It is the first discovery of wreckage from the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger in more than 25 years. 

Tomorrow, the History Channel will air footage from divers who accidentally uncovered one of the biggest pieces of the spacecraft ever found. You can watch a preview by visiting the History Channel's website via this link: HISTORY Channel Discovers Segment of Space Shuttle Challenger

Here in Rochester, the legacy of the Challenger crew continues at the Challenger Learning Center, which inspires hundreds of area students to explore space and STEM-related industries.  

The Challenger Center began as a living memorial to the original Challenger crew and serves as a way to continue the educational goals of teacher and astronaut Christa McAuliffe. 

In the aftermath of the Challenger accident, the crew’s families came together, firmly committed to the belief they must carry on the spirit of their loved ones by continuing the Challenger crew’s educational mission. Their efforts resulted in the creation of Challenger Center for Space Education, a global network helping students to bring their classroom studies to life.  

On Monday, Liam Healy with WROC Channel 8 News came to the Challenger Learning Center to talk with the crew about the recent discovery. They shared their reaction to the news, and reflected on how a fundamental part of the originial mission was inspiring students to learn about space and STEM-related industries.

NASA released a statement on the discovery, saying it gives us all the opportunity to pause, uplight the legacies of the seven pioneers who were lost, and to reflect on how the tragedy changed moden missions. The full statement can be read here: NASA Views Images, Confirms Discovery of Shuttle Challenger Artifactvvv

A program of Monroe One BOCES, the local Challenger Learning Center is located within the Kodak Center in a state-of-the-art immersive environment. Students participate in a spacecraft and mission control simulator, led by Mission Commanders who walk them through a series of interactive science and space-related activities. From building a robot rover to testing out nervous system response times and putting together a probe launch plan, students have to collaborate for a successful Mission to Mars.