It is a training tool akin to survival camps and wilderness trips that a growing number of companies are using to build teamwork skills among managers. The idea was conceived by family members who felt a hands-on educational tool would be a fitting memorial to teacher Christa McAuliffe and the six professional astronauts who died aboard Challenger. It is one of about 30 shuttle simulators built around the country. Aboard the shuttle, students use mathematical skills to navigate the ship, engineering skills to arm a moon probe, and medical skills to keep track of the astronauts' vital signs. Earlier this year, Science Center officials asked Bell, a former administrator at Des Moines Area Community College, to develop a curriculum that would teach teamwork.
Business executives take the same active approach.
A team of 10 will act as communications officers, the data officer, the navigator, medical officer and other positions. They are directed by a mission commander in the space station and a flight director in mission control, both members of the Science Center staff. Over a two-hour period the crew takes off, pulls the shuttle out of Earth orbit, and probes the moon's surface for a place to land. Meanwhile, mission control tracks the shuttle's path through space, makes sure it's running properly, monitors the astronauts' vital signs and provides technical assistance. Bell observes the mission and then provides a detailed critique of what went right and wrong.