kelly.

In California, students from High Tech High Media Arts in San Diego - Point Loma have served as payload specialists and students from Westview High School in San Diego provided assistance with power system and camera integration. A mission control is being staffed by students at Moffett Field. In Florida, a group of volunteers from the Daytona Beach HAM Club and the local Search and Rescue team will use tracking and recovery efforts as a training session.

The helium-filled balloon carrying the "Senatobia-1" payload will be launched from Central Ridge District Park in Beverly Hills, Florida. The expected balloon launch time is on Friday, 29 April between 2:30 - 2:45 p.m. EDT. This will allow the balloon and its payload to be in position at an altitude of approximately 100,000 feet for Endeavour's supersonic transit of the stratosphere beginning with a planned liftoff at 3:47 pm EDT. If there is a delay in the launch of Endeavour the Quest for Stars team is ready to try again - several times - on subsequent days.

Live video of mission activities will be streamed during the mission, starting approximately 30 minutes before launch. Other updates during the mission will include live tracking information and video from the balloon during ascent and descent. For video and other information during the mission please go to http://questforstars.com.

You can also follow the mission's progress via Twitter at http://twitter.com/questforstars.

About Quest for Stars

Quest for Stars is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with high schools and middle schools to bring the excitement of sending small payloads to the edge of space on high altitude balloons and then retrieving them. Quest for stars provides all materials and FAA interfacing required to launch weather balloons into the stratosphere. Their staff consists of private pilots, electronic experts, and mechanical engineers who ensure that launch vehicles meet all federal regulations. For more information visit http://www.questforstars.com

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit http://www.challenger.org

About the Coalition for Space Exploration

The Coalition for Space Exploration is a group of space industry businesses and advocacy groups that collaborates to ensure that the United States remains the leader in space, science and technology by reinforcing the value and benefits of space exploration with the public and our nation's leaders, and building lasting support for a long-term, sustainable strategic direction for space exploration. To learn more visit http://www.spacecoalition.com

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Challenger Center Commemorates 25 Years of Inspiring Students through Space Science Exploration

2011-04-25T16:40:00.003-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Angie Tenne
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
atenne@challenger.org
703-683-9741

Challenger Center Commemorates 25 Years of Inspiring Students through Space Science Exploration
Challenger Center Celebrates a Quarter Century of Innovative STEM Education That Benefitted Millions of School Children

Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center), the nation's premier provider of science education inspiration, is marking its 25th anniversary with the launch of its "Challenger Changed My Life" program to highlight its life-transforming benefits for students. The non-profit organization was founded on April 24, 1986 in tribute to the seven fallen astronauts of the Challenger Space Shuttle and their education mission. With the ongoing support of the astronauts' families, NASA, leading scientists, business leaders, educators and the nation, Challenger Center continues its vital role in STEM (science technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Since its creation, its nationwide network of Challenger Learning Centers has served more than 4,000,000 students with simulated space missions and powerful STEM-focused learning experiences.

"There is no better way to honor those courageous explorers than to keep their dream for the future and passion for teaching and learning alive in generation upon generation of our nation's children," said June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Challenger Space Shuttle commander Dick Scobee and founding chair of Challenger Center's board of directors. "We're very proud to have inspired and educated so many students in our first 25 years, yet we know we've just begun to fulfill our mission of motivating tomorrow's explorers, scientists and innovators."

An Illustrious Legacy in STEM Education

Through school-day, afterschool, weekend and summer programs, the Challenger Learning Center experience excites students with space science learning activities, which creates positive educational experiences and inspires them to pursue aerospace and STEM-related careers. The organization's unique coast-to-coast network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers takes children on highly-realistic simulations of NASA-like missions to the Moon, Mars, Comet Halley, and the asteroids. Students pilot and navigate their spacecraft and launch scientific probes and experiments, calling upon such essential 21st century skills as decision-making, teamwork, problem-solving, and communications to complete their missions successfully.

Challenger Center has been an educational leader, keeping children connected to science education and exploration, which was the centerpiece of the Challenger Space Shuttle's tragic mission. "We mark this important milestone with renewed commitment to Challenger's spirit of inspiration, discovery and teaching," said Daniel Barstow, Challenger Center President. "The need to inspire students to push the frontiers of knowledge and achievement and continue America's leadership in science, technology and space exploration has never been greater."

To showcase its enduring impact on students' lives, Challenger Center is launching its "Challenger Changed My Life" program (www.challenger.org/alumni). The campaign will showcase former students whose lives and career choices were transformed by their Challenger Learning Center experience. It will first profile Meg Meehan, an aerospace systems engineer who flew her first Challenger Learning Center mission as a sixth-grader and went on to work on the final shuttle flight to the Hubble Space Telescope in 2009.

"Had it not been for Challenger, I probably would not have pursued a career in space exploration and space science," Meehan said. "Challenger changed my life and helped put me on my career path.... And, I'm hardly the only student who's come face-to-face with their dreams and aspirations while flying a Challenger mission."

Launching the Future

As Challenger Center observes its first 25 years and honors the courage and spirit of the Challenger astronauts, the organization is revitalizing its mission for the next-quarter century. "We've built a brilliant legacy in science education but Challenger is hardly resting on its laurels," said Scott Parazynski, chairman of Challenger Center's board of directors and a former NASA astronaut. "We're anticipating new modes of space travel and exploration, emerging technologies, and new domains of knowledge, all of which will offer our educators exciting teaching and learning opportunities."

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

Challenger Center for Space Science Education was created to honor the seven astronauts of shuttle flight STS-51-L:

Commander Dick Scobee
Gregory Jarvis
Christa McAuliffe
Ronald McNair
Ellison Onizuka
Judith Resnik
Michael J. Smith.

Exciting Interactive Series features astronaut William Readdy - Live Comet Webcast, Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 1:00pm EDT

2011-04-11T10:52:00.001-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Angie Tenne
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
atenne@challenger.org
703-683-9741http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Join Challenger Center for Space Science Education on Tuesday, April 26th, 2011, 1:00pm (Eastern Time), for a live interactive webcast with former NASA astronaut and Associate Administrator, William F. Readdy. You may access the webcast at webcast.challenger.org. The link to join will appear at 12:50pm EDT.

This event is part of an exciting series of Challenger Center interactive webcasts, celebrating the Center's 25th anniversary. Each month, Challenger Center will feature an astronaut as guest of a live webcast, with an opportunity for the public to ask questions. Mr. Readdy will answer questions during the live webcast.

You may submit questions via the online form at www.challenger.org/25, email to 25@challenger.org, or use the instant message feature during the live webcast. No registration is required and the webcast is free. Adobe Flash Player is required to participate and view the webcast. A new web environment will open on your computer with zoomable windows and a chat interface to answer questions.

Mr. Readdy joined NASA's Johnson Space Center in 1986 as a research pilot where he served as program manager for the highly-modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Mr. Readdy received the call to be an astronaut for the 1987 Group. He is a veteran of three space flights, STS-42 (1992), STS-51 (1993) and STS-79 (1996). His numerous support roles included: Training Officer; Safety Officer; Operations Development Branch Chief; NASA Director of Operations, Star City, Russia; and served as first manager of Space Shuttle Program Development charged with upgrading the Space Shuttle. Mr. Readdy served at NASA Headquarters as Associate Administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate with oversight for the Kennedy, Johnson, Marshall and Stennis Space Centers as well as programmatic oversight for International Space Station, Space Shuttle, Space Communications and Space Launch Vehicles. He chaired the Space Flight Leadership Council charged with oversight of NASA's successful Space Shuttle Return to Flight STS-114 mission. Mr. Readdy retired from NASA in 2005 and formed Discovery Partners International, an aerospace consulting firm and is a member of the board for the Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

Challenger Center to Host Astronaut Barbara Morgan in Live Interactive Webcast, Wednesday, March 16, 2011, 12:00pm EST

2011-03-07T14:37:00.003-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Angie Tenne
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
atenne@challenger.org
703-683-9741

Exciting new astronaut series to feature educator astronaut

Join Challenger Center for Space Science Education on Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, 12:00pm (Eastern Time), for a live interactive webcast with astronaut and Distinguished Educator in Residence at Boise State University, Barbara Morgan.

This event is part of an exciting series of Challenger Center interactive webcasts. Each month, Challenger Center will feature an astronaut as guest of a live webcast, with an opportunity for the public to ask questions. You may submit questions via the online form at http://bit.ly/h3DqCd, email to 25@challenger.org or use the instant message feature during the live webcast.

March Featured Astronaut Background:

Barbara Morgan was selected as the backup candidate for the NASA Teacher in Space Program on July 19, 1985. From September 1985 to January 1986, Morgan trained with Christa McAuliffe and the Challenger crew at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. Following the Challenger accident, Morgan assumed the duties of Teacher in Space Designee. From March 1986 to July 1986, she worked with NASA, speaking to educational organizations throughout the country. In the fall of 1986, Morgan returned to Idaho to resume her teaching career. She taught second and third grades at McCall- Donnelly Elementary and continued to work with NASA's Education Division. Her duties as Teacher in Space Designee included public speaking, educational consulting, curriculum design, and serving on the National Science Foundation's Federal Task Force for Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering. Selected by NASA as a mission specialist and NASA's first Educator Astronaut in January 1998, Morgan reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 1998.

Morgan's experience includes Mission STS-118 (August 8-21, 2007), the 119th space shuttle flight, the 22nd flight to the space station, and the 20th flight for Endeavour. Morgan served as educator, loadmaster, shuttle and station robotic arm operator, and flight deck crewmember for entry and landing. During that mission, Morgan conducted a live interactive webcast from the International Space Station answering questions from various Challenger Center students.

Morgan retired from NASA in August, 2008, to become the Distinguished Educator in Residence at Boise State University, with a dual appointment in the colleges of Engineering and Education.

See Barbara Morgan's full NASA bio at: www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/morgan.html

- Ten minutes before the webcast, the link to join will be made live.
- No registration is required and the webcast is free.
- Adobe Flash Player is required to participate and view the webcast.
- A new web environment will open on your computer with zoomable windows and a chat interface to ask questions.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

Challenger Center and Coalition for Space Exploration Join Forces for Aerospace Education

2011-03-02T02:23:00.003-05:00

Challenger Center becomes Coalition's newest Partner level member

Today the Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center) joins the Coalition for Space Exploration (Coalition) as a Partner level member to educate and inspire a new generation of aerospace workers and space explorers. The announcement was made at the Next Generation Suborbital Researchers Conference in Orlando.

Challenger Center and the Coalition both strive to ensure that America remains a leader in space, science and technology. One important facet of that leadership includes a well-trained and competitive workforce which begins with a heightened interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

"The opportunities and challenges facing students and educators have never been greater. We welcome the Challenger Center and its network of Learning Centers as a partner as they work to inform, educate and inspire a new generation of aerospace workers and explorers," said Glenn Mahone, chairman of the Coalition.

This partnership builds upon numerous activities between Challenger Center and Coalition member companies over the past 25 years. Most recently, the Coalition supported the education and public outreach activities conducted by the Challenger Center at NASA's 2010 Desert RATS in the Arizona desert.

"In the past 25 years our network of Challenger Learning Centers has served more than 4 million students. Last year alone we reached 400,000 students. In the years ahead we seek to increase that number ten-fold by further expanding our reach via the Internet, a series of mobile services, and continued participation in missions and expeditions on Earth and in space. Working closely with the Coalition will provide access to an immense wealth of expertise and mentoring within its member companies," said Scott Parazynski, M.D., chairman of the board, Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

About the Coalition for Space Exploration

The Coalition for Space Exploration is a group of space industry businesses and advocacy groups that collaborates to ensure that the United States remains the leader in space, science and technology by reinforcing the value and benefits of space exploration with the public and our nation's leaders, and building lasting support for a long-term, sustainable strategic direction for space exploration. To learn more visit http://www.spacecoalition.com

About the Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more visit http://www.challenger.org

Contacts:

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Angie Tenne
info@challenger.org
703-683-9741

Coalition for Space Exploration
Jessica Rye
Jessica@GriffinCG.com
321-208-8051

Educational Balloon Provides Space Shuttle Launch Images and Video From Over 110,000 feet

2011-03-02T02:18:00.003-05:00

Last week a balloon with a student-oriented payload shot high resolution photos and video from an altitude of over 110,000 feet of Space Shuttle Discovery as it climbed into space.

These images and video were released today as part of a mission report provided by Quest for Stars representative Bobby Russell at the Next-Generation Suborbital Researchers Conference (NSRC) at the University of Central Florida. More information on this conference can be found at http://nsrc.swri.org

The images and video can be viewed online at http://questforstars.com/

Co-sponsored by the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, this mission, dubbed "Robonaut-1", is one in a series of flights conducted by Quest for Stars, a California-based non-profit educational organization that uses off-the-shelf hardware and a little ingenuity to allow students to place experiments at the edge of space at exceptionally low cost.

Quest for Stars and the Challenger Center for Space Science Education have now joined together to promote the use of these low cost delivery systems. This mission was the first of what is hoped to be many future collaborations.

A helium-filled balloon carrying the "Robonaut-1" payload was launched at 3:50 p.m. EST on Thursday, 24 February 2011 from Chiefland, Florida so as to be in position for Discovery's supersonic transit of the stratosphere.

The balloon rose rapidly at a rate of over 1,000 feet per minute to an altitude of at least 110,000 feet. The altitude may have been higher but the onboard GPS temporarily suspended operations due to the balloon's speed and extreme altitude. After accomplishing its mission, the balloon burst and the payload descended by parachute. A recovery team retrieved the payload and downloaded its data and imagery.

The payload onboard Robonaut-1 was comprised of two Motorola Droid X smartphones (with cameras), multiple GoPro Hero Motorsport still cameras, and several High Definition video cameras. In addition, the payload contained a Motorola i290 mobile phone and a Garmin eTrex GPS system that is connected to a ham radio transmitter. This payload was designed to have multiple means of communication for backup purposes.

About Quest for Stars

Quest for Stars is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with high schools and middle schools to bring the excitement of sending small payloads to the edge of space on high altitude balloons and then retrieving them. Quest for Stars encourages children and young adults to reach for the stars by exposure to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) educational concepts and their application to space research. The organization works with partners such as the Motorola Foundation and The Challenger Center for Space Science Education to bring space access down to Earth. The shared mission: to inspire the next generation of explorers.

Once retrieved the payload bay is donated to a school along with pictures in High Definition at the edge of space. This allows the students to be part of the design and launch of the payload--which is an experience they will never forget. All materials, time, and effort are provided to the selected school at absolutely no cost. Quest for stars provides all materials and FAA interfacing required to launch weather balloons into the stratosphere. Their staff consists of private pilots, electronic experts, and mechanical engineers who ensure that launch vehicles meet all federal regulations. For more information visit http://www.questforstars.com

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs.

In addition to its Learning Center activities, Challenger Center personnel and associates have participated in missions of exploration in recent years that have included journeys to the International Space Station, Devon Island in the Canadian high arctic, Mt. Everest, Antarctica, and NASA Desert RATS. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit http://www.challenger.org

Quest for Stars Mission Contact:

Bobby Russell
+1.858.349.5701 (cell)
bobby@questforstars.com

Challenger Center Contact:

Angie Tenne
info@challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
+1.888.682.9740

Challenger Center and Quest For Stars Chase Discovery At The Edge of Space

2011-02-22T11:13:00.003-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Angie Tenne
info@challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

Challenger Center and Quest for Stars Chase Discovery at the Edge of Space

Co-sponsored by Challenger Center for Space Science Education, this mission is one in a series of flights conducted by Quest for Stars, a California-based non-profit educational organization that uses off-the-shelf hardware and a little ingenuity to allow students to place experiments at the edge of space at exceptionally low cost.

Quest for Stars and Challenger Center for Space Science Education have now joined together to promote the use of these low cost delivery systems. This mission will be the first of what is hoped to be many future collaborations.

A helium-filled balloon carrying the "Robonaut-1" payload will be launched from a location in Florida some distance away from Kennedy Space Center. The time and location of launch will be determined by weather conditions. With a currently planned STS-133 launch time of 4:50 p.m. EST, the balloon will be launched between 3:00 - 3:50 p.m. EST so as to be in position for Discovery's supersonic transit of the stratosphere. If there is a delay in the launch of Discovery, the team is ready to try again - several times - on subsequent days.

The balloon will rise at a rate of 800-1,000 feet per minute to an altitude of approximately 100,000 feet. After accomplishing its mission, the payload will be released and descend by parachute. After the payload descends for 15-30 minutes, a trained recovery team will retrieve the payload and download its data and imagery.

Onboard Robonaut-1 is a HD Camera Phone Satellite (PHONESAT) that will attempt to capture images of Space Shuttle Discovery as it leaves Earth for space. Multiple cameras and an on-board computer system will ensure that Discovery launch images will be captured during its ascent. Some of those photos will include logos for Quest For Stars, STS-133, Challenger Center, and Motorola. In addition, the payload contains a Motorola i290 mobile phone and a Garmin eTrex GPS system that is connected to a ham radio transmitter. The payload is designed to have multiple means of communication for backup purposes.

Live video of mission activities will also be streamed during the mission. This webcast can be watched at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/chasing-discovery, http://www.challenger.org/live, and at http://onorbit.com/suborbital.

Live video from the Robonaut-1 itself during flight will be available at http://qik.com/robonaut-1.

Updates during the mission including live tracking information during ascent and descent can be obtained by following http://twitter.com/questforstars or on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/4hu4337.

A report on this balloon mission will be provided by Quest for Stars' representative Bobby Russell at the Next-Generation Suborbital Researchers Conference (NSRC) in Orlando, FL. Russell will speak on Tuesday, March 2nd at 8:15 a.m. EST. More information on this conference can be found at http://nsrc.swri.org.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

About Quest for Stars

Quest for Stars is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with high schools and middle schools to bring the excitement of sending small payloads to the edge of space on high altitude balloons and then retrieving them. Quest for Stars encourages children and young adults to reach for the stars by exposure to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) educational concepts and their application to space research. The organization works with partners such as the Motorola Foundation and Challenger Center for Space Science Education to bring space access down to Earth. The shared mission: to inspire the next generation of explorers.

Once retrieved the payload bay is donated to a school along with pictures in High Definition at the edge of space. This allows the students to be part of the design and launch of the payload--which is an experience they will never forget. All materials, time, and effort are provided to the selected school at absolutely no cost. Quest for stars provides all materials and FAA interfacing required to launch weather balloons into the stratosphere. Their staff consists of private pilots, electronic experts, and mechanical engineers who ensure that launch vehicles meet all federal regulations. For more information visit http://www.questforstars.com.

Quest for Stars Mission Contact:

Bobby Russell
+1.858.349.5701 (cell)
bobby@questforstars.com
Available in the San Diego area until Tuesday 2/22
Available in the Tampa area on 2/23
Available in the Florida area through 3/3 and after recovery occurs

Challenger Center Contact:

Angie Tenne
info@challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
+1.888.682.9740

Outpouring of Support for Challenger Learning Centers

2011-02-04T11:17:00.003-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Angie Tenne
info@challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

Outpouring of Support for Challenger Learning Centers
25 years after tragedy, many join to celebrate triumph

On the 25th anniversary of the Challenger Space Shuttle accident, there was an outpouring of support for Challenger Learning Centers as they carry on the educational mission of the Challenger crew.

June Scobee Rodgers, wife of Challenger Commander Dick Scobee, spoke at the Astronaut Memorial, Kennedy Space Center, to "honor our loved ones 25 years after their loss, on their silver anniversary. At Challenger Learning Centers, we honor the spirit of their mission every day that students go on missions to Earth's orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond."
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, speaking at the Challenger Learning Center in Richmond, VA, noted "Today's students have the opportunity to build and take part in tomorrow's big adventures and keep our country strong and competitive through science, technology,engineering and mathematics."

Leland Melvin, NASA's Associate Administrator for Education, in a letter to Challenger Center, said, "You have provided a truly compelling way to motivate tomorrow's leaders by showcasing the courage, vision, and integrity of the Challenger crew. Their dream lives on in each child." (see attached letter)

Scott Parazynski, Chair of the Board of Challenger Center, noted that "Challenger Learning Centers serve as an essential bridge from the era of the space shuttle to the emerging new ways that NASA and private industry will explore space."

Print and television media gave widespread coverage of the memorial service and the successful work of Challenger Learning Centers. CBS Evening News had a major report, commenting that "Millions of people remember watching the shuttle explode live on television. But the crew's families wanted their memories to live on in a different way, so they created this, a place where kids can explore space and be inspired."

And worldwide, ordinary citizens shared their personal stories of the tragedy . . .and the triumph as they found inspiration in carrying out Challenger's educational and scientific missions. Challenger was in the top three worldwide of Twitter messages, as people reflected on this memorial day, and on their hopes for space exploration and education.

Text of letter from Leland Melvin, NASA Associate Administrator for Education

Mr. Daniel Barstow
President, Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 No. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 223 14

Dear Mr. Barstow:

As this Nation continues to push the envelope of innovation and secure the future for us all, we also honor those who have given their lives in the pursuit of scientific and technological progress. Our debt to them is tremendous, and we continue to benefit from their example, their spirit, their lessons, and their breakthroughs. As President Obama remarked yesterday as part of the Day of Remembrance for the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia crews, we must reflect "on the mighty sacrifices made to push those frontiers."

In 1986,I was an undergraduate at the University of Richmond when I witnessed the Challenger tragedy unfolding as I walked through the student center. I recall feeling an intense urge to somehow help NASA and the families of the crew. And three years later, I began my career with the Agency which ultimately led to my joining the astronaut corps.

As an astronaut, I have a deep connection to the honor and legacy that the Challenger Center for Space Education represents. A theme is evident in both the Challenger Center's mission and the President's Day of Remembrance remarks: triumph from tragedy. These words exemplify the resilience, purpose, and optimism that led to the creation of the Challenger Centers. The Challenger Centers and NASA also have similar values in terms of education, and these goals align with my own personal commitment. As NASA's Associate Administrator for Education, lead national efforts to involve students with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as engage Americans with NASA's mission. You have provided a truly compelling way to motivate tomorrow's leaders by showcasing the courage, vision, and integrity of the Challenger crew. Their dream lives on in each child who is touched by the wonder of discovery.

NASA's Administrator Charlie Bolden also said yesterday, "These brave men and women will always be a part of us." This fact is in no small part strengthened by the efforts of the Challenger Center. I applaud the Center's unyielding dedication to this noble effort, and congratulate you on 25 years of inspiring the next generation of explorers- here's to 25 more.

Sincerely,

Leland D. Melvin
Associate Administrator for Education

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

NASA Administrator Bolden and Sen. Warner to Visit Challenger Learning Center Location in Richmond, Virginia

2011-01-27T15:19:00.001-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Angie Tenne
info@challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

NASA Administrator Bolden and Sen. Warner to Visit Challenger Learning Center Location in Richmond, Virginia
ANASA Administrator Charles Bolden will address students this Friday, January 28, at the MathScience Innovation Center in Richmond, Virginia, home of a Challenger Learning Center. Bolden will be joined at this event by U.S. Senator Mark Warner.

The students who will be in attendance are in the sixth and seventh grades at Albert Hill Middle School. Sen. Warner will join Bolden and learning center executives at 10:00 a.m. EST, with Bolden's remarks beginning at around 11:00 a.m.

According to NASA, Administrator Bolden's remarks will highlight the need to invest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, also known as STEM education, in order to remain competitive in the world and win the future.

January 28 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger and its crew. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Information on other events related to this anniversary can be found at www.challenger.org/25.

Media representatives interested in attending should contact Robin Newton at (804) 343-6525, ext. 227, rnewton@msinnovation.info, by 5:00 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 27. The MathScience Innovation Center is located at 2401 Hartman Street in Richmond.

In addition to hearing from Bolden and Warner, the students will have an opportunity to engage in hands-on activities related to science and exploration. Education staff from NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia will lead these activities. For information about the MathScience Innovation Center's Challenger Learning Center, visit: www.msinnovation.info/challenger/.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

###

Statement by Steven J. McAuliffe on the 25th Anniversary of the Challenger Accident

2011-01-27T12:48:00.000-05:00

(CONCORD, N.H.) -- That people across the country steadfastly remember the crew members of Challenger is both comforting and inspirational to our family. Scott, Caroline and I very much appreciate the kind thoughts and continuous support we have received over the years. Christa confidently and joyfully embraced life, no less than her friends and colleagues on Challenger, and no less than the crews of Columbia, Apollo 1, and all of those people who courageously follow their own paths every day. I know Christa would say that that is the most precious lesson - ordinary people can make extraordinary contributions when they remain true to themselves and enthusiastically pursue their own dreams wherever they may lead. Our family knows that generations of students and teachers will continue to share her love of learning and love of life, and will do great things for our world. We believe Christa would be especially pleased by, and proud of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its mission. The Challenger Center honors each crew member’s devotion to learning and exploration, touching the lives of over 400,000 students and 40,000 teachers each year. In that way, Challenger Center continues the teaching mission of all the crew members of STS-51-L.

About Steven J. McAuliffe:
Originally from Massachusetts, Steven McAuliffe now lives in Concord, New Hampshire, where he serves as a Federal judge. He is the widower of Christa McAuliffe, NASA's Teacher in Space candidate. Steve continues to serve as a Founding Director for Challenger Center for Space Science Education. He has two children, Scott and Caroline, and has remarried.

# # #

"Challenger" Tribute Song Released via Youtube and the Internet

2011-01-25T11:04:00.005-05:00

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Stephen Kay
Email: info@challengertributesong.com

"CHALLENGER" TRIBUTE SONG RECORDED 25 YEARS AGO IS FINALLY RELEASED VIA YOUTUBE AND THE INTERNET

Social Media Allows for Self-Distribution of Inspirational Recording, Re-done with Modern Technology

New Jersey, January 24, 2011: When musician and recording artist Stephen Kay witnessed the Challenger shuttle disaster on January 28, 1986, he felt the devastation shared by so many across the nation. That evening he felt inspired to take pen in hand and prepare a heartfelt tribute to the lost souls and the spirit of space exploration, and to "challengers" everywhere.

Within two days, with the help of his friend and partner David Alvey, Kay professionally recorded and sang the song "The Challenger (Where No One's Gone Before)" and set about looking for ways to distribute it. Motivated by wanting to share the message that hope should not be lost and the Challenger crew must not have
died in vain, he made the rounds of his music and record label contacts – and while the song received great interest and positive reaction, he was ultimately unsuccessful in having it released. With no Internet and social media platforms available to self-distribute at that time, he reluctantly shelved the song.

In early 2010 Kay, who now works as a music software developer, discovered that the 25th anniversary of the disaster was coming, so he re-visited his effort and realized that perhaps the song might finally be able to find an appreciative audience. His lyrical plea that "the challenge must go on," meant to address the concern of
space exploration being stalled due to the disaster (which actually did happen for the next three years), would also be relevant today as reports of the shuttle program’s ending arose.

Kay found a challenge of his own in resurrecting the song. The tracks and the equipment used to play them were now decades old, and it would be difficult to restore them, particularly as the original master tape was decomposing and decaying. He could have re-recorded the song anew, though it had been years since he had
regularly performed, but he felt the emotion held in his original performance would be more appropriate and vital. He found help restoring the tapes into new digital files, and brought his old equipment out of storage, including his now 30-year-old Apple II+ computer, which he successfully nursed back into working order.

Once he had restored the old elements, Kay (a keyboardist and vocalist), joined again by his old friend David Alvey on guitars and backing vocals, set about lovingly adding new elements to the song, using all new state-ofthe-art technology to do so. Kay relates the complete story, which he figures may be of most interest to "musicians and recording geeks," on his site www.ChallengerTributeSong.com with great care and comprehensive detail.

Once the song was complete, Kay then set about preparing a video presentation to accompany the song. He spent hours over many nights searching for just the right images and clips, taking a documentarian approach in telling the story. As such, he struggled with the idea of including footage of the actual explosion in the video,
and decided that it was such an important part of the collective memory, and part of the story, that it should be represented. The majority of the video shows the crew preparing for the mission, bringing forth their joy and conveying the spirit of their optimism, along with vast scenic images to illustrate the greater scope of their
mission. The memorable “two headed cloud” is only shown briefly, and quickly fades to black with a moment of silence. Then images from memorial tributes that came in the days afterward follow, however Kay was intent on ending with a hopeful message, with imagery he describes on his site: "we move out of the solar system and into deep space, with the idea that the Challenger is still moving onward, outwards, and upwards."

Kay’s goal with this project was to cover many bases at once; not only to inspire, but to pay tribute to the souls lost on the mission. Lyrically he asks, "What drives a man up against the odds, to risk his life upon the challenge of the gods? What makes a woman abandon fear, and brave the dangers of the ultimate frontier?" Through the song’s lyrics and the video presentation, he neatly manages to pay tribute to each crew member, including Christa McAuliffe and the “Teacher in Space” effort that had captured the imagination of so many.

In all, the project took some six months to complete. Not wishing to gain from this financially, he hopes that it will encourage donations to the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, founded by Challenger family members, www.challenger.org. And he merely wishes to once again take the chance to convey the heartfelt message of hope and inspiration to all who would challenge the odds, and to remind the world that "it's with the brave that the future lies."

Kay’s website, www.ChallengerTributeSong.com, includes the full story and lyrics, the history of the mission and biographies of the astronauts, as well as download links to high-quality audio of the song, and a link to the video on YouTube, which can be seen on his page there at www.youtube.com/karmagician.

# # #

Media Advisory: NASA Remembers Those Lost Pursuing Discovery and Exploration

2011-01-24T15:44:00.000-05:00

Jan. 24, 2011

Katherine Trinidad
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-3749
katherine.trinidad@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M11-014

NASA REMEMBERS THOSE LOST PURSUING DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION

WASHINGTON -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Deputy Administrator Lori Garver will lay a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at 10 a.m. EST, Thursday, Jan. 27, to commemorate the agency's National Day of Remembrance.

NASA has an agency-wide Day of Remembrance every January to honor the fallen crews of Apollo 1, space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, and all of those who have given their lives in the cause of exploration.

Journalists who want to attend the wreath-laying ceremony must contact the Arlington National Cemetery public affairs office at dave.foster1@us.army.mil by 4 p.m., Jan. 26, for access information.

At 10:30 a.m., NASA's Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana will take part in a wreath-laying at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The ceremony is open to media representatives and the general public.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Center Director Michael L. Coats will be joined by astronaut family members to lay a wreath at the Astronaut Memorial Tree Grove at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 27. Media representatives interested in covering the memorial should contact the Johnson newsroom by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 281-483-5111.

Friday, Jan. 28, marks the 25th anniversary of the Challenger accident. At 9 a.m. EST, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation will hold a remembrance service honoring the STS-51L crew members at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. NASA Television will provide live coverage of the event, which will take place at the visitor complex's Space Mirror Memorial.

Speakers at the event include Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator for Space Operations; June Scobee Rodgers, widow of STS-51L Commander Dick Scobee; Robert Cabana, former astronaut and director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center; and Michael McCulley, former astronaut and chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation.

Journalists interested in covering the Jan. 27th wreath-laying or the Jan. 28 memorial should contact Andrea Farmer at 321-449-4318 or Jillian McRae at 321-449-4273 for access information. The public also
is invited to attend the service. The Kennedy Visitor Complex will provide flowers for all ceremony guests and visitors throughout the day to place at the memorial.

Challenger's seven astronauts died shortly after launch on Jan. 28, 1986. The crew consisted of Commander Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith, Mission Specialists Judith A. Resnik, Ellison S. Onizuka, and Ronald E. McNair, and Payload Specialists Gregory B. Jarvis and Sharon Christa McAuliffe.

The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, a private, not-for-profit organization, built and maintains the Space Mirror Memorial. The memorial was dedicated in 1991 to honor all astronauts who lost their lives on missions or during training. It since has been designated a National Memorial by Congress.

To view an online tribute, including photographs, videos and information about the crew members on Apollo 1 and shuttle Challenger and Columbia, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/dor11/

For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

-end-

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Academy @ Shawnee Launches Challenger Learning Center

2011-01-24T13:07:00.002-05:00

News Release

For Immediate Release

Angie Tenne
info@challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

Former Challenger Astronaut to Participate in Opening on Anniversary of Challenger Disaster

The Academy @ Shawnee will boldly go where few local schools have gone before when it officially launches its new Challenger Learning Center. On Friday, January 28, 2011, at 10:30 am EST, Mayor Greg Fischer, members of the Jefferson County Board of Education, and others will join former Challenger astronaut Dr. Norman E. Thagard in grand opening ceremonies. The event will be held on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Challenger disaster.

Challenger Learning Center @ Shawnee uses space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle to provide positive educational experiences that cultivate an expectation of success; foster long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); and inspire students to pursue studies and careers in these fields.

“This new learning opportunity is a perfect fit for the Academy at Shawnee, home of the Aerospace Engineering program,” said Dr. Sheldon H. Berman, Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent. “Challenger has left a legacy of lifelong education that, through this learning center, we can now pass onto to thousands of students each year.”

Challenger Learning Center @ Shawnee joins 47 other locations in the growing international network of Learning Centers. It features a mockup of NASA's mission control as well as an orbiting space station. Students will rendezvous with a comet and other destinations to follow.

"We congratulate the Jefferson County Pubic Schools on their grand opening and look forward to working with them to bring hands-on space science programs to students and teachers in Kentucky," said Dan Barstow, President, Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

Learners of all ages will build critical-thinking, decision-making, team-building, and collaborative skills. The curriculum that ties into the space shuttle simulation is primarily designed for middle school students. Challenger Learning Center @ Shawnee is available for use by students across the states of Kentucky and southern Indiana.

Led by June Scobee Rodgers, wife of Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee, the families of the Challenger crew sought to find a living memorial and created the world's first interactive space science learning center. The Learning Centers provide an opportunity for teachers and their students to explore space using state-of-the-art simulators. There are currently 47 centers in 31 states, Canada, Korea, and the United Kingdom.

***The facility will be available for live shots the morning of the event if requested.***

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org. To learn more about Challenger Learning Center @ Shawnee, visit www.clcshawnee.org.

###

Media Advisory: From tragedy to triumph, Challenger Center commemorates silver anniversary

2011-01-14T11:34:00.003-05:00

From tragedy to triumph, Challenger Center commemorates silver anniversary
Day of remembrance for crew of Space Shuttle Challenger and the continuation of their legacy through the Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Jan. 13, 2011

Florida Contact:
Julie Arnold
Griffin Communications Group
Julie@GriffinCG.com
321-537-1228

Houston Contact:
Deanna Wilke
Griffin Communications Group
Deanna@GriffinCG.com
832-864-7227

From tragedy to triumph, Challenger Center commemorates silver anniversary
Day of remembrance for crew of Space Shuttle Challenger and the continuation of their legacy through the Challenger Center for Space Science Education

WHAT: What started out as a tragedy on the morning of Jan. 28, 1986 has turned into a monumental, educational triumph.The Challenger Center for Space Science Education (CCSSE), which serves as a living legacy to the astronauts of the Space Shuttle Challenger, celebrates its 25th year of using science and math to help students build the skills most needed for the 21st century, including decision-making, teamwork, problem-solving and communication. The Challenger Learning Center Network has grown to comprise 48 locations across America and other nations serving more than four million students to date.

Anniversary events in Florida and Houston include the following:

WHEN/ WHO: Friday, Jan. 28, 2011. Media are invited to shoot b-roll, cover events and secure interviews. Featured guests and appearance times are as follows:

* 7:15 - 7:30 a.m. (EST) - Florida - KSC Visitor Complex, Mission Status Center Short press briefing with Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, PhD, founder of the CCSSE and widow of Space Shuttle Challenger Commander Dick Scobee and Dr. Scott Parazynski, MD., chairman of the board of CCSSE and former NASA Astronaut

* 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (CST) - Houston Challenger Learning Center (CLC) 30 fifth-grade students from Cornelius Academy will participate in the first of two simulated missions with special guests, including:
- Kevin Kregel, former NASA Space Shuttle commander
- John McCullough, current NASA chief, flight directors office

* 12 - 2 p.m. (CST) - Houston CLC Second simulated mission with and additional 30 students from Cornelius Academy with special guests including:
- Gerry Griffin, former NASA Johnson Space Center director, Apollo flight director and original collaborator with STS-51-L family members to create CCSSE
- Kevin Kregel, former NASA Space Shuttle commander

Live webcast hosted by Spaceflight Now with Miles O'Brien featuring:
- Simulated mission highlights
- Interviews with students
- Interactive Q&As for Challenger Learning Centers across America with special guests Scobee Rodgers, Parazynski, Griffin, McCullough and Kregel

* 2 - 3 p.m. (CST) - Houston CLC One-on-one interview opportunities available with
- Scobee Rodgers, Parazynski, Griffin, McCullough and Kregel
- Dr. Carolyn Sumners, director of the Houston Challenger Center- has been running the facility since it opened as the first Challenger Learning Center 25 years ago
- Betty Glass, the first "flight director" of the Houston Challenger Center 25 years ago

WHERE: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex - Mission Status Center State Road 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899

Challenger Learning Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030-1799

MEDIA NOTES: The Houston Challenger Center has limited space for film crews. Media slots will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. Accommodations will be made for all interested media.

If you cannot participate in the live interview opportunity but are interested in an advance interview, please coordinate with the media contacts and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

EVENT SPONSORS: Lockheed Martin Corporation, Spaceflight Now, Miles O'Brien Productions, SpaceRef Interactive, Epps Aviation, Griffin Communications Group and Space City Films

ON SITE CONTACT: Florida - Julie Arnold, 321-537-1228 (cell for media contact only, do not publish) Houston - Deanna Wilke, 281-881-2981 (cell for media contact only, do not publish)

OTHER: The Challenger Center for Space Science Education is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) education organization created in 1986 by the families of the astronauts from Challenger Space Shuttle "Teacher in Space" mission STS-51-L. Dedicated to the educational spirit of that mission, Challenger Center develops Challenger Learning Centers and other educational programs worldwide to continue the mission of engaging students in science and mathematics education.

Florida Contact:
Julie Arnold
Griffin Communications Group
Julie@GriffinCG.com
321-537-1228

Houston Contact:
Deanna Wilke
Griffin Communications Group
Deanna@GriffinCG.com
832-864-7227

Live Comet Webcast, Thursday, January 20, 2011, 1:00PM

2011-01-11T11:01:00.003-05:00

Join Challenger Center for Space Science Education for a live interactive webcast on Thursday, January 20th at 1:00pm (Eastern Time) for a live interactive webcast with Dr. Lori Feaga, planetary scientist, and John Ristvey, NASA Educator for NASA's EPOXI and Stardust-NExT comet missions. Learn about two exciting NASA Discovery Program missions encountering comets, two of which are arriving at their spectacular destinations this winter!

For EPOXI, the Deep Impact spacecraft was re-purposed to flyby Comet Hartley 2 this November. The presenters will review some exciting imagery and science from this mission and preview the upcoming Stardust-NExT mission set to flyby Comet Tempel 1 on February 14, 2011. Participants will experience hands-on educational activities provided by the education and public outreach team from Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL).

Co-presenter Dr. Lori Feaga from the University of Maryland is a planetary scientist with a background in spectroscopy. As a graduate student, she studied UV spectra of Io to determine the composition and distribution of Io's tenuous atmosphere. More recently, she was a science team member of the Deep Impact mission to comet Tempel 1, using the IR spectrometer to study the abundance, distribution, and production rate of molecules in the coma and ejecta of a Jupiter family comet. From the Deep Impact data, she was able to map the water and carbon dioxide in the innermost coma of Tempel 1. She is also on the EPOXI science team and intends to interpret the spectral data acquired at comet Hartley 2 to compare and contrast Jupiter family comets and shed light on their history in the solar system.

Co-presenter John Ristvey works at Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) on NASA's EPOXI and Stardust-NExT missions. He is currently principal investigator for two National Science Foundation funded projects, including A Nanoleap into New Science creating activities for high school students about nanoscale science and technology. A former science teacher, Mr. Ristvey has also helped NASA to develop many K-12 instructional materials.

10 MINUTES BEFORE THE WEBCAST THE LINK TO JOIN WILL BE MADE LIVE

No registration is required and the webcast is free.

Adobe Flash Player is required to participate and view the webcast.

A new web environment will open on your computer with zoomable windows and a chat interface to ask questions.

About The Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

Boeing Helps Challenger Center Soar to New Heights

2011-01-11T10:59:00.002-05:00

Boeing has awarded Challenger Center for Space Science Education a $100,000 grant for teacher professional development throughout its worldwide network of Challenger Learning Centers.

Challenger Learning Centers worldwide will benefit from the Boeing FLIER (Future Leaders In Education Resources) Program that will ultimately serve over 1,600 Kindergarten through 12thgrade teachers by helping them to improve their knowledge of and confidence in teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-based curriculum.

Learning Centers with high levels of success in various aspects of teacher professional development will train and mentor staff in other Learning Centers to achieve a high level of excellence throughout the network of Challenger Learning Centers. This will be accomplished through a combination of video conferencing, regional training meetings, on-site mentoring and teleconference support.

"Ultimately, this 'train the trainer program' will enable Boeing and Challenger Learning Center staff to provide high-quality professional development workshops to their local teachers. These workshops will provide elementary and middle school teachers with tools and resources, which will enable them to incorporate STEM and inquiry-based learning into their classrooms and to prepare their students academically for the workforce in the 21st century", says Dan Barstow, President of Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

The Boeing FLIER Program is intended to span three years, with year one dedicated to planning, developing and piloting the program with two Challenger Learning Centers located near Boeing facilities-one in Seattle, WA and the other located in St. Louis, MO. In years two and three, the program will be expanded to include up to 30 Learning Centers, including the Challenger Learning Center in Leicester, UK.

"We are proud of our partnership with the Challenger Learning Centers because they are providing teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to help students understand the relevance of what they are learning in the classroom so they will be inspired to become the problem solvers, inventors and innovators of tomorrow," said Anne Roosevelt, Vice President, Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship.

Boeing employees will have the opportunity to serve as volunteers to help students see the impact of the critical skills they are learning in the classroom and connect them to real-world career opportunities.

About The Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

About Boeing

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. As a major service provider to NASA, Boeing operates the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing has customers in more than 90 countries around the world and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales. Headquartered in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 157,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries. For more information visit www.boeing.com.

- end -

Help Us Reach New Heights

2010-11-02T11:30:00.002-04:00

I have some wonderful news to share with you: A good friend of the Challenger Center has pledged to match every donation we receive by December 31st, 2010 - up to $50,000!

The person behind the Garriott Science Challenge is Richard Garriott, who in 2008 became the first second-generation American astronaut when he flew to the International Space Station.

The Garriott Science Challenge is just the latest example of Richard's tireless advocacy for educating and inspiring a new generation of explorers. The funds raised will help us create the Challenger Center of the future by:

• Revitalizing our programs
• Updating our missions and incorporating the latest innovations in space travel and science
• Continuing to grow (with two new centers opened this year, we now have 48)
• Getting more students involved
• And much more

Watch Richard Garriott promoting Challenger Center from Space on our Youtube channel.

Please take advantage of this opportunity to double your gift to the Challenger Center. And please forward this email to family and friends.

I hope you will join in our quest to passionately engage American students in mathematics, science and technology through real-life learning - and to encourage them to pursue rewarding careers in those fields.

Click here to give now.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

June Scobee Rodgers
Founding Chairman, the Challenger Center

Challenger Center Lauds NASA’s New Associate Administrator for Education, Leland Melvin

2010-10-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

Challenger Center for Space Science Education congratulates astronaut Leland Melvin on his selection as Associate Administrator for Education at NASA.

Melvin has an exceptional background for this position, both through his flight experience as an astronaut, and his educational leadership as co-director of NASA’s Educator Astronaut program, and his current work developing NASA’s educational strategic plan. “Leland is an extremely talented astronaut, engineer, scientist and athlete. Moreover, he is a great friend of educators and students. His selection as NASA’s Associate Administrator for Education bodes well for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in our country. Challenger Center looks forward to supporting him in this new role.” said Scott Parazynski, astronaut and Chair of the Board for Challenger Center.
There could hardly be a more important position at NASA, as the nation defines the future path of space exploration. Regardless of technological path, NASA must continue to educate and inspire. NASA has a decade’s long history of educational innovation, and Melvin has the “right stuff” to sustain, extend and deepen this educational work.

Challenger Center had its genesis with the Educator Astronaut program, by honoring teacher Christa Corrigan McAuliffe and the other astronauts of the Challenger mission. Now entering its 25th year, the Challenger Center program now includes 48 Challenger Learning Centers, each dedicated to inspiring the next generation of explorers through its award-winning simulated space missions and other educational innovations. Challenger Learning Centers reach over 400,000 students every year.

Challenger Center for Space Science Education has a Space Act Agreement with NASA, enabling the two organizations to work closely in a variety of educational innovations. Challenger Center looks forward to working closely with Melvin in the coming years.

About The Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit http://www.challenger.org.

- end -

NOAA, Challenger Center Encourage Student Interest in Math, Science and Technology

2010-09-17T11:46:00.001-04:00

Representatives from NOAA and the Challenger Center for Space Science Education will spend the next five years furthering both organizations' reach in math, science and technology educational efforts. The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) this summer to explore potential collaborations related to the Challenger Center's goals and NOAA's mission.

"NOAA's expertise in marine science, climate and weather will help us expand our programs throughout our Challenger Learning Centers," said Daniel Barstow, Challenger Center for Space Science Education president.

"Working with the Challenger Center gives NOAA an outstanding opportunity to continue building connections with students, educators and the public," said Louisa Koch, director of education for NOAA. "Both organizations are committed to furthering our understanding of the world and sharing the excitement of science with students of all ages."

Challenger Center is an international, not-for-profit education organization that was founded by the families of the astronauts lost during the last flight of the Challenger Space Shuttle in 1986. Through Challenger Center's programs and its international network of Challenger Learning Centers, the diversity, spirit and commitment to education that exemplified the Challenger mission continues to make an impact on students, teachers and families today.

The Challenger Center's programs and international network of Learning Centers allow the diversity, spirit and commitment to education that exemplified the Challenger mission to continue to impact the lives of students, teachers and families.

NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit us online or on Facebook.

On the Web:
NOAA Education: http://www.education.noaa.gov
Challenger Center: http://www.challenger.org

Contact:

Angie Tenne
Administrative Assistant
info@challenger.org
www.challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

Keeley Belva
NOAA
United States Department of Commerce
301-233-7095

To the Moon, Mars and Beyond: A Talk with Andrew Chaikin, Space Journalist

2010-09-15T12:09:00.001-04:00

Live Webcast Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 1:00pm ET

Join Andrew Chaikin on a live webcast with Challenger Center for Space Science Education, Wednesday, September 29th from 1:00-2:00pm ET to learn more about human adventures off our planet and the awesome discoveries of yesterday, today and tomorrow in space.

From the Apollo astronauts’ experiences to the coming explorations of Mars and the fantastic images from the Hubble Space Telescope, Mr. Chaikin will discuss the importance of space and lunar exploration and why we should continue to explore other worlds and our universe. Participants can ask questions of Mr. Chaikin via live interactive chat format. The event is free and open to the general public, and it will also be archived. For more information visit: www.challenger.org.

Journalist, author and speaker Andrew Chaikin is an internationally renowned authority on space exploration. His books include the best-selling chronicle of the Apollo moon missions, A Man on the Moon, the main basis for the Tom Hanks Emmy-winning HBO miniseries, From the Earth to the Moon. Mr. Chaikin says "My mission is to inspire and educate about the wonders of the universe and the incredible adventure of space exploration."

About The Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit http://www.challenger.org.

- end -

Challenger Center Heads to Arizona for NASA Desert RATS

2010-09-07T10:38:00.003-04:00

Coalition for Space Exploration Continues its Support of Participatory Exploration at NASA

For the next ten days Challenger Center will be reporting live from NASA's Desert RATS in Arizona as humans use robots and rovers to learn what it would be like to live and work on another world. This is the second year in a row for Challenger Center's participation in Desert RATS. Challenger Center's participation in this NASA activity is facilitated by a Space Act Agreement between the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, and NASA.

This year, the Challenger Center is pleased to have the enthusiastic support of the Coalition for Space Exploration. The Coalition is providing a generous stipend to support travel, logistics, and communications activities. The Coalition has a strong interest in participatory exploration as is evidenced by their support of this and other activities.

According to Coalition Chairman Glenn Mahone "we are excited about our participation in this year's education and public outreach activities at Desert RATS with the Challenger Center and look forward to seeing this unique technology translated into real hardware roaming about on other worlds".

Between 8-16 September Challenger Center will be providing live webcasts, photo reports, written updates, and other updates from both Desert RATS Base Camp and out in the desert. The intent is to provide students and others with a fundamental understand of the value of planetary analogs in developing the hardware that will be needed to explore other worlds - and how they can pursue a career in the various fields associated with this research.

As was the case last year, Challenger Center will be providing a large portable solar/wind generating system to power its activities and also recharge various NASA hardware. Use of this system, the GSW7000, is once again being donated to Challenger Center Green Trail Energy.

The GSW7000 can provide 2.4 KW of wind power and 4.4 KW of solar power. With its extendable 110 foot tower, it can also serve as a cell phone node and provide WiFi and WiMAX connectivity. This unit can be deployed by one person and be operational 30 minutes after arrival at a remote location. The entire unit compacts into the volume of a standard shipping container and can be pulled by a 1 ton pick up truck.

For Internet and broadcasting access, Challenger Center will utilize a Datastorm XF2 mobile satellite Internet system specifically designed for rapid deployment in rugged and extreme locations such as Desert RATS. Use of this system is being donated by MotoSAT.

Challenger Center updates from Desert RATS can be found at SpaceRef Interactive's OnOrbit website at http://onorbit.com/DesertRATS. You can also follow along on Twitter at either http://twitter.com/onorbit or http://twitter.com/ChallengerCtr - or via the Twitter hashtag #DRATS. NASA's Desert RATS activities can be followed at http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/analogs/desert_rats.html

About The Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit http://www.challenger.org.

About The Coalition for Space Exploration

The mission of the Coalition for Space Exploration is to ensure the United States remains the leader in space, science and technology by reinforcing the value and benefits of space exploration with the public and our nation's leaders, and building lasting support for a long-term, sustainable, strategic
direction for space exploration. For more information on the Coalition please visit http://spacecoalition.com .

About Green Trail Energy

Greentrail Energy was founded to address the market for mobile alternative energy systems coupled with mobile communications tower systems. Our customers are the military in far off deployments, the government or private companies during a disaster, or anyone who simply needs a lot of power and communications on a mobile platform. For more information visit http://www.greentrailenergy.com.

About MotoSAT

MotoSAT is a manufacturer of automated satellite television and Internet antennas. As a market pioneer, the company has become a leader in push-button automated systems that locate satellite signals from vehicles and mobile units for television and broadband Internet access. Our customer base includes the oil-and-gas market, a variety of emergency command and tactical response centers, medical applications, and recreational vehicle enthusiasts. For more information visit http://www.motosat.com.

About SpaceRef Interactive

SpaceRef Interactive was founded in 1999 to provide space news and information to a global audience. This is accomplished through its flagship website SpaceRef.com and other networked websites such as Astrobiology.com and OnOrbit.com. In addition, SpaceRef seeks to give back to the community it has served. As such, SpaceRef has donated and constructed a space biology greenhouse that has been in operation on Devon Island in Nunavut, Canada since 2002. SpaceRef has also supported various non-profit organizations and the Lunar Orbiter Image Recovery Project. Learn more at http://www.SpaceRef.com.

Challenger Center Participates in AIAA Space 2010

2010-09-01T16:34:00.001-04:00

For Immediate Release

1 September 2010

Angie Tenne
Administrative Assistant
atenne@challenger.org
http://www.challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.703.683.9741

As space exploration leaders converge on Anaheim, Challenger Center is there in the midst of all the action. This year AIAA Space 2010, sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), is being held from August 30 to September 2 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Challenger Center for Space Science Education will have representatives available at booth #8 in "Education Alley" throughout the conference. This booth is being operated by representatives of the newly-dedicated Columbia Memorial Space Learning Center of Downey, California.

Challenger Center Board of Directors President Scott Parazynski will also be making presentations at the conference. Information on his activities is available at the Wyle both - also in Education Alley. In addition to Scott Parazynski, Challenger Center Founding Chair June Scobee Rodgers, outgoing Board Chair William Readdy, board member Joseph Fuller, and President Daniel Barstow will also be in attendance at AIAA Space 2010.

According to the AIAA "The AIAA SPACE 2010 Conference & Exposition provides the global aerospace industry with a forum to explore solutions for the advancement of humankind in areas ranging from national security to commercial development to space exploration." Additional information on the AIAA event can be located at http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=230&lumeetingid=2387

Star Challengers Book "Moon Base Crisis" Debuts at Downey Challenger Learning Center

2010-08-26T10:29:00.002-04:00

Challenger Center founder available for interview.

MEDIA ADVISORY
Aug. 26, 2010

CONTACT:

Julie Arnold
Griffin Communications Group
321-537-1228 (cell)
julie@griffincommgroup.com

WHAT: Challenger Center for Space Science Education Center's Founder, June Scobee Rodgers, will be available for interviews and will sign copies of "Moon Base Crisis" the first in a new series of Star Challengers science fiction adventures for young readers. She will be joined by her co-authors of the series, international bestselling authors, Rebecca Moesta and Kevin J. Anderson. The books are designed to spark student interest in the space program and careers in science and technology. The book signing is the first in a series of events celebrating the 25th anniversary of Challenger Centers for Space Science Education.

WHO: June Scobee Rodgers is the widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee, STS-51-L, and has been the driving force, along with the family members, in fostering new generations of students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She serves as the Founding Chairman of the Board and as a Founding Director for Challenger Center for Space Science Education. She can address Challenger Center's success in opening 50 Challenger Learning Centers that reach more than 400,000 students and 40,000 educators each year through simulated space missions, educational programs, and teacher workshops.

WHEN: Monday, August 30
1:00-2:00 p.m. interviews
2:00-3:00 p.m book signing

WHERE: Challenger Center for Space Science Education
12400 Columbia Way (formerly Clark Avenue), Downey, CA 90242
The event is open to the public.

ON SITE CONTACT: Pam Peterson, 303-748-0050 (cell-for media contact only, do not publish)

OTHER: Challenger Center for Space Science Education is a not-for-profit (501(c)(3) education organization created in 1986 by the families of the astronauts from Challenger Space Shuttle "Teacher in Space" mission STS-51-L. Dedicated to the educational spirit of that mission, Challenger Center develops Challenger Learning Centers and other educational programs worldwide to continue the mission of engaging students in science and mathematics education.

ATTACHMENTS: A high resolution image of the cover art for "Moon Base Crisis" can be downloaded at www.challenger.org/pr/StarChallengersFrontCover.jpg.

An informational brochure on "Moon Base Crisis" with background information and endorsement quotes can be downloaded at www.challenger.org/pr/StarChallengersInfoSheet.pdf.

Challenger Center combines hands-on learning and new science fiction adventures to continue its mission of inspiring young people

2010-08-18T11:01:00.002-04:00

The Challenger Center for Space Science Education and international bestselling authors Rebecca Moesta and Kevin J. Anderson have teamed up to offer the Star Challengers series of science fiction adventures for young readers, with the goal of sparking interest in the space program and careers in science and technology.

The book in the series will feature Challenger Centers taking young readers to a moon base, an asteroid probe and a space station. These stories are based on actual simulations students experience at Challenger Centers worldwide. The first shipment of books arrived today in St. Louis and were handed out to Challenger Center board members and directors during the group’s international conference.

“We know that young people want hands-on learning experiences and that those experiences get them excited about the possibility of a career in science, technology, engineering and math,” said June Scobee Rodgers, Challenger Center founding chairman. “The combination of active learning at Challenger Centers and the great stories of the Star Challengers series will be powerful inspiration to young people all over the country.”

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 50 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. To learn more, visit www.challenger.org.

Live Webcast: The Many Ways You Can Participate in Space Exploration

2010-08-11T12:15:00.000-04:00

Join the Challenger Center and Angela Peura for a live webcast to discuss careers in space exploration and space policy. The webcast will be held on Wednesday, August 18th at 1:00pm EDT. The webcast is free and open to the public and can be viewed at http://webcasts.challenger.org.

Let's say that you love space, but space technology is not where your talents lie. Does that mean you can't participate in the adventure? Not at all. In this webcast we'll discuss multiple possibilities for careers related to space exploration. We will look at questions such as what space policy is, why we go to space, what "the future" will be like, and how individuals can contribute.

Angela Peura is currently a space policy consultant in Washington, DC. she has worked in the fields of space science education - as a Space Camp Counselor and Challenger Learning Center Flight Director - and archaeology. She recently graduated from George Washington University's International Science and Technology Policy Masters degree program. She hopes to meld her life-long interest in space with her international experience to foster international collaboration and guide human endeavors in space in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner.

We hope that you can join us for this webcast. Challenger Center for Space Science Education hosts many live interactive webcasts for teachers and students throughout the year.

About The Challenger Center for Space Science Education
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit http://www.challenger.org.

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Centenarians Participate in Challenger Learning Center Mission

2010-08-02T11:01:00.004-04:00

If you have ever seen a photo of someone participating in a simulated space mission at a Challenger Learning Center, odds are it is someone around 10 years old. Recently, however, a group of women, some of them ten times that age, pushed that participant envelope to new heights.

One of the women is Gussie Levine. Gussie clearly remembers her 59th birthday. On that day humankind made its "giant leap" as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon. This year, less than a week after celebrating her 100th birthday, Gussie followed in their footsteps and took a simulated journey to the Moon at the Town of Ramapo Challenger Center in Rockland County, NY.

At age 100, Gussie Levine is 5 years older than anyone else who has ever flown a simulated mission at a Challenger Learning Center. But she doesn't hold the record. Remarkably, Lillian Modell, another crew member on the flight with Gussie was born five days before Gussie in 1910.

Gussie and her fellow "astronaut" crewmates, all members of the Fountainview Retirement Community in Monsey, NY, entered the Center's Spacecraft simulator after a short mission briefing and rocketed off to the Moon much like the real Apollo astronauts had done over 40 years before.

At the end of the successful Moon mission, Center Director John Huibregtse, announced to the group that a 95 year-old had once flown a mission at a Challenger Center and was shocked when the Fountainview's Director of Recreation, Marlene Gittlitz, announced, "Well, we got that beat!", and introduced the centenarians, Gussie and Lillian, to the Center's staff.

The Challenger Learning Center opened its doors in the autumn of 1999 and is operated by the Town of Ramapo, New York. Since its opening, over 3,000 simulated space trips to the Moon, to Mars, and to a Comet have been flown. The Center is a member of Challenger Center for Space Science Education Network which was founded in 1986 by the families of the Space Shuttle Challenger astronauts.

The Center provides educational programs for both students and the general public from Rockland and the neighboring counties that comprise the Lower Hudson Valley region of New York State. Besides continuing the educational mission of Christa McAuliffe and the Challenger astronauts, the Center's goal is to find unique and creative ways to enhance students' learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Challenger Learning Center programs are a purposeful way of meeting the increasing demand for better science, technology, engineering, and math education. The Center's hands-on approach to education appeals to the needs and interests of students. It raises students' expectation of success; develops their critical thinking and cooperative learning skills; fosters in them a long-term interest in science, math and technology; and motivates them to pursue studies in these areas. Using space exploration as a theme, the Center is a wonderful way of reaching all students, including those who are educationally disadvantaged or physically challenged.

Besides the school-based missions for students, the Center offers programs for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Brownies, as well as public missions, private parties, corporate events, and after-school programs.

But Challenger Learning Centers do not limit their outreach to younger folks as the hearty band of participants from the Fountainview Retirement Community have aptly demonstrated!

Editor's note: Photos of the visit can be viewed at http://www.challenger.org/about/media/pr_centenarians.cfm.

About The Town of Ramapo Challenger Center in Rockland County, NY

Operated by the Town of Ramapo, New York, the Center is dedicated to the educational goals of "Teacher in Space" Christa McAuliffe and the astronauts tragically lost in the Challenger 51-L mission. This Challenger Learning Center's programs continue the Challenger crew's objective of engaging students in science, technology, engineering, and math, and foster in them an interest to pursue careers in those fields. For more information on our diverse programs visit: http://www.LHVCC.com or call 845-357-3416.

About The Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit http://www.challenger.org.

Contact information:

John Huibregtse
Director
john@lhvcc.com
The Town of Ramapo Challenger Center in Rockland County, NY
225 Route 59
Airmont, NY 10901
http://www.LHVCC.com
1.845.357.3416

Carol Pfau
Administrative Assistant
press@challenger.org
http://www.challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

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Challenger Center Is Ready To Return To NASA Desert RATS

2010-07-28T12:25:00.001-04:00

NASA will conduct its annual Desert RATS activity in northern Arizona later this summer. Challenger Center will be participating once again as it did last year.

Desert RATS (Desert Research and Technology Studies) is an agency-wide activity whereby NASA "takes equipment and personnel into the field to simulate future planetary exploration missions," said Joe Kosmo, Desert RATS manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "We want the public to be a part of this."

This year NASA is offering the public a chance to help pick the location where Desert RATS will conduct its activities. From July 27 through August 8 you can cast your vote at http://desertrats2010.arc.nasa.gov.

This website features interactive panoramic images of lava, rocks and desert for the public to choose as the most interesting destination to explore. The location that receives the most votes will be announced August 16.

In 2009, Challenger Center, in partnership with Green Trail Energy, Inc., brought a large solar and wind power system to Desert RATS. Formally known as the GSW-7000, this device is a self-contained portable trailer that is capable of generating up to 4.4 kilowatts of power from the sun and 2.4 kilowatts of power from wind energy.

As was the case last year, the GSW-7000 will be used to power education and public outreach activities that the Challenger Center will conduct at Desert RATS under its educational Space Act Agreement with NASA. Last year, the GSW-7000 was used on a trial basis to recharge batteries on several of NASA's robotic vehicles. That activity will continue this year as well.

Upgrades are currently under way to add a second set of solar panels to the GSW-7000 so as to add several more kilowatts of generating capacity. In addition, advanced communications systems will also be added so as to allow the unit to serve as a totally self-contained communications node.

Specific dates for Challenger Center activities at Desert RATS are still being finalized. It is expected that these activities will be in full operation between September 8 - 15. Further information will be announced when it becomes available.

Meanwhile, you can get an idea as to what will be going on at Desert RATS by looking at stories, videos, and images from the 2009 Challenger Center activities at http://www.onorbit.com/search/node/desert+rats.

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit http://www.challenger.org.

About Green Trail Energy

Greentrail Energy was founded to address the market for mobile alternative energy systems coupled with mobile communications tower systems. Our customers are the military in far off deployments, the government or private companies during a disaster, or anyone who simply needs a lot of power and communications on a mobile platform. Our fully automated systems are designed to be rapidly deployable, either via towing via a 1 ton class pickup truck, or deployed from a 40' container. For more information visit http://www.greentrailenergy.com.

Contact information:

Dennis Wingo
Green Trail Energy, Inc.
http://www.greentrailenergy.com
wingod@earthlink.net
1.310.403.1346

Carol Pfau
Administrative Assistant
press@challenger.org
http://www.challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

"Moonbase Alpha" Game Released by NASA As Challenger Center Prepares To Participate In Agency's Online Game Project

2010-07-15T11:02:00.003-04:00

NASA recently released "Moonbase Alpha", the first game in NASA's Learning Technologies project. It's a glimpse of what will eventually become a NASA-based massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) project.

Earlier this year, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education was awarded a cooperative agreement with NASA for work related to NASA's MMOG activities. This award was made by NASA's Learning Technologies Project Office under the Cooperative Agreement Notices for NASA's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program. The Challenger Center team includes co-investigators WisdomTools, a member of the Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond (AMMB) consortium of game developers, and Benedict College and South Carolina State University (both historically black institutions), Florida State University's Learning Systems Institute, and four Challenger Learning Centers.

NASA released "Moonbase Alpha" on Valve's Steam network.eek. The game was built on Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3. The Army Game Studio and Virtual Heroes, a division of Applied Research Associates and member of the AMMB team built the game.

Moonbase Alpha has single and multiplayer options that allow players to assume the role of an exploration team member in a lunar settlement. According to NASA Moonbase Alpha is proof of a concept that shows how NASA content can be combined with a cutting-edge game engine to inspire, engage and educate students about agency technologies, job opportunities and the future of space exploration. As such, Moonbase Alpha is rated "E" for everyone.

As NASA's MMOG project develops, Challenger Center for Space Science Education will participate by providing educational advice and conducting evaluations of the program's utility and functionality.

More information about Moonbase Alpha including download links can be found at www.nasa.gov/moonbasealpha.

Information about NASA's education programs can be found at www.nasa.gov/education.

According to NASA, "through these agreements NASA will be able to investigate the use of MMOGs and Virtual Worlds to engage elementary and secondary students in STEM related to NASA's mission. The NASA MMOG will serve as the ultimate research platform for the agency and its education partners to measure how effective MMOGs can be for STEM education and training."

Daniel Barstow, Challenger Center's president, said of this award, "This new online game will help NASA deepen its reach across the nation by providing much needed STEM educational opportunities for students, and our role in helping to validate the content with our partners will help to ensure that the game has strong educational content, learning goals, and a balanced evaluation focused on the real-world challenges of NASA's Earth and space science programs".

About Challenger Center
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

About WisdomTools
WisdomTools is a leading serious games and immersive learning company who specializes in the design, development, and evaluation of serious games in STEM education, civics, homeland security, and health and safety. Using research on how people learn as well as advanced learning technologies, they develop a wide range of interactive training and media used in K-12 and corporate education as well as training. WisdomTools is on both the NASA MMO Development Team and the Educational Design/Learning Team. For information on WisdomTools, visit www.wisdomtools.com.

Challenger Center Live Webcast: NASA Simulation Software - Technology for Space Mission Design

2010-07-15T10:54:00.000-04:00

The Challenger Center for Space Science Education is sponsoring a webcast with NASA simulation software manager Rebecca Mazzone. The webcast will explore modeling and simulation for space systems. The webcast will be held on Thursday, July 29 at 1:00 pm EDT. The webcast is free and open to the public. You can watch this webcast at http://webcasts.challenger.org.

Ms. Mazzone is the Data Presentation and Visualization Manager for NASA's Constellation Program and Exploration Strategic Analysis team at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Modeling and simulation helps scientists, engineers, technicians and operators understand what something is, how it behaves, and how to interact with it, all without having the real thing in front of them.

NASA uses simulation throughout the entire process of developing a mission, from the early concepts of deciding what systems to build to training astronauts on how to use those systems once they exist. The end product is often safer, easier to operate and less expensive in the long-term.

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

Challenger Center in Peoria Arizona Awarded Solar Energy Grant

2010-06-14T12:09:00.001-04:00

The Challenger Space Center in Peoria, Arizona was recently awarded a $50,000 Federal grant for a solar energy project. These funds will be used to install a solar array on the roof of the facility that will be comprised of 72 solar panels.

The grant is part of a $55 million Stimulus Funds program administered by the Arizona Department of Commerce. A total of 14 non-profit organizations in Arizona were awarded grants. The total amount for all grants awarded was $637,328 with each award not exceeding a maximum of $50,000.

According to the Arizona Governor's office "awards were given for the installation of solar water heating systems, photovoltaic electric systems and solar daylighting systems. Once installed, the systems will reduce the nonprofit entities operating costs, and will give each organization a chance to use the savings to provide more services for Arizonans."

Expected savings from the Peoria Space Center's installation could amount to as much as $4,500 in the first year alone. The total cost of the solar installation is projected to be $93,000. The grant will reduce that cost to $43,000. With annual energy costs of $67,000 the $4,500 annual savings offers substantial benefit to the Center.

The Challenger Space Center in Peoria is one of a network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers established across the United States, Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Since Challenger
Learning Centers have education as their core mission, this installation will also be used as a teaching tool. An exhibit with a solar panel and a display that shows energy saving generated in real time will be installed.

According to Kari Sliva, executive director of Challenger Space Center "Our mission is all about educating students and the public about the universe we live in, and the sun and solar power is a regular part of our educational offerings here".

About the Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs.

To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit http://www.challenger.org.

For more information on Challenger Space Center in Peoria visit http://www.azchallenger.org/

Contact:

Kari Sliva
Executive Director
Challenger Space Center Arizona
21170 N. 83rd Avenue
Peoria AZ 85382
(623) 322-2012 direct
(623) 322-3716 fax
ksliva@azchallenger.net
www.azchallenger.org

Challenger Center Welcomes Communication Professional Gwen Griffin to Its Board of Directors

2010-05-21T15:51:00.002-04:00

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2010

Contact:
Angie Tennie
info@challenger.org, 703-683-9740
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

Challenger Center Welcomes Communication Professional Gwen Griffin to Its Board of Directors
Aerospace communications professional joins board of directors for three-year term

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – William Readdy, chairman of the board for the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, today announced aerospace communications professional Gwen Griffin has been elected to the board of directors.
Griffin is the founder, president and chief executive officer of Griffin Communications Group, a full-service communications firm established in 1997 with offices in Houston and Central Florida. The firm is a nationally recognized for its work in branding, advocacy and outreach programs for corporate, academic and not-for-profit clients.

A 25-year veteran of the communications industry, Griffin has served in various agency and corporate roles during her professional tenure, including Director of Marketing for NASA-Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Public Relations/Promotions Manager for Space Center Houston, Area Marketing Manager for Southwest Airlines, Senior Account Manager for Edelman Public Relations and more. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Central Florida, with specialization in public relations and advertising.

“I have known Gwen for nearly 20 years,” said Readdy. “She and her agency have a true passion for inspiring our nation’s youth in STEM studies through dynamic space-based outreach programs. Gwen’s career experience, rich contacts and creative proactive approach will serve us well as we work diligently to expand our reach and inspire the next generation explorers.”

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 46 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. To learn more, visit www.challenger.org.

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VCA Inc, Contest Winners Hosted at Challenger Learning Center New Mexico

2010-05-19T16:25:00.000-04:00

Challenger Learning Center New Mexico will host a morning event devoted to students from the Adobe Acres onMay 19th, 2010. The students are the Grand Prize winners of the VCA (What does VCA mean?) “Pets in Space” essay contest.

The winning students are from the fourth and fifth grade gifted students program at Adobe Acres. Their teachers are Elyse Sedillo and Faith Forsythe. Teachers and students will all be treated to a catered breakfast at this event The keynote speaker at this breakfast will be Dr. Harrison Schmitt. Dr. Schmitt, a native New Mexican, is a former U.S. Senator and was the Lunar Module Pilot on the Apollo 17 mission - the last Apollo mission to land on the Moon.

After the presentation, students will participate in a simulated space shuttle mission, “Rendezvous With A Comet™”, one of several programs provided by the Challenger Learning Center New Mexico. The main goal of this simulated mission is to gather cometary particles.
During their 2.5 hour mission, the students, acting as astronauts and scientists, will conduct experiments and gather data as is done by astronauts on the International Space Station, while receiving guidance from their team counterparts in Mission Control.

The “Rendezvous With A Comet” simulation curriculum is carefully aligned with both New Mexico State and National curricular standards. During a simulation, students use critical thinking, problem solving, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and other skills they have obtained in school. These simulations show students that the topics they are studying have real-life applications and are stepping-stones to rewarding and exciting careers.

Once the mission is accomplished, students will have the pleasure of enjoying Dion’s pizza at Jerry’s Garage the dining area of the Unser Racing Museum.

VCA sponsorship of this essay contest involved the donation of five complete 2.5 hour missions at a total value of $2,500. As a result of this competition, five classrooms from around the Albuquerque area were selected. The Grand Prize winners were students from Adobe Acres. Other winners are: Laura Lirette, Hubert Humphrey Elementary; Laurie Gilbert and Carol Markham, Menaul School; Susan Bane, La Academia de Esperanza; and Kim Berlat of Cottonwood Valley Charter School.

VCA sees activities such as this competition as a way to contribute to community welfare above and beyond their commitment to animal health. In addition, this activity provides support directly to the community of Los Ranchos, where the Challenger Learning Center New Mexico is located, and helps to instill a love of science among young people in the community. For more information on VCA please visit http://www.vcapets.com.

Challenger Learning Center New Mexico (CLCNM) is a non-profit educational organization, one of 48 Challenger Learning Centers around the world. CLCNM provides interactive educational space simulations for students in grades 5-12. For further information please visit http://www.challengernm.org/

Contact Name: Diane Uczekaj, Business Development Manager
Day Phone: 505-248-1776
Mobile Phone: 505-314-3065
http://www.challengernm.org

Challenger Center Names Five Teachers of the Year

2010-05-18T13:30:00.002-04:00

For immediate release

Carol Pfau
Administrative Assistant
press@challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

Challenger Center Names Five Teachers of the Year

Alexandria, VA: Challenger Center for Space Science Education has announced five recipients of its Teacher of the Year award for 2010. This award allows the international network of Challenger Learning Centers to recognize teachers from their communities who exemplify the spirit of the Challenger crew’s education mission, and who share a commitment to learning about science, mathematics, and technology.

Staff members from each of the 48 Challenger Learning Centers were invited to nominate one instructor who had cultivated a strong relationship with their local Challenger Learning Center and whose commitment to education had made a noticeable impact on students and the community at large.

The 2010 Teacher of the Year recipients are:

* Michal Mueller, a science instructor at Curtis Middle School, Sudbury, MA
* Steve Marsden, an elementary teacher at Duchesne Elementary School, Florissant, MO
* Holli Joyal, a 6th & 7th grade science teacher at The Orchard School, Indianapolis, IN
* Maria Montelongo, a teacher at Francis R. Scobee Middle School, San Antonio, TX
* Brandon Cornaby a sixth grade science teacher at Paducah Middle School, Paducah, KY

The Teacher of the Year award is comprised of a special Apollo 8 medallion originally produced by NASA in the 1960. The medallions, containing small amounts of pure aluminum carried into space by astronaut Frank Borman, were struck in honor of Apollo 8, the first human mission to orbit the moon. They medals were originally presented to professionals who had provided support for those missions. The medallions used for this new Challenger Center award are special gifts from the late Mr. Turner N. Wiley, former Chief of NASA’s Communication Branch for Engineering at the Goddard Space Flight Center.

At his request, his gift is being used to honor students and teachers who perform exemplary work in education. Mr. Wiley stated "What better way to continue the tradition of these medallions than to reward educators who are working in both classrooms and Challenger Learning Centers to cultivate the next generation of space explorers. I congratulate and thank the five educators who are making such a profound impact on our nation’s children."

June Scobee Rodgers, Ph.D., Founding Chairman of Challenger Center, said, “These five gifted instructors come from diverse geographic regions, teach different grade levels, and work with students of varying abilities. What links them together is a genuine desire to ignite their students’ curiosities about the universe that surrounds them, as well as to convince them that their futures literally have no boundaries. All of us at Challenger Center are grateful that each of these teachers have found our Challenger Learning Center programs to be a fundamental component of their curriculum.”

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Challenger Center is an education organization created in 1986 by the families of the astronauts tragically lost during the last flight of the Challenger Space Shuttle. Dedicated to the educational spirit of that mission, Challenger Center develops Learning Centers and other educational programs that continue the mission to engage students in science and mathematics education. These programs use the excitement of space exploration to create learning experiences that foster lifelong learning in mathematics, science, and technology, and develop critical communication, decision-making, team-building, and collaborative skills. For more information, visit www.challenger.org.

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Challenger Center Awarded NASA Grant For Online Game Review

2010-05-13T14:02:00.002-04:00

For immediate release

Carol Pfau
Administrative Assistant
press@challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

Challenger Center is now a part of NASA's exciting new foray into online educational gaming.

The Challenger Center for Space Science Education recently awarded a cooperative agreement with NASA for work related to NASA's Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOG) activities. This award was made by NASA's Learning Technologies Project Office under the Cooperative Agreement Notices for NASA's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program.

The specific proposal submitted by the Challenger Center, "Infusing Strong Educational Design into NASA's MMOG: Validating the Content and Design of Moon, Mars, and Beyond", has a total value of $1,029,464. Challenger's work on this activity will be funded at a level up up to $350,000 per year and will be conducted between 2010 and 2013.

The Challenger Center's team is broad and includes the Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond consortium of game developers, Benedict College, Wisdom Tools, and four Challenger Learning Centers.

The Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond LLC consortium is comprised of three companies: Information Place, Virtual Heroes, and Project Whitecard. The Consortium has been designated by NASA as the organization that will create a multiplayer online game featuring NASA missions and Earth and space science content.

Participating Challenger Learning Centers include the Challenger Learning Center of South Carolina (partnered with South Carolina State University); the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee (partnered with Florida State University); the Buehler Challenger and Science Center of New Jersey, and the Challenger Learning Center of Nevada.

Benedict College, a historically black institution in Columbia, South Carolina, is a leading minority institution which is ranked second in the nation in producing African American Physics majors. Wisdom Tools originated within Indiana University's Center for Excellence in Education and focuses on the research, design and development of games and e-learning software.

According to NASA, "through these agreements NASA will be able to investigate the use of MMOGs and Virtual Worlds to engage elementary and secondary students in STEM related to NASA's mission. The NASA MMOG will serve as the ultimate research platform for the agency and its education partners to measure how effective MMOGs can be for STEM education and training."

Dan Barstow, Challenger Center's president, said of this award, "This new online game will help NASA deepen its reach across the nation by providing much needed STEM educational opportunities for students, and our role in helping to validate the content with our partners will help to ensure that the game has strong educational content, learning goals, and a balanced evaluation focused on the real-world challenges of NASA's Earth and space science programs".

About Challenger Center
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 300,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit http://www.challenger.org.

Challenger Center Live Interactive Space Webcast with Dr. Jeff Goldstein

2010-04-19T11:21:00.000-04:00

News Release

For immediate release

Carol Pfau
Administrative Assistant
press@challenger.org
http://www.challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

Challenger Center Live Interactive Space Webcast with Dr. Jeff Goldstein

April 19, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – The Challenger Center for Space Science Education will host another in a series of live interactive webcasts for teachers and students on Thursday, April 29th at 1:00 pm EDT. Our guest for this webcast is Dr. Jeff Goldstein.

Dr. Goldstein is a nationally recognized science educator and planetary scientist. As Center Director for the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education, Dr. Goldstein oversees programs that engage entire communities, trains thousands of teachers annually, and emphasizes family learning.

The topic for this webcast has to do with that big, often intimidating universe out there. How do we - scientists and students alike - even begin to fathom objects and distances that dwarf anything we’ve ever experienced? The secret is placing the universe in a context that is familiar. You’re not convinced? Come and explore your universe with Dr. Goldstein. To make his point, he'll use content from his Blog on the Universe to take you where you've never been (even though you thought you've been there many times.)

For more information see Dr. Jeff’s Blog on the Universe - The Power of Models
at http://blogontheuniverse.org/drjeff-on-stuff/the-power-of-models/

The webcast is free and open to the public. You can view the webcast visit http://webcasts.challenger.org.

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Challenger Center and Green Trail Energy Bring Power to Washington

2010-04-16T15:47:00.001-04:00

This week in Washington, DC thousands of people will descend on the National Mall to see a variety of clean energy ideas as part of Earth Day. One of the pieces of technology on display is co-sponsored by the Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

Formally known as the GSW-7000 this device is a self-contained trailer that is capable of generating up to 4.4 kilowatts of power from the sun and 2.4 kilowatts of power from wind energy.

Last year the Challenger Center, in partnership with the GSW-7000's manufacturer, Green Trail Energy, Inc., brought this powerful unit to NASA's Desert RATS activity in Arizona. Conducted every year, Desert RATS is an engineering exercise that allows NASA to demonstrate its various robotic and exploration technologies in a harsh environment that is similar in many ways to the Moon and Mars.

In 2009, the GSW-7000 was used to power education and public outreach activities that the Challenger Center conducted at Desert RATS under its educational Space Act Agreement with NASA. In addition, the GSW-7000 was also used on a trial basis to recharge batteries on several of NASA's robotic vehicles.

Current plans call for the GSW-7000 to be used again later this summer as part of the 2010 NASA Desert RATS activity.

The GSW-7000 will be on display 16-18 and 24-25 April on the National Mall adjacent to NASA's exhibits. Representatives from Challenger Center and Green Trail Energy will be on hand to answer questions.

Images of the GSW-7000 deployed in 2009 at Desert RATS can be viewed at http://www.onorbit.com/node/1478

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of nearly 50 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org

About Green Trail Energy

Greentrail Energy was founded to address the market for mobile alternative energy systems coupled with mobile communications tower systems. Our customers are the military in far off deployments, the government or private companies during a disaster, or anyone who simply needs a lot of power and communications on a mobile platform. Our fully automated systems are designed to be rapidly deployable, either via towing via a 1 ton class pickup truck, or deployed from a 40' container. Our first product, the GSW-7000 provides 4.4 kilowatts of solar power, 2.4 kilowatts of wind power on a 106' tower, and 1500 amp hours of battery storage. For more information visit www.greentrailenergy.com

Contact information:

Dennis Wingo
Green Trail Energy, Inc.
http://www.greentrailenergy.comwingod@earthlink.net
1.310.403.1346

Carol Pfau
Administrative Assistant
press@challenger.org
http://www.challenger.org
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
1.888.682.9740

Challenger Learning Center of Alaska Director is a "Volunteer of the Year"

2010-04-09T09:46:00.000-04:00

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Alaska's First Lady, Sandy Parnell, recently recognized Challenger Learning Center of Alaska Director Larry Porter as a "Volunteer of the Year". Porter, along with 11 other recipients, was chosen from a pool of 95 nominees.

Larry Porter is the former superintendent of ConocoPhillips' Kenai LNG Plant and has dedicated a substantial portion of his "retirement" to the Learning Center in Kenai serving as its CEO.

According to Melissa Stepovich, chairperson on the First Lady's Volunteer of the Year awards committee Porter has "impacted a lot of children and continues to do so."

Marnie Olcott, chief operating officer of the Center said "There aren't too many people who would've done what Larry has done over the past four years."

Dan Barstow, President of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education welcomed Porter's recognition noting that "Larry is a sterling example of the talent and committment we see across our network of Learning Centers. I'm certain that he'll continue in this capacity for years to come - thus continuing both to inspire young people and serve as an example of public service excellence in his community."

The Challenger Learning Center of Alaska, located in Kenai, Alaska, has been operating since 2000. In 2009 some 6,000 Alaska students were reached through one or more of the Center's various in-house and traveling programs. For further information go to www.akchallenger.org.

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of nearly 50 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students' expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center's network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

World Premiere of “Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission” at the Austin, Texas Film Festival, March 14 and 18

2010-03-09T17:30:00.003-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

March 9, 2010 – Alexandria, VA – A historic 12-day journey to the International Space Station by private space explorer and Challenger Center Board Member Richard Garriott will have its world premiere at this year’s South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. “Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission” will have two screenings at the 2010 conference. The first will be 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 14 at Austin’s Paramount Theater and the second will be Thursday, March 18, at 2:30 p.m., also at the Paramount.

Mr. Garriott’s trip to the International Space Station aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket in October of 2008 was the sixth trip for a civilian and the first trip to space for a second generation American astronaut. His father, Dr. Owen Garriott spent 60 days aboard the Skylab space station in 1973 and flew on the space shuttle in 1983. While onboard the Space Station, Mr. Garriott conducted three downlink events with Challenger Learning Centers, students and teachers from across the nation. He also videotaped a series of science experiments for students that can be found at http://www.youtube.com/ccsse.

“Space flight has been a life-long dream for Richard, and we followed his journey with excitement and pride,” said Challenger Center Founding Chairman June Scobee Rodgers.

“When I first met Richard when he was a senior in high school, he impressed me as a young man who would achieve his dreams, and he helped us to accomplish ours by working on the original design for our Challenger Learning Center simulators,” she continued.

For more information on “Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission” go to http://www.manonamissionmovie.com. The movie trailer is available for viewing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPRvqt3NKFs

To see the Challenger Learning Center activities for students focused on his mission visit: http://www.challenger.org/programs/garriottchallenge.cfm

To request an interview with Mr. Garriott, contact Cathy Conley at Conley Swofford Media.
Email: csmedia@austin.rr.com, Phone: 512.923.9806

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Challenger Learning Center New Mexico is “Go for Launch”

2010-03-05T15:18:00.006-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

March 5, 2010 – Alexandria, VA – The Challenger Learning Center New Mexico, located on the Unser Discovery Campus in Los Ranchos, opens on Saturday, March 6, 2010 with a grand opening gala and welcomes its first school visit on Tuesday, March 9 from Albuquerque’s Ernie Pyle Middle School.

The Unser Children’s Discovery Campus was founded in 2002 by four-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser. The Unser Racing Museum, dedicated to the sport of racing and the history of the “first family of racing,” opened on the Campus in 2005. In 2007 Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School, a public-charter school, opened as the second facility on the Campus with an enrollment of 135 middle school students. Designed to be on par with a private school education, it has doubled its enrollment and will graduate its first class in 2011.

Unser was introduced to the Challenger Learning Center program while visiting the Indianapolis Challenger Learning Center in 2007. Three years later, a new building is now prepared to accept this third facility on the Campus.

When asked what attracted Unser to invest in bringing a Challenger Learning Center to the Unser Discovery Campus he stated, “Children may only be 20% of our population, but they are 100% of our future. When we started this project 8 years ago we wanted to give children the opportunity to look at all forms of career paths. With the addition of the Challenger Learning Center we feel we have come full circle.”

Challenger Learning Center New Mexico joins 47 other locations in the growing international network of Centers. It features a mockup of NASA’s mission control as well as an orbiting space station. Students will rendezvous with a comet and other destinations to follow.

"We congratulate the Challenger Learning Center New Mexico, and especially Al and Susan Unser, on their grand opening and look forward to working with them to bring hands-on space science programs to students and teachers in New Mexico," said Dan Barstow, President, Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

For more information about the Challenger Learning Center New Mexico and its programs, visit www.challengernm.org, call (505) 248-1776 or email info@challengernm.org.

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 48 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

The late, great Robert McCall….

2010-03-01T09:06:00.003-05:00

Robert McCall inside the Chapel he created in Arizona

A link to Challenger Board Member, Miles O'Brien's August 1999 piece about Bob McCall on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the lunar landing.

Challenger Center Mourns the Death of Space Artist Robert T. McCall

2010-03-01T00:03:00.004-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

February 28, 2010 – Alexandria, VA – Challenger Center for Space Science Education mourns the death of space artist Robert T. McCall, who died Friday, February 26 in Scottsdale, Arizona at the age of 90.

According to The University of Arizona’s Alumnus magazine, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov once described McCall as, “the nearest thing we have to an artist-in-residence in outer space.”

One of McCall’s space murals fills a six-story high wall at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C, and his work has been featured on United States postage stamps, an iconic movie poster for 2001: A Space Odyssey, and at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park.

McCall also created the original concept art for Challenger Center for Space Science Education, which can be viewed here: http://www.challenger.org/about/images/McCallCConcept_lg.jpg

“Bob’s artistic talent and imagination helped us to create the concept and design for Challenger Center, and he remained a close friend and supporter. My heart goes out to his wife Louise and his entire family,” said June Scobee Rodgers, Challenger Center’s Founding Chairman.

“Robert McCall’s keen eyes and talented hands captured the wonders of space exploration in dramatic and inspiring detail, and documented our achievements for generations of Americans,” said Challenger Center President Dan Barstow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in McCall’s honor to the Challenger Space Center of Arizona, 21170 North 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382, www.AZChallenger.org.

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of nearly 50 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Challenger Center Statement in Advance of Today’s Senate Hearing on NASA Budget

2010-02-24T18:18:00.001-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

Challenger Center Statement in Advance of Today’s Senate Hearing on NASA Budget

February 24, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – Challenger Center for Space Science Education released the following statement in advance of today’s Senate hearing on the NASA FY 2011 budget proposal:

Challenger Center for Space Science Education fully supports NASA’s expanded educational activities, as embodied in the proposed 2011 budget.

After a few years in which education had a less important role, NASA’s leadership has put education back into a level one priority. Education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is essential not just for NASA’s future, but for our nation. NASA has a unique power to excite and educate students and NASA’s proposed budget embraces this essential role in education and in our society.

Challenger Center for Space Science Education was established nearly 25 years ago, in the wake of the Challenger space shuttle tragedy. Over these years, it has established a national network of nearly 50 Challenger Learning Centers, taking students on simulated space missions. These highly engaging experiences reach 400,000 students every year. As the space shuttle era winds down, Challenger Center’s mission couldn’t be more important, as a way to sustain student and public interest in space exploration, and in the broader STEM domains.

“No matter what pathway our nation chooses for space exploration, we will need an engaged, motivated and educated workforce,” said Daniel Barstow, President of the Challenger Center. “NASA’s missions of exploration and discovery strike a deep chord in our nation’s soul. This is especially true for young people, who need to envision themselves as participants in this grand adventure, whether as engineers, astronauts, scientists or simply as engaged and enthralled citizens.”

NASA’s education budget includes a strong combination of national programs, such as the new Summer of Innovation initiative, along with educational outreach embedded into NASA’s diverse Earth, space and aerospace programs. Challenger Center especially supports the expanded use of International Space Station and the multi-faceted Earth observation programs as ways to engage young people in understanding and stewarding our home planet. These programs also have strong tie-ins with broader national goals of developing technologies for wind, solar and other alternative energies – thus making the connection between space exploration and other STEM fields.

"The contributions, and sacrifices, of the NASA family over the past half century live on – and they must be passed on. But you need a vibrant, active space program, and its educational outreach, in place in order for that to be possible," said June Scobee Rodgers, Founding Chairman of Challenger Center.

The Space and Science Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation meets today at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time. The hearing will be broadcast live on NASA TV at http://www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Challenger Center Board Member Miles O’Brien, Journalist and host of “This Week in Space,” will testify at today’s hearing, as well as NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr.; Robert “Hoot” Gibson, former NASA Astronaut; Michael J. Snyder, Aerospace Engineer; and A. Thomas Young, Lockheed Martin Corporation (Retired).

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of nearly 50 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Challenger Center Live Interactive Webcast - Water on the Moon and the LCROSS Lunar Impactor Mission

2010-02-24T11:06:00.002-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

Challenger Center Live Interactive Webcast - Water on the Moon and the LCROSS Lunar Impactor Mission

February 24, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – Challenger Center for Space Science Education hosts a live interactive webcast for teachers and students on Wednesday, March 10th at 1:00pm ET with Brian Day, NASA Education and Public Outreach manager. In this presentation, we will look at how our new generation of robotic probes has discovered water on the Moon and its importance to our exploration of the solar system. We will concentrate on the recent LCROSS lunar impactor mission which excavated one of the permanently-shadowed craters at the Moon’s South Pole. We will also take a brief look ahead to one of NASA’s next missions to the Moon, the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer scheduled for launch in late 2012. The webcast is free and open to the public. Visit http://webcasts.challenger.org.

Forty years ago, the Apollo missions were helping us to develop an understanding of our nearest neighbor in space, the Moon. In recent years, a series of robotic lunar missions has provided us with new and exciting views of the Moon. The stories these recent missions are telling us reveal a Moon that is far different from what we thought we knew from the Apollo era.
Most excitingly, we now know that the Moon has water. Much of this is in the form of ice deposits in permanently-shadowed craters at the Moon’s poles. These mysterious dark regions are the coldest places yet measured anywhere in the solar system.

Brian Day works at NASA’s Ames Research Center leading development of education and public outreach (E/PO) programs for the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) mission to the Moon. From 2007-2010 he served as the E/PO Lead for NASA's LCROSS lunar impactor mission which discovered deposits of water ice at the Moon’s South Pole. Brian has also participated in various NASA Mars Analog Field Studies in extreme environments here on Earth. In 2007, Brian flew on the Aurigid-MAC mission to record fragments of comet Kiess entering Earth’s upper atmosphere.

Brian is also an avid solar eclipse chaser, having traveled around the world to see eclipses from such exotic locations as the wilds of Africa, the heights of the Andes, the jungles of Central America, the Outback of Australia, the frozen wastes of Northern Mongolia, and the base of the Great Wall in China. Brian has a Masters Degree in Astronomy from the University of Western Sydney, a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of California Los Angeles, and a Bachelors Degree in Information Systems Management from the University of San Francisco.

About Challenger Center
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of nearly 50 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Moon & Mt. Everest Rocks Now on Display on International Space Station

2010-02-19T18:24:00.002-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

Moon & Mt. Everest Rocks Now on Display on International Space Station

February 19, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – Pieces of the Moon collected during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 and carried to the summit of Mt. Everest by former NASA astronaut and Challenger Center Board Member Dr. Scott Parazynski are now on display in the cupola on the International Space Station.

The Moon rocks, along with rocks from Mt. Everest, were placed on permanent display in the cupola today after Station commander Jeff Williams and Space Shuttle Endeavour commander George Zamka cut the ribbon on the Tranquility module’s seven-windowed observation deck.

"These Moon rocks have had quite a journey and they will continue their journey for thousands and millions of miles in a very short amount of time," Zamka said. "They will be placed in the cupola as a reminder of man's reach and man's grit as they go out and explore."

A video of the presentation is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO45KoVPsxk.

Dr. Parazynski, Chairman-Elect of Challenger Center’s Board of Directors, presented the rocks to NASA during a January 6 event at Space Center Houston. Dr. Parazynski carried the Moon rocks with him when he became the first astronaut to reach the summit of Mt. Everest on May 20, 2009.

To schedule an interview with Dr. Parazynski, contact Rob Cork at 703-535-1361.

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of nearly 50 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Challenger Learning Center at Paducah Hits Milestone with 50,000th Student to Fly Mission

2010-02-03T15:33:00.004-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

Challenger Learning Center at Paducah Hits Milestone with 50,000th Student to Fly Mission

Alexandria, VA – February 3, 2010 - Wells Purdom from Lone Oak Middle School received a big surprise as he walked through the doors of the Challenger Learning Center at Paducah on Wednesday, February 3. He received balloons and shouts of congratulations as he became the 50,000th student to fly a mission at the Center.

“I wasn’t expecting this,” Purdom said. “I have never been here before! I am excited to get in there and see what everybody is talking about! ”

The countdown began as the students entered the Center for the day’s space mission activities, unaware of the upcoming celebration. Mellisa Duncan, Challenger Learning Center Executive Director, also presented Purdom with a special certificate to commemorate the occasion.

“We are over the moon that we have touched the lives of 50,000 school students in the local area”, said Duncan. “By continuing the mission of the Challenger crew, the Center has been the start of many students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math,” she added.

The Challenger Learning Center at Paducah, located on the campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College, officially opened on August 16, 2002, as the 44th member of the national Challenger Center for Space Science Education network. Since the inaugural mission, Rendezvous with a Comet, on September 16, 2002, the Challenger Learning Center at Paducah has flown more than 1,750 missions and added programming such as summer camps, scouting workshops, e-Missions and professional development for area teachers.

Serving 19 school districts in Kentucky and Illinois, the Challenger Learning Center continues to promote the importance of science, math, and technology by providing hands-on space missions for educators, students, businesses and the community.

For more information visit http://www.clcpaducah.org.

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Challenger Center Chairman-Elect Dr. Scott Parazynski Serves as Honorary Captain of U.S. Luge Team

2010-02-03T00:26:00.002-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

Challenger Center Chairman-Elect Dr. Scott Parazynski Serves as Honorary Captain of U.S. Luge Team

February 3, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – Former NASA astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski is serving as an honorary captain of the United States luge team, which will compete in the upcoming Vancouver Games. Parazynski is Chairman-Elect of Challenger Center’s Board of Directors and a veteran of five Space Shuttle missions and seven space walks.

Parazynski was once a competitive luge athlete, a sport that involves hurtling oneself down an iced track at speeds in excess of 80 miles an hour, pulling high-Gs in the process.

“Launching into space aboard a Shuttle firmly pushes you back against your seat at up to three times your normal body weight or three G’s on a ride lasting eight and a half minutes,” said Dr. Parazynski, who received a medical degree from Stanford. He also holds a commercial aircraft pilot license and was the first astronaut to climb to the summit of Mt. Everest.

Parazynski is also a director of business development for Wyle’s Integrated Science and Engineering Group in Houston, Texas. The Group provides medical work, hardware like the “Colbert Treadmill” and other unique science and research services to NASA. He is actively involved with expanding the company’s space related experience and business base into new markets, such as the National Science Foundation Antarctic Program, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Department of Defense.

In the mid-1980’s before he became an astronaut, Parazynski was on the USA Luge National “B” Team. He raced in the 1988 Olympic trials and also coached the 1988 Philippine Olympic luge team.

“We are thrilled and honored to have Scott as an honorary team captain,” said Gordy Sheer, director of marketing and sponsorship for USA Luge. “He is a true inspiration not only to our athletes, but to people everywhere. His work ethic, achievement and dedication to excellence match up very well with our team’s vision.”

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Momentum Builds for Excellence in STEM Education

2010-02-02T15:01:00.003-05:00

News Release
For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

Momentum Builds for Excellence in STEM Education
-Challenger Center Supports NASA’s Renewed Investment in Education

February 2, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – Challenger Center for Space Science Education supports NASA’s investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in its budget released yesterday. The changing demographics of our nation make it imperative that the science community, and NASA in particular, attract diverse youth who will be able to meet the needs of a versatile technical and scientific future workforce. Reports warn that the United States needs to make a greater investment in STEM education to maintain and increase the skilled workforce needed in the 21st century. We need programs that give students the opportunity to engage in activities that will cause them to ask questions and think like scientists.

Our Challenger Learning Centers play a key role in engaging young Americans in NASA’s missions. We uniquely engage students in immersive, hands-on experiences that introduce students to NASA’s goals and the thrill of space flight and discovery.

“Each and every day at our network of Challenger Learning Centers children and young adults are embarking on simulated space missions to explore our solar system,” said Challenger Center President Dan Barstow. “And they are conducting research and experiments to expand their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” he continued.

“The future is unfolding before us now, and it couldn’t be more exciting…Kids will be able to realistically envision a career that involves space, either going there or using it,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden at today’s National Press Club event where he further outlined President Obama’s plans for NASA and America’s path forward in space.

“We believe that the way to engage students in STEM education is by inspiring them,” said Challenger Center Founding Chairman, Dr. June Scobee Rodgers. “Middle school students who experience being a scientist or engineer, and who experience it successfully, are more likely to take more STEM courses in high school.”

The following people are available for interviews to discuss this week’s announcement about NASA’s increased budget for education and the importance of STEM education:

- Dan Barstow, Challenger Center President
- Bill Readdy, Chair of the Board, former NASA astronaut
- Dr. Scott Parazynski, Chair-Elect, former NASA astronaut
- Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, Founding Chairman

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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The Challenger Center’s LEGO Robotics Team wins the Hudson Valley F.I.R.S.T. LEGO League Regional Qualifier Tournament

2010-02-02T14:21:00.000-05:00

February 1, 2010
For Immediate Release

TO: News Editor
FROM: John Huibregtse, Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center Director
PHONE: 845-357-3416

The Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center’s LEGO Robotics team, “Bricktron”, took first place honors at the Hudson Valley F.I.R.S.T. LEGO League (FLL) Regional Qualifier Tournament held last Saturday at the Grady Elementary School in Elmsford, NY. With its first place finish the team has earned the right to compete in the Championship Tournament that will be held at Dutchess Community College on February 27th. In competition with ten area teams the Challenger Center team finished at the top by posting the most points in two of the five scoring categories and placing second in a third category. The team won for having the best “Robot Design” and for the best “Research project”. In the “Robot Performance” category the team finished second overall.

The Bricktron team members, 10 boys and one girl, are middle school students from all over Rockland County and the northern New Jersey area. Lee Magpili, a mechanical and aerospace engineer by training, who works at the Challenger Center, has coached the team for the past three years. A self-described “artist, educator, and roboticist”, Magpili was thrilled by the team’s achievement. “I was really impressed by how consistent they were in all facets of the competition”, noted Magpili, and he added, “This year, with all their hard work, they were able to bring home the championship trophy.” Most of the team members have been training together for the last two to three years but new members were added to the squad this year. The team trained at the Challenger Center, sometimes up to three days per week, in order to prepare for the tournament.

At the tournament the ten teams went head-to-head in three tense rounds of robotic performance challenges, but each team also had to present their research project based upon the specific theme, “Smart Moves”, set for this year’s FLL competitions. The Bricktron team spent many weeks working on a research project involving space travel; however, the team, after witnessing the destruction caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti, decided to brainstorm ways in which robots could be used to help alleviate the pain and suffering resulting from the tragic event. As part of their research project the team designed and built a robot prototype that could be used to carry water and medical equipment to people in need. With an on-board working video camera the robot can be remotely controlled from a staging area to traverse rugged landscape in order to deliver its cargo of medical supplies.

The parents of the team members have been big supporters of the Challenger Center’s FLL team since its inception. Allison Jaynes, a mother of one of the team members attended the tournament and said afterward, “I think I can speak for all the parents when I say how happy we are for the kids that after all these months of hard work they came home with the championship trophy. The FLL program offers these kids so much in terms of learning, both in terms of their technical robotics knowledge, and in learning about their world through the research portion of the program. It is a great enriching program for them all.” Another parent, Deborah Munitz added, “Their last minute switch to focus on rescue operations in Haiti as their research project helped them really visualize the problems that the Haitians have encountered and that they could use their skills to help develop a way to help. It is a testament to their hard work that they managed to develop their Haiti automated rescue robot as quickly as they did. The Town of Ramapo should be proud to have been so successfully represented by the Challenger Center’s Bricktron team.”

Former team member, Jacob Greenberg, has helped coach the team this season and believes that the team can make improvements before the next competition in late February, noting, “So far they have been very good at working together, so they should be able to prepare enough if they work as hard as they have been recently.” Magpili is optimistic about the team’s chances of doing well at the Hudson Valley Championship Tournament; however, he added, “Our work isn’t over yet!”

Challenger Center Supports President Obama’s Requested Increase in NASA’s Budget for Education

2010-02-01T14:15:00.002-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

Challenger Center Supports President Obama’s Requested Increase in NASA’s Budget for Education

February 1, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – NASA’s funding for educational programs is planned to increase by $100 million over the next five years to fund several new initiatives, including President Obama’s recently announced “Summer of Innovation” grants to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. NASA will also be expanding partnerships to find new ways to inspire the next generation of space explorers.

Under the President’s budget request released today, NASA’s investment in education will increase from a projected annual level of approximately $126 million to $146 million per year over the next five years. That is an increase of $100 million over that period when compared to last year's projections. Overall, President Obama’s FY 2011 STEM education budget is $3.7 billion dollars across multiple agencies including NASA, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education, among others.

“We are absolutely committed to inspiring young people. We want to ignite their passion for science and math, technology and engineering, professions that are critical now and will only grow more important in the future,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden.

“We are very pleased to see NASA’s commitment to this educational mission through its increased funding for education and outreach, and thank President Obama and NASA Administrator Bolden for their foresight and concern for inspiring the next generation of explorers,” said Challenger Center President Dan Barstow.

“In order to achieve this new vision we need a vigorous STEM education program. NASA has always excelled in its inspirational power to excite kids about the future they will create and inhabit. This investment will reap its benefits many fold over the next decade and beyond,” continued Barstow.

Founding Chairman of Challenger Center, Dr. June Scobee Rodgers said “Our Challenger Learning Centers (including an ex officio center on the International Space Station!) have become a powerful force for change in our nation's education. With nearly 50 Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, we reach more than 400,000 students and 40,000 teachers per year with educational experiences that transform lives and enrich our nation’s educational programs”.

The following people are available for interviews to discuss today’s announcement and the importance of STEM education:

- Dan Barstow, Challenger Center President
- Bill Readdy, Chair of the Board, former NASA astronaut
- Dr. Scott Parazynski, Chair-Elect, former NASA astronaut
- Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, Founding Chairman

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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The Big "Y"

2010-01-29T11:06:00.002-05:00

Challenger Center Board Member Miles O'Brien shares his memories of January 28, 1986.

Click here for More>>>

Challenger Learning Center one of region's gems

2010-01-18T09:49:00.003-05:00

Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana, located on the campus of Purdue University Calumet.

For years I've have wanted to visit the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana, located on the campus of Purdue University Calumet.

Since they hosted programs only for groups, I suggested the center to my son's preschool teacher as a possible destination for a field trip and was thrilled that she put it on her calendar and added a space unit for the 3 and 4 year olds in her class.
This past week, I went along as a chaperone. I was very impressed and it was wonderful to see the excitement on the faces of the little ones as they entered the building where a full-size space suit was on display at the front door.

Once we were inside, the kids gazed up at a mural that featured astronaut Jerry Ross, a native of Crown Point. Our group was greeted by Amanda, who led our group. She explained a little about Ross, the center and traveling in space.

The responses of the kids were priceless. When she asked if they knew what was out in space, she got some of the answers she was looking for (stars, moon) and some that elicited a few smiles and giggles (aliens, the tooth fairy.)

Our tour was tailored to their age group with a short movie in the planetarium (seated on some awesome new beanbags) and an outer space story time. The kids also got little "telescopes" that allowed them to look up into the light and see the Big Dipper. Following was a snack time where they sat down at had frosted Graham crackers and star sprinkles that they could arrange to resemble the Big Dipper.

She then placed stars on the floor and asked the kids to guess what they were and told them they could use their imaginations to identify other constellations in the sky.

At the end of our visit, I was happy to hear that the center now has added activities that are open to the public. Upcoming events include:

* "Fly Your Sweetie to the Moon" from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 11. This public mission is for participants 14 years or older. The cost is $30 a person. Participants experience hands-on fun during a mission simulation.

* Planetarium Night, starting at 6 p.m. Feb. 13. It begins with a planetarium show of "Sky Quest" and "Winter Sky Show," followed by a 7 p.m. laser light show, titled "Laser U2." The "Sky Quest" movie follows a female astronomer's life and the "Winter Sky Show" will feature stars and constellations that can be viewed during the winter months. The "Laser U2" show features visual patterns along with music by U2. The cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children 13 and younger and PUC staff/students.

FYI: Visit CLCNWI.COM and follow the center on Facebook or Twitter for updates.

The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. Carrie Steinweg, the mother of five, lives in Lansing. Reach her at csteinw@yahoo.com.

Four Challenger Learning Centers Awarded Major NASA Grants to Inspire and Educate

2010-01-15T15:48:00.002-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

Four Challenger Learning Centers Awarded Major NASA Grants to Inspire and Educate

January 15, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – Missions to the Moon and to Mars and interactive climate change exhibits are among the projects NASA has selected to receive agency funding. A total of nine informal education providers, including four Challenger Learning Centers, will share $6.2 million in grants through NASA’s Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums.

“We congratulate our Challenger Learning Centers and their partners on receiving these significant grants to reach people in their communities and beyond,” said Dan Barstow, Challenger Center President. “These projects certainly celebrate the work that we are doing every day to reach students, teachers, and the public through our space science education programs,” he continued.

“These projects develop and deliver cutting edge educational resources in science, technology, engineering and math. The "Climate Change" project uses Alaska as a base for understanding climate change in the arctic regions. The "Mission to Mars" project uses high-tech telecommunications to link Challenger students and the Museum of Science and Industry to explore a virtual Mars. “Challenger Reach 2 U” extends our impact to underserved communities, including Hispanic and Native American students,” said Barstow.

Challenger Learning Centers will be leading or partnering with other organizations on the following projects:

Climate Change: NASA's Eyes on the Arctic - $979,766
Challenger Learning Center of Alaska in Kenai, Alaska

In partnership with the University of Alaska Museum of the North, the Imaginarium Discovery Center at the Anchorage Museum, and scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, this project will develop permanent and traveling exhibits and programs that feature climate change data collected by NASA Earth-orbiting satellites. The Magic Planet digital video globe will be used for program delivery. Many rural communities throughout Alaska will be reached directly.

Challenger Reach 2 U - $460,638
Challenger Learning Center of Colorado in Colorado Springs, Colorado

This four-year project will reach more than 2,500 fourth-grade students each year from underserved communities throughout southwest Colorado and northwestern New Mexico, including primarily rural, lower socio-economic status, Hispanic and Native American districts. The project includes assessment, teacher training, industry speakers, and a live event featuring "Moon, Mars and Beyond" to encourage students to pursue career fields in STEM subject areas. Two traveling mission technology kits will be made available for districts that do not meet the necessary technology requirements.

Mission to Mars:An Urban/Rural Collaborative to Inspire NASA's Next Generation - $964,946
Challenger Learning Center at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois
Challenger Learning Center for Science and Technology in Woodstock, Illinois

A new strategic alliance with educators and middle school students in grades 6-8 in Chicago Public Schools, the Museum of Science and Industry, two Challenger Learning Centers, schools serving students in rural and suburban areas of Illinois, and two NASA Centers will jointly develop a live distance learning program called Mission to Mars. Complementary pre- and post-program materials for use in classrooms will be developed by the partnership. Professional development workshops for teachers and preparatory sessions for NASA scientists and engineers will enhance the efficacy of program delivery.

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Inaugural Suborbital Scientist-Astronaut Training Course to be Held This Week

2010-01-11T15:30:00.003-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

Inaugural Suborbital Scientist-Astronaut Training Course to be Held This Week

- Challenger Center Board Member Dr. Alan Stern Co-Organizer of Course

January 11, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – The National AeroSpace Training and Research (NASTAR®) Center’s inaugural Suborbital Scientist-Astronaut Training course begins this week at its facility near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thirteen researchers hoping to accompany experiments on upcoming commercial space missions are expected to attend the training session.

The comprehensive, two-day course includes classroom-based instruction, an overview of the commercial spaceflight industry, altitude and centrifuge training, and several exercises designed to acquaint and prepare trainees for suborbital human spaceflight.

Challenger Center board member Dr. Alan Stern co-organized this training activity and will be one of the participants. Web journalists and Challenger Center board members Keith Cowing and Miles O'Brien will be providing live coverage over the Internet of the two-day training activity - including streaming video. Links to this coverage will be available at http://www.onorbit.com/suborbital.

Speaking to NASTAR, Dr. Alan Stern said: "We are very much looking forward to the NASTAR course, which will be our first dedicated spaceflight familiarization activity. We're already preparing research experiments for suborbital spaceflight and look forward to soon seeing these experiments scheduled for flight."

Dr. Stern is frequently featured in Challenger Center’s weekly educational podcasts. For a full list of recent topics, go to http://www.challenger.org/programs/podcasts.cfm.

About The NASTAR Center

The National AeroSpace Training and Research Center (NASTAR®) Center (www.NASTARcenter.com) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Environmental Tectonics Corporation. The NASTAR Center houses a variety of state-of-the-art equipment and professional staff to support the training and research needs of the aerospace community.

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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President Obama Announces New Funding for “Educate to Innovate” Program

2010-01-09T00:03:00.004-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

President Obama Announces New Funding for “Educate to Innovate” Program

- Science and Teacher Mentor Awards also announced at White House Event

January 8, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – President Barack Obama announced new funding for the “Educate to Innovate” program during a White House event on January 6 that also honored educators from across the country for excellence in mathematics and science teaching and mentoring.

“Whether it's improving our health or harnessing clean energy, protecting our security or succeeding in the global economy, our future depends on reaffirming America's role as the world's engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation. And that leadership tomorrow depends on how we educate our students today, especially in math, science, technology, and engineering, said President Obama.

Among the new funding, the Department of Education will be announcing an additional $10 million in grants for innovative programs to train new teachers. Total support for the Educate to Innovate campaign has doubled to more than half a billion dollars in private funding.

“To continue to cede our leadership in education is to cede our position in the world. That's not acceptable to me and I know it's not acceptable to any of you. And that's why my administration has set a clear goal: to move from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math education over the next decade,” the President continued.

“We applaud the Obama Administration for setting clear goals and the private sector for stepping up to support the work of teachers as they inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Challenger Center President Dan Barstow.”

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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NASA Administrator Bolden Stresses Importance of Inspiration & Education

2010-01-08T23:59:00.003-05:00

News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

NASA Administrator Bolden Stresses Importance of Inspiration & Education

- Remarks Made During Keynote Address at American Astronomical Society Meeting

January 8, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr. stressed the importance of inspirational space exploration missions and education during his keynote address at the American Astronomical Society’s national meeting in Washington, DC on January 6.

“Space science requires a healthy space program, and new ideas and innovative approaches. This can only be achieved from a trained and skilled workforce. To attract the best workers, NASA must continue to develop missions that inspire as well as educate us.”

“We must identify new ways to inspire the next generation of explorers. The nation and the international science community expect no less of us,” he continued.

Bolden also urged those in attendance to continue to personally engage young people in astronomy and astrophysics and thanked them for their service to date.

“Across our diverse network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers worldwide, we have benefited greatly from the time and talents of the dedicated members of the astronomy community,” said Challenger Center President Dan Barstow.

“Challenger Center supports NASA Administrator Bolden’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of explorers, and we look forward to our continued partnerships with NASA and its Centers across the country,” Barstow continued.

The American Astronomical Society’s 215th national meeting was held January 3-7, 2010 in Washington, DC. More than 3,500 attendees were expected and more than 2,200 scientific presentations were on the program, making it the largest astronomy meeting in history.

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Rocks from the Moon and Mt. Everest Summit Headed to International Space Station

2010-01-08T23:51:00.003-05:00

News Release
For immediate release

Contact: Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org, 703-535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314

Rocks from the Moon and Mt. Everest Summit Headed to International Space Station
- Former Astronaut Scott Parazynski, MD Presents Rocks to NASA During Houston Event

January 8, 2010 - Alexandria, VA – A piece of the Moon collected during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 will have a new home on the International Space Station, along with a rock from the summit of Mt. Everest.

Former astronaut and Challenger Center for Space Science Education Board Member Scott Parazynski, MD, presented both rocks to NASA during a January 6 event at Space Center Houston. Parazynski carried the Moon rock with him when he became the first astronaut to reach the summit of Mt. Everest on May 20, 2009. He also collected the Mt. Everest sample that will accompany the Apollo 11 rock to the space station. A video of the presentation is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3St_RRXZLU.

Parazynski presented the rocks to NASA astronaut and STS-130 Commander George Zamka, who will deliver them to the space station during next month’s flight of the space shuttle Endeavour. The rocks will be displayed in the cupola of the Tranquility node of the space station.

“These rocks will be there as a reminder to all of the astronauts of what human beings can do and what our challenges are, so this is a tremendous opportunity and thank you so much for giving them to us today, Scott,” said Zamka.

During the presentation, Parazynski said, “Through its 47 Challenger Learning Centers worldwide, Challenger Center encourages kids to pursue math and science and careers in technology, and excite them through simulated space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We feel very strongly that this is a wonderful organization and encourage you to find out more about it.”

Fellow Challenger Center Board members Miles O'Brien and Keith Cowing joined Parazynski at the Space Center Houston event, which was emceed by O’Brien.

About Challenger Center

Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.

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Special NASA TV alert - Moon Rocks, Everest Challenger Board Members

2010-01-05T08:27:00.002-05:00

Challenger Board Members Scott Parazynski, Keith Cowing and Miles O'Brien will be featured on NASA TV Wednesday Jan 6, as Scott hands over to ISS astronaut George Zamka the Apollo 11 moon rocks Scott took to the top of Mt Everest.

You may recall that Challenger Center helped support this mission through our NASA Space Act Agreement, and he carried a Challenger Learning Center patch to the top of Mt Everest, as featured in the Discovery Channel special over the holidays. (Go Scott!)

Now you can see the next phase of the process, as George Zamka receives the rocks to take them to the International Space Station.

Remarkable journey for such special rocks, and such an honor for Challenger to have helped make it happen.

Watch NASA TV (on the Internet at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html) on Wednesday Jan 6 - see details below.

=====================================================================================

> Jan. 4, 2010
>
> Michael Curie
> Headquarters, Washington
> 202-358-1100
> michael.curie@nasa.gov
>
> Victor Scott
> Johnson Space Center, Houston
> 281-483-5111
> victor.j.scott@nasa.gov
>
>
>
> RELEASE: 10-004
>
> MOON ROCK GAINS TRAVELING COMPANION FOR HISTORIC RETURN TO SPACE
>
> HOUSTON -- A moon rock collected during the historic Apollo 11 mission
> more than 40 years ago will be heading back to space and a new home
> aboard the International Space Station, sharing quarters with a piece
> of Mt. Everest.
>
> On May 20, 2009, former NASA astronaut Scott Parazynski carried the
> rock to the top of Mt. Everest where he collected a rock from the
> world's highest mountain to accompany the lunar sample for its return
> to space.
>
> During an event Jan. 6 at Space Center Houston, Parazynski will
> present both rocks to NASA astronaut and STS-130 mission Commander
> George Zamka. Zamka will deliver the rocks to the space station
> during space shuttle Endeavour's mission next month.
>
> Collected from the Sea of Tranquility on the lunar surface, the moon
> rock and its Mt. Everest companion will be displayed inside the
> station's Tranquility module, which the STS-130 crew will deliver to
> the station.
>
> During the presentation, Parazynski will share the story of his
> journey to the top of the world and what inspired him to carry along
> the lunar sample, followed by an audience question and answer
> session. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon CST in the Blast
> Off Theater in the Mission Status Center at Space Center Houston.
> NASA Television will air a recording of the event at 3:30 p.m.
>
> Parazynski and Zamka will be available for interviews from noon to
> 12:30 p.m. Reporters interested in attending should contact Victor
> Scott at 281-483-4942 or via e-mail at:
>
>
> victor.j.scott@nasa.gov
>
>
> Updates, photos and videos during the presentation will be posted on
> NASA's Johnson Space Center Twitter feed and can be followed using
> the hashtag #moon_everest. From 12:30 to 1 p.m., Parazynski will
> answer questions live via Twitter. To follow Johnson on Twitter,
> visit:
>
> http://www.twitter.com/NASA_Johnson
>
>
> For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
>
>
>
> http://www.nasa.gov
>
>
> -end-

Ramsey teen stays on course despite life-altering tragedy

2009-12-22T16:54:00.000-05:00

They run through the checklist: Eighteen kids, six pizzas, two cakes and a piñata shaped like a space shuttle. Sawyer Rosenstein sits near the front desk and waits.

He is dressed in a navy blue flight jacket, the uniform he wears when he runs missions here at the Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Learning Center in Airmont, N.Y. A half-hour from now, Sawyer Rosenstein (Commander Sawyer) and Brett Polish (Commander Brett) will lead these 18 kids through a space-themed birthday party.

John Huibregtse, the director of this Challenger Center, likes flight directors who possess a facility for acting. In Sawyer, Huibregtse has a ringer.

Read More >>>

Webcast from the Lunar Orbiter Image Recovery Project

2009-12-10T11:21:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, 10 December 2009, we'll be doing a live webcast from the Lunar Orbiter Image Recovery Project (LOIRP) at "McMoon's" i.e. Building 596 at the NASA Ames Research Park. You can view the webcast at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/lunar-orbiter-image-recovery-project starting at 1 PM PST / 4 PM EST. We'll also have a chat function enabled so that you can ask questions.

Dennis Wingo and I will give you a tour of our project including a walk through of the abandoned McDonald's that has been our base of operations since 2008. We'll also show you how we rack tapes, play them back, capture the data on a computer, and then stitch the image framelets together. You'll be able to look over our shoulders and see the imagery as it appears on one of our old TV monitors. We've picked an especially interesting tape to show you. We'll then post the raw image online later in the day. Eventually this image will be posted online at LPI and submitted to the NSSDC.

This project has been funded and supported by a bunch of imaginative folks at ESMD, IPP, NLSI, ARC, SkyCorp, SpaceRef Interactive, and Odyssey Moon with assistance from a range of people ranging from retired Lunar Orbiter project personnel and Lockheed Martin employees to local high school and college students. Soon, we expect to have two tape drives fully operational and to be able to produce images on a daily basis.