Local Astronaut Hopes To Open 'Challenger Learning Center' In MN

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Just like Pearl Harbor and 9/11, it's one of those memories that those who were there to see it will never forget.

Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the Challenger disaster. The space shuttle exploded just 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven crew members.

NASA concluded it was caused by a failed seal in the right solid rocket booster.

As the nation remembers that day, many are also looking at the positives that have come from honoring the crew of Challenger.

In the years since that disaster, a number of "Challenger Learning Centers" have opened across the country, inspiring a new generation of explorers. The goal is to now open one in the Twin Cities.

Minnesota astronaut Curt Brown stopped by WCCO to talk more about it and how you can help. WCCO's Kim Johnson sat down with Brown to discuss the disaster and the good that has come from it.

"It was a tremendous loss to the space program and obviously the crew and their family, but out of every tragedy comes hopefully something good and better, and a silver lining," Brown said. "Now, we have the centers called the Challenger Learning Centers around the country and our goal is to put one of those Challenger Learning Centers in Minnesota."

Watch the video above for the whole interview, and for more information on how to help bring a Challenger Learning Center to Minnesota, visit Challenger Learning Centers online.