Articles
Space Science returns to Space City
Apr 24, 2023
By Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E.
Chancellor, Houston Community College
Houston is known for many things – oil, baseball, cowboys, and great food – but it is perhaps most famous as the home of NASA's Mission Control and the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Houston has been known as "Space City" for decades, and for good reason. The city has played a critical role in space exploration and science since the inception of NASA. JSC has been at the forefront of space exploration since the Apollo program in the 1960s. It was here that the famous "Houston, we have a problem" call was made during the Apollo 13 mission, and it was here that the first moon landing was planned and executed. Today, JSC is home to more than 10,000 employees and contractors, working on everything from designing and building spacecraft to conducting research on the effects of space on the human body. NASA's recent announcement of the Artemis 2 project has rekindled the nation’s passion for space science and exploration.
One organization that is bringing space science to Houston in a big way is Houston Community College (HCC). HCC’s commitment to innovation, community and K-12 partnerships was the inspiration to creating a space where students can envision themselves in STEM careers. HCC's Challenger Learning Center (CLC) is an exciting addition to Houston's STEM education landscape. The center will offer a range of immersive and hands-on simulation programs that will help inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The CLC is modeled after the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, which was established in honor of the crew of the ill-fated Challenger orbiter. The center provides a simulated space mission experience for students, where they can take on the roles of astronauts, scientists, and engineers. The programs offered at the center will bring classroom studies to life and cultivate skills needed for future success, such as problem solving, innovative thinking, communication and teamwork.
The CLC programs align with national STEM education standards and provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce. Houston has always been a hub for STEM education, with some of the nation’s top universities and research institutions located in the city. The CLC is a valuable addition to Houston's STEM education, as it provides students with a unique and exciting learning experience that inspires careers in the high demand fields of science, engineering, medicine, and technology. Students, teachers and community members of all ages will have the opportunity to engage with the CLC simulation programs. HCC's commitment to STEM education is not just good for the city's economy, it is also good for the country and the world.
The Artemis 2 project and the groundbreaking SpaceX Starship launch are reminders of the critical role Houston's STEM education plays in making space exploration possible. By providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM careers, HCC is creating a pipeline of talent that will not only drive innovation and growth but will bring transformational economic mobility change for our community.