Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Do your programs address any of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks?
Yes! Many of our programs address the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, particularly for the Science and Technology Engineering Framework as part of our Challenger Learning Center simulated missions.

What is the Challenger Learning Center?
Challenger Learning Centers, or CLCs, are informal learning environments dedicated to space-themed simulation-based experiences. The McAuliffe Center is home to one of about 30 CLCs in the US. Our space mission simulations are led by trained Flight Directors and take place in a fully immersive Space Station and Mission Control for learners from grade 5 through adult.

Can I request a group visit to the McAuliffe Center?
Yes! A group visit is available for school, out-of-school time, camps, Scouts, clubs, community organizations, senior groups, private corporations, and more!

What are the chaperone requirements for our visit to the McAuliffe Center?

• For scheduled group visits to the McAuliffe Center, a 1:9 (adult:child) ratio is required for children in grades K-12.

• For students with special needs, a ratio of 1:1 or 1:3 (educator/adult:student) is recommended, depending on each individual student’s needs.

What hours are available to schedule a program for my group?

• School-day programs are typically scheduled weekdays, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-2:00pm.

• Out-of-school time programs often request programs during school vacations, after 2pm, and during the summer.

• Lifelong learners often submit requests for early evening, weekends, and summer.

• Requests for start time at 4:00pm and later on weekdays and any time on weekends depend on staffing availability.

How long is my program?

• Mission + Planetarium: These two programs combined can last up to 4.5 hours and include a simulated mission, lunch break, and planetarium program.

• Mission only: A simulated mission in the CLC lasts up to 2 hours.

• Planetarium only: A planetarium program lasts up to 1.5 hours.

• If your group arrives later than scheduled, the program will still end at the time scheduled on your reservation. 

What if I have an entire grade level of students who want to visit the McAuliffe Center?
McAuliffe Center Staff work with you to determine a schedule that best accommodates your group’s needs regarding the type of program requested by you and the size of your group.

Can our group eat lunch or snacks at the McAuliffe Center?
Yes! The McAuliffe Center has its own Lunch Room for groups who bring their own lunches. Please let us know if you need this room for your visit. In addition, FSU Dining Services has many on-campus options if your group has additional time to spend on campus. While school is in session, the Dining Commons in the McCarthy Center is a great all-you-care-to-eat option that accommodates dietary needs such as gluten-free, allergy-friendly, vegan, and much more.

You can also cater foods such as pizza, sandwiches, salads, and beverages.

Mission Simulations in the Challenger Learning Center
(In-Person)

Which simulated mission should I choose for my group?

This table informs you about the age, minimum and maximum number of participants and maximum time for each mission for you to determine what may be the best fit for your group. Feel free to contact McAuliffe Center Staff to help you decide if you still have questions after reviewing the table below.

Is there any prep work for my group before our visit for a mission?
Yes! Prep work before your visit ensures a high quality, positive learning experience for your group. It is important to review the guidelines for participation in the program and to discuss the roles and job descriptions with all members of your group. The job descriptions are online under the Challenger Learning Center program list. The guidelines and Crew Manifest are sent to you via email after receiving all of your completed program registration paperwork and payment in full.

How do you recommend I assign individuals to stations for the crew manifest?
The job descriptions indicates the knowledge and skills required of the job. Choose the role for each participant according to the skills listed in the job requirements. Some groups include the job application as part of prep work to assist you in assigning participants to a station, and many educators include the application as a supplemental activity for program preparation, especially when you are less familiar with the participants’ interests.

What do we do if my group has an individual with mobility concerns?
The McAuliffe Center is an ADA-compliant facility. Please inform McAuliffe Center Staff in advance of booking your program about your concerns.

Can we do more than one mission simulation on the same day?
Yes, but only if it is the same mission. Also, there is a maximum of two missions in one day. 

FSU Digital Planetarium

What is included in a planetarium program?
The highlight of a planetarium program at the McAuliffe Center is a live, interactive show that will fly participants to exciting locations in our galaxy that they may choose, which lasts about 45 minutes. A fulldome film of about 30 minutes complements the live show. Depending on the film chosen, there may be a group activity.

How long is a planetarium program?
The standard planetarium program is up to 90 minutes.

How many people can be accommodated for a planetarium program?
A group needs a minimum of 10 people; and the maximum is 60 people, including chaperones.

Does the planetarium offer programming for Pre-K students, Kindergarteners and 1st graders?
Yes! We offer interactive planetarium programs designed for our youngest learners. Complete the online Program Request Form and McAuliffe Center Staff will follow-up with your request in about a week.

Can I rent the planetarium for a private event?
Yes! Complete the online Program Request Form and McAuliffe Center Staff will follow-up with your request in about a week.

I am an FSU professor. Can I use the planetarium to complement my coursework?
Yes! Send us an email for the link to the program request form for FSU faculty.

Can FSU student groups use the planetarium?
Yes! Complete the online Program Request Form and McAuliffe Center staff will follow-up with your request in about a week.

Registration, Contract, and Payment

How do I register for a program at the McAuliffe Center?
First, complete an online Program Request Form for your group. McAuliffe Center staff will follow-up with you to determine next steps for program registration.

What are the program costs?
Program costs are listed here.

Do you have a discount for booking multiple programs?
Yes! If you book four or more of the same type of program (i.e., CLC, Planetarium, or CLC+Planetarium combo), you receive a 10% discount for each set of four programs booked.  

For example:

• If you book seven planetarium programs, four programs receive a 10% discount and three programs are billed at the regular price.

• If you book two CLC programs and two planetarium programs, there is no discount.

How do I pay for my scheduled program?
The McAuliffe Center accepts credit card, check, or cash.

• Credit card: Payments are made online via the Learning Stream link provided on your invoice and in your email containing your registration packet and information.

• Checks: Make payable to: Framingham State University / McAuliffe Center. Your check should arrive to the McAuliffe Center 15 days before your first scheduled visit listed on your program confirmation.

• Cash: This form of payment must be received 15 days before your first scheduled visit.

When is the payment for my group’s visit due to the McAuliffe Center?
Full payment for your group’s visit is due 15 days in advance of your first scheduled visit. Any exceptions to this policy must be arranged in advance by contacting McAuliffe Center Staff at 508-626-4050.

What is your cancellation policy?
In the event that you need to cancel your scheduled visit to the McAuliffe Center, you must contact the McAuliffe Center via email at cmc@framingham.edu. You should call the McAuliffe Center and speak with the Administrative Aide at 508-626-4050 if you do not receive an email response within 2 business days.  

• Cancellation more than 15 days of first scheduled program: 100% refund

• Cancellation 8-15 days of first scheduled program: 50% refund

• Cancellation 0-7 days of first scheduled program: 0% refund

• No-show for the program: 0% refund

What if there is a snow day or another official closure outside of my school group’s district-approved school calendar?
Snow days or other official school closures are not considered a cancellation. In such an event, contact the McAuliffe Center at 508-626-4050 AND email cmc@framingham.edu about your situation as soon as possible. Failure to timely inform the McAuliffe Center about your school’s official closure is considered a “no-show” and is subject to a charge of 100% of fees applicable to the date of school closure. When contacting the McAuliffe Center Staff about an official school closure, be prepared to provide dates and times to reschedule your.

Revised July, 2026