History of the Scobee Education Center
Inspiring Exploration Since 1961
The story of the Scobee Education Center began in 1961 when San Antonio College opened its planetarium in response to the nation's growing focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education during the Space Age.
What started as a 30-foot planetarium dome quickly became a community landmark. In its first two years alone, the planetarium presented nearly 1,000 programs and welcomed more than 81,000 visitors, making it one of the most heavily attended planetariums of its kind in the country.
Over more than six decades, the facility has introduced over one million guests to astronomy, space exploration, and scientific discovery.
In 2023, the center expanded with the opening of the John L. Santikos Micronaut Center, further enhancing opportunities for STEM education and community engagement.
Today, the Scobee Education Center continues its mission to inspire curiosity, exploration, and discovery through astronomy, space science, and experiential learning. As part of San Antonio College and the Alamo Colleges District, the center welcomes students, educators, families, and lifelong learners to explore the universe and imagine their future within it.
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Honoring a Space Exploration Legacy
In 1994, the planetarium underwent a major renovation that added an observatory and modernized the facility. That same year, it was renamed the Scobee Planetarium in honor of Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, former San Antonio College student and commander of Space Shuttle Challenger mission STS-51L.
The center's connection to the Challenger crew extends beyond its name. The Scobee Education Center was established to honor the seven astronauts who lost their lives aboard Challenger and to continue their shared commitment to education, exploration, and inspiring future generations.
Both Commander Scobee and his wife, educator and Challenger Center founder Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, attended San Antonio College.
Expanding the Mission
In 2014, the facility evolved into the Scobee Education Center, transforming the historic planetarium into a comprehensive STEM learning destination.
The expansion added:
- The Challenger Learning Center
- The Cheever Star Tower
- The Scalan Observatory
- New learning, exhibit, and community spaces
The project united two long-standing educational institutions: the Scobee Planetarium and the former Challenger Learning Center of San Antonio, creating one of the region's most unique centers for space science and experiential learning.