This "living memorial" to the astronauts has a twofold mission:

• To foster an understanding of space exploration among young people, teachers, and Kennedy Space Center visitors.

• To improve American education through the accelerated and effective application of technology in our schools.

The Center for Space Education was dedicated in 1994. The design and construction of the building was funded through the voluntary contributions of hundreds of thousands of Florida citizens who purchased Challenger license plates.

In addition, more than 300 corporate partners have contributed to The Center for Space Education.

This 44,000 square-foot facility has won three architectural awards. It is located on six acres at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which draws nearly three-million visitors each year.

SPACE EDUCATION AT THE CENTER

NASA conducts many space education programs in The Center. Its popular Exploration Station hosts more than 1,000 school field trips each year and hundreds of thousands of other visitors. School groups take part in a lecture/demonstration program as well as hands-on science activities using actual space hardware and artifacts. Visitors enjoy the hands-on portion of the program.

NASA's Educator Resource Center: As an educator, you are invited to visit NASA's Educator Resource Center, also located in the Center for Space Education.  You will receive a packet of NASA printed material and have the opportunity to copy a variety of videotapes, slides and software onto your own blank tapes, film and disks. 

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

The Center houses the AMF Educational Technology Institute, a national organization which provides training, demonstration and developmental programs for educators in partnership with corporations, government agencies, educational institutes and national associations.

FLORIDA SPACE INSTITUTE
The Center houses the offices and classroom space for the University of Central Florida's Florida Space Institute and the headquarters of the Florida Space Grant Consortium.

BREVARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPACEPORT CENTER
The CSE houses the BCC Spaceport Center, an arm of the college offering courses in aerospace technology. Backed by an Aerospace Technology Advisory Committee (ATAC) composed of more than 40 industry, government, and academic organizations, BCC now offers Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science degrees in Aerospace Technology. A national certification program for aerospace technicians is in work. For more information, visit http://www.spaceportcenter.net and http://www.spacetec.org.

FLORIDA SPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The Center also houses the offices for Florida Space Research Institute (FSRI).  Promoting the growth of space-related research and technology development has become an important goal for the state of Florida. An expanded university/academic involvement in the space industry is key to meeting this goal. FSRI was established by Florida's Governor and Legislature.

In July 2000, former astronaut Dr. Samuel T. Durrance was selected as Executive Director of the Florida Space Research Institute.  You can visit their web site at: http://www.fsri.org for more information.