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Simulated Space Missions: Overview

A Challenger Learning Center mission is more than a field trip or a computer game, it’s an off-site laboratory. Our mission simulations are learning environments embedded with activities and lessons aligned with national Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS). While students become astronauts and engineers at Challenger Learning Centers they are solving real-world problems as they share the thrill of discovery on missions through the Solar System.

Students will engage in the enterprise of science while applying skills in STEM. The jobs they perform will complement their in-class work and provide experiences that are not possible in the classroom. They will be required to solve problems, communicate effectively, make good decisions and work as a team to achieve success.

When students arrive at the Challenger Learning Center, a short briefing is held in which they will review their mission objectives. The group is then divided in two with one half taking their work stations in Mission Control and the other half “launching” to the Space Lab to work as astronauts. Each member is assigned to one of the teams that comprise the crew, such as: Medical, Life Support, Robotic, HazMat, Aeronautical Engineering, Navigation, and Communication. Halfway through the mission, the students exchange places so everyone has an opportunity to experience both Mission Control and the Space Lab.

“Excellent experience. Very lucky to be part of this program. Instruction and facilitation were awesome!”
Kevin Malenfant, teacher – Presque Isle Middle School

“Fantastic! I do not have any suggestions because the experience is perfect for 6th graders.”
Mike Healy, teacher – Saint Brigid School, Portland

“We loved this experience! Every student was utilized and engaged! The content of the program was educational and fascinating!”
Suzanne Caron, teacher – Maranacook Middle School, Readfield

Types of Missions: 2024-2025 season

Rendezvous with a Comet *only available through November 27th, 2024*
Grades 6-10 [winter/spring 5th grade]
Crew Size: 16-30
Duration: 2.5 hours

A team of scientists and engineers are on a daring mission that requires them to work together while facing obstacles and emergencies on their pathway to success. With a focus on the enterprise of science, teams will collect and analyze data to ensure the safety of the crew, simultaneously conducting important research for the benefit of humankind. [Standards & Skills: click here]

Expedition Mars
Grades 7-12
Crew Size: 16-26
Duration: 2-2.5 hours

The year is 2076.  This tiny moon provides an excellent location for a permanent base to continue studying Mars. A large shuttle regularly ferries astronauts and scientists between the base on Phobos and the surface of Mars. Crew members build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for hydrological exploration and it also carries one unmanned drone aircraft which can carry the ROV to a survey destination. However, when crew members discover a threat to their MTV base, they must act quickly to save their crew and their station. [Standards & Skills: click here  / by job: click here]

Newest Mission: Lunar Quest
Grades 6-7
Crew Size: 16-26
Duration: 2-2.5 hours

NASA recently launched a Rover to the Moon to explore new areas and collect critical scientific data. However, the Rover lost power before any of the findings were sent back to Earth. A faster and more reliable process to gather this type of information is needed. The result is a new directive from NASA – human astronauts will return to the Moon!

A team of astronauts must board a Spacecraft and launch to the Moon in search of a long-term habitat on the Moon. A team of scientists and engineers are stationed in Mission Control on Earth to command and assist the astronauts on their mission. Once the Spacecraft crew successfully lands on the Moon, they must deploy a Lunar Exploration Rover to investigate different areas of the lunar surface to identify a suitable location for a sustainable long-term human habitat.

However, when the crew receives troubling readings from below the Moon’s surface, the two teams must work together and make critical decisions to turn a potential catastrophe into NASA’s finest hour! [Standards & Skills: click here / by job: click here]

Exploration Lab
Grades 1-5
Crew Size: 12-30
Duration: 2 hours

An introduction to lab science and process skills. During this program students will have a chance to try out several stations in the Mission Control and Space Lab simulators. Skills may include reading coordinates, using a balance, rock identification, following directions, effective communication, and data collection. [Standards & Skills: click here]

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