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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World Premiere of “Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission” at the Austin, Texas Film Festival, March 14 and 18
Challenger Learning Center New Mexico is “Go for Launch”
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.
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The late, great Robert McCall….
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.
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Challenger Center Mourns the Death of Space Artist Robert T. McCall
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
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
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
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
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..jpg)
“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
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
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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