The Nierman Challenger Learning Center at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a part of a growing network of centers worldwide that are being established by the Challenger Center for Space Science Education in memory of the crew of Space Shuttle Challenger. Founded by the families and friends of the lost seven shuttle astronauts, including Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space candidate, this agency continues the Challenger crew's educational mission to teach, to explore and to inspire.

Born out of tragedy, and with the purpose of continuing the mission of Flight 51-L, the Nierman Challenger Learning Center offers educational programs that will instill and increase enthusiasm for science, math and technology. At the present there are 44 Challenger Learning Centers worldwide, with two in Canada and one in England. Primarily the Nierman Challenger Learning Center programs are targeted toward the Middle School grades, but due to the effectiveness of the entire program and the increased interest in space, missions are just as exciting for the upper grades and adults. The Nierman Challenger Learning Center was the first of its kind on the West Coast and continues to offer exciting space simulations for thousands of school students and to hundreds of corporate-minded adults through field trip programs, birthday parties and corporate missions.

NASA Astronaut Jim Newman calls San Diego, California his home and frequented the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center when he was young. Newman has logged over 43 days in space and has performed six space walks. He flew the last successful mission of the Space Shuttle Columbia, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, while carrying some commemorative items for the Fleet. To read more about Jim Newman, click on the image.