If you are over 40 years old, you probably have a distinct memory of huddling around a clunky TV set -- watching a jumpy, fuzzy black-and-white image – and holding your breath while Neil Armstrong slowly descended a ladder and touched a human foot on the surface of the Moon. It was wonderful! It was unbelievable! It was mind-boggling! If you are under 40, you probably take it for granted that American astronauts have walked on the Moon, played golf on the Moon, driven vehicles on the Moon, done science experiments on the Moon and even returned with pieces of the Moon. And yet, the thrill of visiting the Moon remains a dream for all but a select few humans. The rest of us look at the full Moon shining in our night sky and can only wonder, “What would it be like if I could go to the Moon?”

Well, as it happens, the best opportunity most of us may have is just around the corner from where you live! The Challenger Learning Center at the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the First Moonwalk with a very special Return to the Moon mission on Friday, July 17th, that will be open to the public. Return to the Moon is a simulated NASA mission, conducted in the two Challenger Learning Center modules: one is Mission Control, modeled after Johnson Space Center; the other is the Spacecraft, a work area on a future space vehicle. Participants assume the roles of astronauts and mission controllers, working on tasks and experiments similar to the ones assigned to their real counterparts. The crew uses real Moon maps to plan the landing and view film footage from actual missions as they work to complete their tasks. They solve life-threatening emergencies and get everyone safely to the Moon. They may work with glove-boxes, remote control robot arms, assemble and launch probes, vector a landing site, monitor crew health, test the internal environment, direct message traffic and conduct many other tasks necessary to accomplish a successful mission.

The Challenger Learning Center is a living memorial to the seven astronauts who lost their lives in Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Their families and NASA decided to continue the Challenger’s education mission on Earth, giving as many people as possible an astronaut-like experience. Today, there are 50 Challenger Learning Centers in the United States, one in Canada, one in England and one in South Korea. Four of the US facilities are in California; in San Diego, Atwater, Oakland and Sacramento. Of those four, the Challenger Learning Center in Sacramento flew more missions and took the most “astronauts” into space last year! (The Sacramento facility ranks 8th of all the Challenger Learning Centers.) The Flight Directors and Mission Commanders who conduct the Challenger Learning Center scenarios undergo many hours of rigorous specialized training. It takes about 6 months before a new recruit is ready to lead a crew of astronauts. Catherine Gray, the Director of the Sacramento Challenger Learning Center, has 10 years of experience and has flown over 1800 missions.

The Sacramento Challenger Learning Center conducts missions for school children, youth groups, adult groups, corporate team-building and family groups. Crew members must be at least 9 years of age, but there is maximum age limit. The July 17th, Return to the Moon mission will begin with crew assignments at 5:30pm and lift-off is scheduled for 6:00pm. The mission will return to Earth at 8:30pm. This mission is open to the general public. Tickets are $15 for Discovery Museum members and $20 for non-members. Pre-paid reservations are required and can be made by calling (916)575-3942. Although space may be infinite, mission crews are limited. The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center is located at 3615 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95821. You can also visit us on the web at: www.TheDiscovery.org