Christa McAuliffe Space Center

The Christa McAuliffe Space Center is a non-profit organization located in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Founded by Victor Williamson, the center began as a classroom experiment aiming to inspire students through space exploration. Through grants, donations, and volunteer work, the center grew into a larger-scale operation, culminating in the opening of its first space simulator, the Voyager, on November 8, 1990. The Christa McAuliffe Space Center's mission is to inspire and educate children about space through interactive exhibits and simulations. Their goal is to ignite a passion for STEM learning and foster a sense of wonder about the universe. The center serves thousands of students from Utah and beyond, offering educational programs and experiences that bring the wonders of space to life. The Space Center is currently led by James Porter, who found inspiration for his career path through his own volunteer experiences at the Center as a youth. Porter holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from USU in Logan where he taught for six years. He also earned a Master's of Education degree in Learning and Technology and is dedicated to expanding the program and continuing to inspire students. For more information about the Christa McAuliffe Space Center, please visit their website at spacecenter.alpineschools.org.