Your Mission in the Challenger Learning Center

In the year 2076, the United States is ready to take the next big leap in space exploration. After successfully operating a base on the Moon, called New Tranquility Base, the time has come to send a group of scientists to the planet Mars. These scientists have been training on the Moon for their journey.

The mission has been named Operation: LEAPFROG – Lunar Exchange And Preparation For Research On-Going, and has two phases.

Phase one: The New Tranquility Base colonists must act as Mission Control to bring their replacements from Earth orbit to the Moon. Once they arrive, the replacements will take over Mission Control in New Tranquility Base.

Phase two begins with new mission controllers and new astronauts ready to begin the journey to Mars. The mission is completed with a successful landing on Chryse Planitia, the Golden Plains of Mars.

Along the way astronauts must complete experiments and make sure the ship is functioning properly, while mission controllers track information, do research and ensure the safety of the crew. The success of the mission relies on responsibility, teamwork, communications, and good decision-making.

A Full Mission consists of both a Moon and Mars landing with mission controllers and astronauts. Junior and Mini Missions only do half of Operation: LEAPFROG with a Moon or Mars landing and all students are astronauts.

Option Name	Grade	Special Characteristics	Length	Fee*	Number of Participants
Junior Mission	1 - 3	Participants act only as astronauts, one adult required per 2 children to help with reading. Moon landing.	1.5 hours	$185	12 - 20 students, minimum of 8 adults
Mini Mars Mission	4 - 7	Participants act only as astronauts. Mars landing.	1 hour	$160	12 – 20 students
Advanced Mini Mission	7 - 12	Harder tasks. Participants act only as astronauts. Mars landing.	1 hour	$160	12 – 20 students
Full Mission	4 - 7	Participants act as both astronauts and mission controllers, Landings on Moon and Mars.	2 hours	$280	24 – 40 students
Advanced Full Mission	8 - 12	Harder tasks. Participants act as both astronauts and mission controllers. Landings on Moon and Mars.	2 hours	$280	24 – 40 students

*First Time Flyer Discounts

We believe that a Challenger Center Mission is so unique that the only way to fully understand it is to participate! We want to make it easier for you to take the first step to using the program as a tool to help teach science concepts and life skills.

We can give you a great discount on your first missions because we think that you will want to come back year after year once your students tell you it was the best field trip they have ever been on.

Restrictions
These discounts are available to public schools, private schools, home school groups, and any associated extracurricular activities. Discounted programs can take place at the Challenger Center located at either the George Observatory or HMNS. Schools are not eligible if anyone from that school has booked a Challenger program within the past 3 years. Challenger Center staff will check registration records and make the decision of eligibility.

Find Out if Your School is Eligible
Call the Challenger Center at 713-639-4631 before registering. The Challenger Center staff will check your eligibility and give you a special code for your discount that you will use when you are ready to register. Then pick the program that is right for your group and follow the registration instructions on the Accepting Your Mission page.