How to Visit the Challenger Space Center in Phoenix

Inside the Challenger Space Center in Phoenix, Arizona

Always wanted to be an astronaut? Then plan a visit to the Challenger Space Center in Phoenix to see what it's like to power a rocket. The Center offers a chance to become part of a space flight crew and scientist via a state-of-the art flight simulator. The facility also includes a number of exhibits and programs, lectures and "space camps" for kids as well as a planetarium and a gift shop. It is located about 40 minutes northwest of Sky Harbor Airport, making it a do-able day trip for visitors. It's fun, educational and a nice change from movies and mall-hopping. Here's how to take a day trip to the Challenger Space Center in Phoenix.

Instructions

1. Exit Sky Harbor Airport to the north and take State Route 51 to the 101 Loop North, then exit on Union Hills and head west to 83rd Avenue. Look for signs.

2. Pay your general admission fee and work your way through the exhibits, including a cool space-themed mural, a display of meteorites donated by Arizona State University, a model of the Atlantis Space Shuttle and a large memorial display dedicated to the crew of the Columbia Space Shuttle with pictures and artifacts.

3. Plan to attend the hour-long planetarium show hosted by an employee "Flight Director." The demonstration explains the nature of light and magnetism and how it relates to our universe.

4. Move on to take a turn at the simulated space mission exhibit, where you can learn what it’s like to pilot a craft a la NASA. There is a separate fee for this exhibit. You'll be surrounded by $1 million worth of technology in the "Mission Control Room" and travel through space virtually through the "Spacecraft" simulator.

5. Stop by the gift shop at the end of your tour to purchase a space-themed toy or game. Don’t forget to stock up on postcards. The Challenger Center is located within blocks of a major mall and dozens of restaurants serving everything from barbecue to sushi, so plan a lunch or dinner stop.

Tips & Warnings

• General admission cost is $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors. The space simulation exhibit is an additional $17.50 for adults and $15.00 for students and seniors.

• The address of the Challenger Space Center is 21170 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382. The telephone number is [phone].

• The facility is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

• Call ahead to be sure the facility is open to the public; occasionally corporate programs are held here.