Welcome to
Challenger Space Center of
Arizona
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For Special Tours and Programs
Call 623-322-2001
“A place that is out of this world!”
The about the mysteries and
Introduction
The Challenger Space Center of Arizona is one of 53 Challenger Learning Centers across the
nation. The mission of these living memorials is to “inspire, excite and educate people of
all ages about the mysteries and wonders of space, science, and the universe in which we
live.” The Arizona Challenger Space Center first opened its doors to the public on July 23,
2000. Since that time, over 60,000 people have toured this magnificent world-class space
science education complex.
Design
The design of the four-story Challenger Space Center of Arizona is certainly unusual, for it
is one of only two stand-alone Challenger Centers in the world. When developers were
planning the structure, fifth and sixth grade students were asked for their input. These
youngsters unanimously agreed that the Space Center should be high-tech and should give
the illusion of traveling through space. Hence, those who visit the Center will cross an
elevated gantry bridge 1 and enter the world of space travel. The beautiful space scenes,
the colors, and the lighting contribute to the magic as one travels from one level of the
Center to the next in a fully enclosed glass elevator.
Exhibits
There are many permanent displays at the Space Center, each one designed to educate and
inspire people of all ages. The ones listed below are some of the more popular exhibits.
Columbia Shuttle Memorial Display
This exhibit serves as a tribute to the brave, young space explorers who sacrificed their
lives on February 1, 2003, when the space shuttle mission STS-107 tragically ended. Only
minutes away from a successful mission, their shuttle exploded over the southwestern
United States. All seven astronauts died. The exhibit includes photos of the crew and
many items that were left at the Center as tributes to the crew members.
Iridium Satellite Model
The idea for this global wireless communication system was developed in 1987 by engineers
from Motorola. Within just 12 months, Motorola was successful in launching 72 low-earth
orbiting satellites. Weighing 1500 pounds, each satellite travels at 17,500 miles per hour
as it circles the Earth. A model of this satellite was donated to the Space Center.
Journey Through Space Program
This amazing display located on the second floor allows the visitor to travel back through
time. Starting with the modern day space station and space shuttle, one gradually travels
back past Skylab, Apollo, Gemini, and finally ends at the beginning of NASA’s missions with
the Mercury spacecraft. Photographs and patches related to each mission enhance the
display.
1
A raised platform supported by side frames
Special Programs
The Challenger Space Center of Arizona is dedicated to education, striving always to offer
outstanding opportunities for people to learn about science and space. In addition to the
wonderful exhibits on permanent display, the Center also offers a variety of programs for
children and families.
Fields, Waves, and Light Exhibition
This unique exhibit is new to the Challenger Space Center of Arizona. It allows the
participant to examine the nature of light through a series of self-guided, hands-on,
interactive work stations. Each station allows for an easy visualization of otherwise
complex phenomena, helping the learner to understand the nature of how light works.
Family Fun Nights
Several times throughout the year, the Center hosts stargazing adventures. Attendees are
able to view the moon, planets, star clusters, and galaxies through high powered
telescopes. They will also view a slide presentation on the planets and constellations.
Space Adventures
This new exhibit encourages active participation as visitors explore their favorite Space
Adventures from the past. This 1,000 square foot exhibit includes 440 items and 16 handson units. Some of the hands-on exhibits included in this adventure are “Build a Moon Base,”
“Build a Space Station,” and “Build a Space Ship.”
Simulated Space Flights
This two-hour simulated mission allows the space traveler to experience what it is like to
live and work in space. Visitors work as scientists in mission control or “fly” out to a
simulated spacecraft to conduct scientific experiments. Each mission, whether comet,
moon, or Mars, features teacher professional development.
e-Missions
This special program brings the Challenger Space Center into the classroom via
videoconferencing technology. Students role play as emergency response team members,
offering aid and assistance to people during mock crises.
Teacher Professional Development
The Challenger Space Center offers professional development in earth and space science as
well as innovative methods to teach these specific content areas. These new and creative
teaching methods are designed to engage students and get them excited about the world of
space science.
For more information about any of these special programs or to learn about the many other
programs offered at the Challenger Space Center of Arizona, please visit our website at
www.azchallenger.org or call 623-322-2001.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Challenger Space Center, please visit our
website.
The Space Race
The United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR, now known
as Russia) engaged in what became known as the “space race” in the 1950’s. Both
countries were intent upon being the first to orbit the Earth, the first to send man into
space, and the first to walk on the moon. This competition between the two countries
lasted for several decades. Finally, in July of 1975, the American Apollo 18 and the Soviet
Soyuz 19 conducted the first international spacecraft rendezvous. 2 Since that time the two
countries have collaborated, working together on many missions.
“I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is
out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.”
President John Kennedy (1961)
The following is a memo sent from President John F. Kennedy to his Vice President Lyndon
B. Johnson regarding the competition between the two nations.
THE WHITE HOUSE
April 20, 1961
MEMORANDUM FOR VICE PRESIDENT
In accordance with our conversation I would like for you as Chairman of the Space Council to be
in charge of making an overall survey of where we stand in space.
1. Do we have a chance of beating the Soviets by putting a laboratory in space, or by a trip
round the moon, or by a rocket to land on the moon, or by a rocket to go to the moon and back
with a man. Is there any other space program which promises dramatic results in which we
could win?
2. How much additional would it cost?
3. Are we working 24 hours a day on existing programs. If not, why not? If not, will you make
recommendations to me as to how work can be speeded up.
4. In building large boosters should we put our emphasis on nuclear, chemical or liquid fuel, or a
combination of these three?
5. Are we making maximum effort? Are we achieving necessary results?
I have asked Jim Webb, Dr. Weisner, Secretary McNamara and other responsible officials to
cooperate with you fully. I would appreciate a report on this at the earliest possible moment.
[Signed] John F. Kennedy
2
Rendezvous – the process of bringing two spacecraft together
Timeline of Early Space Exploration
Major Events of the 1950’s – 1960’s
America
USSR/Russia
January 31, 1958 – Explorer I, first US
satellite to go into orbit
October 1, 1958 – National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) created by
President Eisenhower
April 1, 1960 – Tiros I, first successful
weather satellite launched by US
August 18, 1960 – Discoverer XIV launches
first US Corona spy satellite
May 5, 1961 – Mercury Freedom 7 carries
Alan B. Shepard, Jr. first US astronaut in
space; a suborbital flight
February 20, 1962 – Mercury Friendship 7
carries John Glenn, first American in orbit,
orbits Earth 3 times
May 24, 1962 – Mercury Aurora 7 carrying M.
Scott Carpenter orbits Earth 3 times
March 23, 1965 – First manned flight of
Gemini program, Gemini 3 with Virgil
Grissom and John Young – 3 orbits of Earth
June 3, 1965 – Edward White II makes first
US space walk from Gemini 4 – 22 minute
walk in space
December 4, 1965 – Gemini 7 launched with
Frank Borman and James Lovell, Jr.; makes
206 orbits around Earth proving trip to moon
possible
December 15, 1965 – US astronauts Walter
Schirra and Thomas Stafford in Gemini 6 make
first space rendezvous with Gemini 7
June 2, 1966 – Surveyor I first US spacecraft
to soft-land on moon
December 21, 1968 – Apollo 8 carrying Frank
Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders is
first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon
July 20, 1969 –Apollo 11, carrying Neil
Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, Jr., makes first
manned soft landing on moon; first people to
walk on moon
October 4, 1957 – Sputnik I, first satellite to
orbit Earth
November 3, 1957 – Sputnik II, first animal (dog
Laika) to orbit Earth
January 2, 1959 – Luna I, first satellite to orbit
sun launched
September 12, 1959 – Luna 2 is launched,
impacting on moon on September 13 – first manmade object to hit moon
April 12, 1961 – Vostok I launched by USSR
carrying Cosmonaut Yuri Gargarin, first man in
space; orbits Earth one time
August 6, 1961 – Vostok 2 launched with
Cosmonaut Gherman Titov, first day-long space
flight
June 16, 1963 – Vostok 6 carrying Soviet
Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, first woman
in space, orbits Earth 48 times
March 18, 1965 – First space walk – Cosmonaut
Alexei A. Leonov – 12 minute walk in space
March 1, 1966 – Soviet Venera 3 impacts on
Venus,; first spacecraft to reach another planet
February 3, 1966 – Soviet Luna 9 first
spacecraft to soft-land on moon
March 1966 – Soviet Luna 10 first spacecraft to
orbit moon
April 24, 1967 – Soviet Soyuz I carrying
Vladimir Komarov crashes; Komarov is first
spaceflight fatality
September 15, 1968 – Soviet Zond 5 is
launched; first spacecraft to orbit moon and
return to Earth
January 1969 – Soyuz 4 & 5 perform first Soviet
spaceship docking, transfer cosmonauts between
two crafts
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Grade 8 Reading
Strands 1 and 3
Reading Process and Informational Text
Challenger Space Center and Early Space Exploration
Directions: After reading the flyer titled “Welcome to Challenger Space Center,”
the memorandum from President John F. Kennedy and the Timeline of Early Space
Exploration, answer the following questions by shading in the circle that
corresponds to the correct answer. Answer all essay questions thoroughly.
1.
Which of the following statements from the flyer is an opinion?
{
{
{
{
A
B
C
D
The design of the space center is unusual.
The mission is to inspire and educate.
This exhibit encourages participation.
The beautiful scenes contribute to the magic.
2. Read the following excerpt from the flyer:
The Challenger Space Center offers professional development in earth and space
science as well as innovative methods to teach these specific content areas. These
new and creative teaching methods are designed to engage students and get them
excited about the world of space science.
Which of the following could be considered an example of the word innovative?
{ A After spending a great deal of time studying the model, Josh
was able to create an exact copy of the vehicle.
{ B Athena’s 12 page summary of the novel highlighted all of the
important events and provided a good sketch of each character.
{ C Though her musical score did not win first place, Marissa was
praised by the judges for creating a piece that was original and fresh.
{ D The newly developed jumbo jetliner is built upon the same
principles of aerodynamics as the 747 and it follows the same basic
design of the 737.
3. Read the following excerpt from the timeline:
Mercury Freedom 7 carries Alan B. Shepard, Jr. first US astronaut in space; a
suborbital flight
Based on your knowledge of root words and affixes, which of the following is a
definition for the word suborbital?
{
{
{
{
A
B
C
D
more than one orbit
less than a full orbit
a successful orbit
a non-manned orbit
4. Place the following events on the timeline below in the order that they occurred.
Indicate with a US if it was the United States and USSR if it was Russia that
accomplished the event.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
first spacecraft to soft-land on the moon
first satellite to orbit Earth
first US astronaut in space
first people to walk on moon
President Kennedy sends memo to Vice President
first animal to orbit Earth
first woman in space
first man in space
proves trip to moon is possible
first spaceflight fatality
1957
Date: _________
Date: __________
Date: ___________
Date: __________
Date: ________
Event: ________
Event: _________
Event: __________
Event: _________
Event: _______
Country: ______
Country: _______
Country: _________
Country: ________
Country:______
1969
Date: _________
Date: __________
Date: ___________
Date: __________
Date: ________
Event: ________
Event: _________
Event: __________
Event: _________
Event: _______
Country: ______
Country: _______
Country: _________
Country: ________
Country:______
5. Based on the Timeline of Early Space Exploration and the timeline you have
created above, which of the following is a logical and accurate conclusion?
{ A During the early part of the race for space, the USSR was ahead of the
US.
{ B The US did not make much progress in its space program after 1965.
{ C The US was ahead of the USSR from the very beginning of the race for
space.
{ D The USSR was not interested in space exploration until the mid-1960’s.
6. What is the main point of President Kennedy’s memo to the Vice President?
{ A to let the Vice President know that he is to work with Jim Webb and
others on the space project
{ B to tell the Vice President that he has been appointed as Chairman of
the Space Council
{ C to emphasize his (Kennedy’s) position about dedicating maximum time
and effort to the space program
{ D to encourage the Space Council to consider building larger boosters for
the spacecraft
7. Which of the following design concepts was important to the students who
provided input about the Challenger Space Center?
{
{
{
{
A
B
C
D
that it have many educational exhibits and tours for students
that it have four separate levels with bright colors and lights
that it creates a sensation of actually moving through space
that it have a raised bridge as part of the entryway to the center
8. Read President Kennedy’s memo and review the Timeline of Early Space
Exploration. Do you think President Kennedy’s memorandum to the Vice President
had any effect on the space program? Use specific details from the memo and the
timeline to support your answer.
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9. What is the main purpose of the flyer, “Welcome to Challenger Space Center of
Arizona”?
{
{
{
{
A
B
C
D
to provide details about the US space program
to inform visitors about the center and its programs
to encourage students to study space science
to persuade people to donate to the space center
10. Based on your reading of the flyer, “Welcome to Challenger Space Center of
Arizona,” which of the following summarizes the main purpose of the Space
Center?
{ A The main purpose of the Space Center is to serve as a tribute to the
men and woman who have dedicated their lives to exploring space.
{ B The main purpose of the Space Center is to provide a unique
educational place for teachers to bring their students.
{ C The main purpose of the Space Center is to document the progress the
United States has made in space exploration since the 1950’s.
{ D The main purpose of the Space Center is to share the exciting world of
space exploration with all people.
11. Which of the following events probably did the most to reduce the fierce
competition between the US and USSR in the race for space?
{
{
{
{
A
B
C
D
the 1961 memo from President Kennedy to Vice President Johnson
the 1967 death of Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov in space
the 1969 US Apollo 11 moon landing and walk on the moon
the 1975 rendezvous between US Apollo 18 and Soviet Soyuz 19
12. Read the quote from President Kennedy’s address to the nation in 1961:
“I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is
out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.”
What inference can be made about President Kennedy from this quote?
{
{
{
{
A
B
C
D
He is a strong leader.
He is knowledgeable.
He is determined.
He is a brave leader.
13. Mr. Ying’s 8th grade science class is going to prepare group presentations on
space exploration. Morri’s group will use the following sources for their research:
Morri will visit the Challenger Space Center and take notes while she is
there. She will also use a book titled The History of NASA written by a
local researcher.
Natasha will get most of her information from the internet. She also
has a video about space travel produced by National Geographic and
plans to interview her science teacher.
Edwin is going to visit the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He
has scheduled an interview with astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first
man to walk on the moon.
Maurice has a series of Discovery videos on space exploration that he
will review. He also has scheduled an interview with a professor of
astronomy from ASU and a phone conference with a professor of
aeronautics from MIT.
Which of the students will be using at least one primary source for their research?
{
{
{
{
A
B
C
D
Edwin
Maurice and Edwin
Maurice, Edwin, and Natasha
Maurice
14. Match the names from Column A with the correct event from Column B.
Column A
_____(i)
_____(ii)
_____(iii)
_____(iv)
_____(v)
_____(vi)
_____(vii)
_____(viii)
_____(ix)
_____(x)
Zond 5
Apollo II
Alan B. Shepard
Soyuz 19
President Eisenhower
Gemini 7
John Glenn
Luna I
Yuri Gargarin
Columbia Shuttle Display
Column B
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
makes 206 orbits around Earth
first satellite to orbit sun
first man in space
first spacecraft to orbit moon
and return to earth
a tribute to space explorers
who died on Feb 1, 2003
created NASA
first US astronaut in space
carries first humans to walk on
moon
docks with Apollo 18 in space
first American to orbit Earth
15. The flyer refers to the Challenger Space Center as “A place that is out of this
world!” Which of the following statements about this phrase is NOT valid?
{ A It is used as a metaphor to refer to entering the world of space
exploration.
{ B It means that once you enter the center, you literally enter another
world.
{ C It is a persuasive technique intended to create interest and attract
visitors.
{ D It is used figuratively to describe the Challenger Space Center.
16. Read the following excerpt from the flyer:
Simulated Space Flights
This two-hour simulated mission allows the space traveler to experience what it is like to live
and work in space. Visitors “work” as scientists in mission control or “fly” out to a simulated
spacecraft to conduct scientific experiments.
Which of the following is an accurate statement about a simulated space flight?
{
{
{
{
A
B
C
D
It creates the sensation that they traveling in space.
It flies the visitor from the space center to a spacecraft.
It allows the visitor to conduct experiments in space.
It takes the visitor on an actual two-hour journey into space.
17. The text titled “The Space Race” indicates that in 1975 the US and Russia
began to work together on space exploration. What might be some of the
advantages to the two nations working together? Do you see any disadvantages in
this collaborative effort between the two countries? If so, what are they?
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FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Grade 8 Reading
Strands 1 and 3
Reading Process and Informational Text
Challenger Space Center and Early Space Exploration
Answer Key
QUESTION
1
2
3
4
b.
f.
h.
e.
c.
Oct 4, 1957 R
Nov. 3, 1957 R
Apr. 12, 1961 R
Apr 20, 1961 US
May 5, 1961 US
5
6
7
8
ANSWER
D
C
B
g. June 16, 1963 R
i. Dec 4, 1965 US
a. Feb 3, 1966 R
j. Apr 24, 1967 R
d. Jul 20, 1969 US
A
PO
S3C1PO3
S1C4PO2
S1C4PO1
S3C2PO3
S1C6PO4
9
10
C
C
Possible response: Students should see that after the memo, the
US efforts and accomplishments in space exploration significantly
increased. They should mention that by end of decade we put
man on moon; that we had many more manned space flights
after 1961; that we were no longer behind Russia in firsts – first
manned spacecraft to orbit moon, first space rendezvous, longer
walk in space than Russia, etc. Be certain that they use correct
information in their supports
B
D
11
D
12
13
14
15
16
17
(i) d
(ii) h
(iii) g
C
A
(iv) i (v) f
(vi) a
(ix) c
(x) e
B
(vii) j
(viii) b
A
Possible responses: Advantages could include pooling of
intelligence and technology; savings in terms of money; learning
lessons from one another; create “friendship” or peace between
the 2 nations – better relationships; allow for unity on other
projects. Disadvantages: one country may steal ideas from the
other and use them in negative ways, does not allow for one
country to be superior to or dominate the other…
Students may have additional responses. Responses should be
logical.
S1C6PO7
S3C1PO10
S1C1PO1
S3C1PO5
S1C6PO5
S1C6PO7
S3C1PO10
S3C1PO1
S3C1PO10
S1C6PO7
S3C1PO10
S1C6PO7
S1C6PO7
S3C1PO7
S3C1PO5
S3C3PO3
S1C4PO4
S1C4PO2
S1C6PO5