In 1990 our first starship simulator was launched, and a new era of immersive education began. 27 years and over 400,000 participants later a new fleet is preparing to take the next generation to visit the stars and imagine what lies beyond.
Meet Our Team
James Porter
Director
The CMSC is currently under the direction of James Porter. Volunteering and working at the Space Center as a youth lead him to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with which he taught for six years. After accepting the position as director of the Center, James has since earned a Master’s of Education degree in Learning and Technology and is excited to expand the program and continue inspiring students.
"My loving wife and two boys are at the center of my universe."
Jon Parker
Simulations
Jon Parker began his space center career as a volunteer in 2005 and has been contributing to the program ever since. His love for educating young minds has him currently pursuing a teaching degree in Career Technical Education. His experience in simulated learning and its impact on young minds is uniquely unparalleled. He is our most senior flight director and we are so lucky to have him on our staff.
Official Space Center Soundtrack
Beyond setting the scenes for our adventures, we also recognize that music can be extremely powerful and uplifting. As such, we have decided that the proceeds from sales are going to be donated to non-profit suicide prevention organizations like Hope4Utah. These organizations do so much to support individuals and communities in so many ways, so we want to do our small part to support them.
Space Center SoundtrackSoundtrack of the Fleet
The Christa McAuliffe Space Center began as a classroom experiment by its founder, Victor Williamson. He transported his class through the power of imagination to the outer reaches of our solar system and beyond. With the goal to bring this to students beyond his own classroom, Mr. Williamson built up the program through various grants, donations, and volunteer work to a much larger scale. On November 8, 1990, the first simulator known as the Voyager was opened.
Since that time, the Space Center has been inspiring and influencing the lives of thousands of children in Utah, and beyond. The simulators create an immersive environment where students can envision themselves in roles involving leadership, engineering, science, and more while encountering curriculum based challenges. All while having an unforgettable and exciting time.
The CMSC is currently under the direction of James Porter. Volunteering and working at the Space Center as a youth lead him to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with which he taught for six years. After accepting the position as director of the Center, James has since earned a Master’s of Education degree in Learning and Technology and is excited to expand the program and continue inspiring students.
