Media Avisory: From tragedy to triumph, Challenger Center commemorates silver anniversary
Day of remembrance for crew of Space Shuttle Challenger and the continuation of their legacy through the Challenger Center for Space Science Education
WHAT: What started out as a tragedy on the morning of Jan. 28, 1986 has turned into a monumental, educational triumph. The Challenger Center for Space Science Education (CCSSE), which serves as a living legacy to the astronauts of the Space Shuttle Challenger, celebrates its 25th year of using science and math to help students build the skills most needed for the 21st century, including decision-making, teamwork, problem-solving and communication. The Challenger Learning Center Network has grown to comprise 48 locations across America and other nations serving more than four million students to date.
Anniversary events in Florida and Houston include the following:
WHEN/ WHO: Friday, Jan. 28, 2011. Media are invited to shoot b-roll, cover events and secure interviews. Featured guests and appearance times are as follows:
* 7:15 – 7:30 a.m. (EST) – Florida – KSC Visitor Complex, Mission Status Center Short press briefing with Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, PhD, founder of the CCSSE and widow of Space Shuttle Challenger Commander Dick Scobee and Dr. Scott Parazynski, MD., chairman of the board of CCSSE and former NASA Astronaut
* 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (CST) – Houston Challenger Learning Center (CLC) 30 fifth-grade students from Cornelius Academy will participate in the first of two simulated missions with special guests, including:
– Kevin Kregel, former NASA Space Shuttle commander
– John McCullough, current NASA chief, flight directors office
* 12 – 2 p.m. (CST) – Houston CLC Second simulated mission with and additional 30 students from Cornelius Academy with special guests including:
– Gerry Griffin, former NASA Johnson Space Center director, Apollo flight director and original collaborator with STS-51-L family members to create CCSSE
– Kevin Kregel, former NASA Space Shuttle commander
Live webcast hosted by Spaceflight Now with Miles O’Brien featuring:
– Simulated mission highlights
– Interviews with students
– Interactive Q&As for Challenger Learning Centers across America with special guests Scobee Rodgers, Parazynski, Griffin, McCullough and Kregel
* 2 – 3 p.m. (CST) – Houston CLC One-on-one interview opportunities available with
– Scobee Rodgers, Parazynski, Griffin, McCullough and Kregel
– Dr. Carolyn Sumners, director of the Houston Challenger Center- has been running the facility since it opened as the first Challenger Learning Center 25 years ago
– Betty Glass, the first “flight director” of the Houston Challenger Center 25 years ago
WHERE: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – Mission Status Center State Road 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
Challenger Learning Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030-1799
MEDIA NOTES: The Houston Challenger Center has limited space for film crews. Media slots will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. Accommodations will be made for all interested media.
If you cannot participate in the live interview opportunity but are interested in an advance interview, please coordinate with the media contacts and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
EVENT SPONSORS: Lockheed Martin Corporation, Spaceflight Now, Miles O’Brien Productions, SpaceRef Interactive, Epps Aviation, Griffin Communications Group and Space City Films
ON SITE CONTACT: Florida – Julie Arnold, 321-537-1228 (cell for media contact only, do not publish) Houston – Deanna Wilke, 281-881-2981 (cell for media contact only, do not publish)
OTHER: The Challenger Center for Space Science Education is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) education organization created in 1986 by the families of the astronauts from Challenger Space Shuttle “Teacher in Space” mission STS-51-L. Dedicated to the educational spirit of that mission, Challenger Center develops Challenger Learning Centers and other educational programs worldwide to continue the mission of engaging students in science and mathematics education.
Florida Contact:
Julie Arnold
Griffin Communications Group
Julie@GriffinCG.com
321-537-1228
Houston Contact:
Deanna Wilke
Griffin Communications Group
Deanna@GriffinCG.com
832-864-7227
