Remembering Challenger

From the assassination of John F. Kennedy to the reading of the O.J. Simpson verdict, every generation has their own unforgettable “where were you when…” moments. 9/11 is one of them. I remember where I was, what I was doing and even what I was wearing when I heard that the first plane struck the north tower of the World Trade Center.

I also remember what I was doing on January 28, 1986 when the space shuttle Challenger experienced a catastrophic explosion 73 seconds after liftoff. It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since that mission to educate America’s youth in science, math and engineering ended so tragically.

In observance of the anniversary of this event, the Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis is offering free special activities and programs the whole family will enjoy. Honor the 51-L crew members by becoming an astronaut for a day! During your Rendezvous with a Comet mission, you must complete the assembly of a probe and launch it to meet with Comet Encke. Along the way, be prepared for unexpected and unpredictable objects in the Solar system.

Remembering Challenger is happening on January 28. Each mission last 2 hours and runs at 9 and 11:30 a.m. and 3, 4:30 and 7 p.m. This event is free, but you must reserve your spot. Reservations are limited to five people per party.

If you can’t make it to the Challenger Learning Center on January 28, come out the weekend before and take a Voyage to the Moon simulated space mission. After a brief training session, you’ll be launched into space with a special assignment to complete. Work with your crew members in Mission Control to navigate the spacecraft, collect and analyze data using real robotic arms and glove boxes, build and launch a probe and more.

Voyage to the Moon public mission is taking place on Saturday, January 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost is $15 per person and reservations are required. This event is recommended for kids ages 11 and older. Other missions take place throughout the year, so check the website for upcoming dates.

The award-winning Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis is part of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, an international not-for-profit education organization founded in April 1986 by the families of the astronauts lost during the Challenger space shuttle mission. The St. Louis location is one of around 50 Challenger Learning Centers located throughout the world. Besides providing space education programs for schools, corporations, community groups and the general public, the Challenger Learning Center also offers summer camps, Scouting programs and birthday parties.

For more information on the Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis or to make reservations for their events, visit the website or call 314-521-6205.

 By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting