The Challenger Center: an out-of-this-world experience
admin | Feb 08, 2010 | Comments 4
At the Challenger Learning Center in Ferguson, you can take a journey to outer space and work inside the space shuttle without ever leaving North County.
The space shuttle Endeavor launched successfully this morning, carrying North County native Robert Behnken. But did you realize that NoCo also has another astronaut claim to fame?
The Challenger Learning Center in Ferguson is a hands-on space education facility for both kids and adults, where visitors can take a simulated trip to the space shuttle and discover what it’s like to work in mission control. One of only two such facilities in the state of Missouri, it’s part of a larger network of 47 Challenger Centers founded by families of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster.
The St. Louis center, which hosts school groups, scout troops, summer camps, birthday parties and occasional public missions, is a partnership between the Ferguson-Florissant School District, Cooperating School Districts of Greater St. Louis and the St. Louis Science Center. It’s also THE place to be if you’re looking for a unique Valentine’s Day destination!
Mission control at the Challenger Center is modeled after NASA's Johnson Space Center.
This Saturday, February 13, the Challenger Center is holding its annual Fly Your Sweetheart to the Moon event, a couples-only mission that includes a two-hour moon orbit, light snacks and a flower for your favorite lady. Space is limited to only 15 couples, and half the seats are taken already, so sign up today if you’re interested! Tickets are $50 per couple.
To register, contact my good friend Heidi Lung, lead flight director, at (314) 524-3490 x103 or heidi@clcstlouis.org. The Challenger Learning Center is located at 205 Brotherton Lane, 63135. After Valentine’s Day, its next public mission will be held in April.
Filed Under: Indoor Fun
Locations in Florissant,
Chesterfield & West Port
Sept 4 "R" Pizza Farm Grilled Pizza Demo 10am, Buy a Bag For the Hungry Day 8am - 12pm, to benefit Operation Food Search, a St. Louis food bank that distributes food to poor & hungry. While you're shopping, buy an extra bag for this worthy cause. Live Music - Dixie Rhythm Kings 9-11am. ALSO 45+ vendors!
Saturdays 8am-2pm in the 2500 block of Woodson Road
The Challenger Learning Center is an excellent hands-on, fully engaging event for both adults and older children. My 10 year old had stars in her eyes for days after our mission to Mars. This is definitely one of NoCo’s great assets!
I’ve been to the Challenger Learning Center as a chaperone on a field trip and absolutely LOVED it. Very cool place that doesn’t get the publicity it deserves.
I just wanted to send a shout out to all of the valentine astronauts who came out for our Valentine’s Day Mission at the Challenger Learning Center on Saturday. It was so much fun and I know we accomplished our goal of promoting intergalactic love! Thanks for your support!
[...] to describe three local projects that make them worthy of the prize. Ferguson submitted the Challenger Learning Center, the Plaza Heights crime reduction and code enforcement initiative, and our awesome community [...]