Exhibits

While the main focus of the Challenger Space Center is on the educational programs we offer to all ages, it's hard to overlook our beautiful and unique building. The following is a list of displays and small exhibits that we have permanently at the Center. Though we do not currently have any traveling exhibits in house, we are expecting our next one over the Summer of 2006, so please check back soon.

Columbia Shuttle Memorial Display

On February 1, 2003, the world lost seven brave heroes; NASA lost seven family members and friends. When the space shuttle mission STS-107 ended in tragedy over the skies of the southwestern United States, the anguish of the loss was felt around the world, including here in Arizona. The people of Arizona came to the Challenger Space Center to remember the crew in their own ways. They left many items and tributes to the crew.

In tribute to those who were lost, the Challenger Space Center has a small memorial display consisting of several items that were left at the Center in the days after the accident, as well as photos and several other items in memory of the crew.

ASU Meteorite Exhibit

The Challenger Space Center has received a variety of 13 meteorites on extended loan from the ASU Center for Meteorite Studies. Visitors to the Center have the opportunity to see this variety of samples collected all in one place.

Iridium Satellite Model

In 1987, a team of valley engineers from Motorola conceived the idea of creating a global wireless communications system - a digital satellite phone and paging network that would later be called the Iridium system. Motorola successfully launched 72 low-Earth orbiting satellites in just 12 months. Each satellite weighs 1500 pounds and circles the Earth at 17,500 miles an hour at an altitude of 485 miles. A permanent model of this satellite has been donated to the Center by Motorola and is now on display.

Robert McCall's Tour of the Universe Mural

As visitors cross the elevated gantry bridge into the Center, the first sight they see is a six-story mural wrapping around the walls of our rotunda. This mural, painted by world-famous space artist, Robert McCall, encircles the entire interior rotunda of the main floor. Utilizing 27,000 square feet of canvas, this phenomenal piece of artistry took six months to complete. It is believed to be the largest mural in Arizona.

Atlantis Space Shuttle Model

This 10 foot high model of the Atlantis Space Shuttle was donated to the Challenger Space Center by Honeywell. Before finding a permanent home at the center, this model traveled around the country to different industry trade shows and educational events associated with Honeywell.

Journey Through the Space Program

The second floor of the Challenger Space Center has been re-organized to give visitors a chance to take a walk back through manned space flight. Starting with the current day space station and space shuttle, and stretching back past Skylab, Apollo, Mercury and Gemini, these displays offer a chance to see how much NASA has accomplished over the last several decades. Among these displays are included mission patches from every mission flown, and several other pictures and donated materials related to each of these programs.

Lowell Observatory Display

Currently on display at the Challenger Space Center, on extended loan from the Lowell observatory, are items relating to the study of the planet Mars by Percival Lowell and the discovery of Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh. More than 22 Ph.D. astronomers from around the world conduct their research work at the Lowell Observatory.

Theater Aviation Display

Several friends of the Challenger Space Center have donated space and aviation related lithographs and other photos, which are now on display in our theater for all visitors to enjoy.