The 28 January 2010 marks 25 years since the Challenger crew on
mission STS-51L were lost shortly after take-off.
The National Space Centre is home to the only UK based
Challenger Learning Center, founded by the families of the crew, to
commemorate and carry on their "educational mission".
The Challenger Learning Centre was created to stimulate
long-term interest in maths, science and technology through the
mission simulations. Participants run their mission in a highly
themed environment where they take on roles within a Mission
Control and Space Station, which exposes them to the demands of
co-operation, problem-solving, communication, decision-making and
learning in a fun environment.
The National Space Centre's Challenger Learning Centre is the
only one outside North America and has seen over 100,000 children
enjoy the experience since opening in 1999.
On Friday 28 January 2010 visitors to the National Space Centre
will be able to discover the background behind the mission and the
legacy that continues as a dedication to the memory of the
crew.
Malika Andress, spokesperson for the National Space Centre said;
"We work closely with both NASA and the Challenger Learning Centre
charity and shall be remembering this great loss, but at the same
time celebrating the lives of the crew and the work they have left
behind that we help to continue. We have over 100 children
joining us for a sleep over and see Challenger as an inspiration to
this next generation and not just a horrific disaster."
The Space Shuttle Challenger's crew of seven astronauts died in
the explosion of their spacecraft during the launch of STS-51-L on
January 28, 1986, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The
crew included Commander Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, Pilot Michael J.
Smith, Mission Specialists Judith A. Resnik, Ronald E. McNair and
Ellison S. Onizuka, Payload Specialist Gregory B. Jarvis and Sharon
Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher to fly in space.