The Challenger Center is best known for our simulated missions. Students get the chance to take part in a fully hands-on simulation of one of several space missions. From returning to the Moon to establishing a Martian colony, our missions offer a truly out of this world experience.

Our missions are not just fun and engaging for students, we also work hard to impart useful, applicable STEM education to our "crew". We ensure that our STEM-focused missions align directly with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Kentucky education standards.

Since our opening in 1999, we have flown over 7000 missions with everyone from local elementary schools to business leaders from state-leading companies, totaling over 160,000 astronauts-in-training! Contact us to see how your class or group can benefit from a Challenger mission experience.

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In our current mission — Expedition Mars — our crew is tasked with finding a sustainable, accessible water source on Mars in hopes of establishing a permanent base there. They will design a Remotely Operated Vehicle, learn about the history of the Red Planet, and examine a number of planetary samples and data.  This information is vital to scientists and explorers for a better understanding of their mission.