Saying goodbye is never easy—especially when it’s someone who has shaped the Space Center with both talent and heart. Rylan Hansen began his service at the Space Center in January 2020, following proudly in his father’s footsteps. His dad, Jade Hansen, served as a volunteer back in the 1990s and continues today as a part-time Cassini supervisor—balancing that role alongside his full-time career. The Space Center has always been a family affair for the Hansens, and Rylan carried that legacy forward with distinction.
From the very beginning, Rylan stood out as a rising star. He approached every assignment with enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism. Determined to earn his simulator passes and one day take command as a flight director, he worked hard to learn every system and skill required. That effort paid off—Rylan became one of the Falcon’s first flight directors when the simulator opened, a milestone he earned through talent and persistence.
Rylan was the kind of volunteer and employee who raised the bar for everyone around him. He was respected, admired, and trusted—not just for his skill, but for the way he made others feel valued and capable. Thomas R., one of Rylan’s longtime volunteers on the Falcon, shared this tribute:
"Rylan had been such an influence to me throughout my time at the Space Center—from being one of my mentors and teaching me how to be a good flight director, to many fun times working with him as a volunteer on both the Falcon and the Magellan. Rylan had always been such a joy to work with, and it's safe to say he's become a close friend. I wish him well as he starts his new mission."
Those words capture what so many of us feel. Rylan’s presence and talents strengthened the Space Center community, and his absence will be deeply felt by volunteers, coworkers, and friends alike.
Rylan, we wish you all the luck in your future adventures planetside. Thank you for everything you brought to the Center—from your leadership to your humor to your endless supply of good energy.
Please “beam up” whenever you can. The starships will always have a place for you.
The Last Great Cheer from Rylan's Final Mission on the Falcon
Photos and Video thanks to Thomas R. Thanks Thomas!
The Starbase Williamson Development Team Meets for the First Time at the Space Center
Dave Stevens and the Voyager Clubs New Starbase Development Team (SDT)
The Space Center’s Voyager Club is far more than a volunteer group—it’s the creative engine that powers much of what makes the Space Center extraordinary. In addition to staffing our starship simulators, Voyager Club members immerse themselves in hands-on learning through classes in Blender animation, acting, makeup artistry, and prop design and construction. It’s a place where imagination meets skill-building, and where young people learn to bring entire worlds to life.
Yesterday marked an exciting milestone as the Voyager Club’s newest development team met for the very first time. The Starbase Williamson Development Team—made up of dedicated high school student members—will work under the guidance of instructor Dave Stevens to design and build fresh interactive exhibits and props that will enrich the Starbase Williamson environment. Megan Warner will oversee the team's work. Megan is the Space Center's Operations Lead, responsible for the Starbase and simulator sets, maintenance, and development.
For those unfamiliar, Starbase Williamson encompasses the downstairs lobby and hallways that lead to the Center’s six starship simulators. It’s the first thing crews see when they arrive for missions, and the Dev Team’s work will help transform that space into a more immersive, story-filled experience.
Their instructor, Dave Stevens, is a long-time adult volunteer at the Space Center and a familiar face to many. Over the years, he has taught numerous Unity and game-development workshops, inspiring students to explore digital world-building and interactive design. With his leadership, the Starbase Dev Team is poised to make a real impact on the look and feel of our starbase.
During their first meeting, students received an introduction to the basics of Unity, the game engine they’ll be using to prototype and create new interactive elements. Their first assignment is an exciting one: each member must brainstorm and plan a potential Starbase experience using the tools and concepts discussed in class.
We’re thrilled to welcome Jaxon, Bruce, and Alex as the founding members of the new team. Their creativity and enthusiasm will help shape the next chapter of Starbase Williamson.
More updates to come as the team begins building the future!
The Magellan Hosts the Staff from the American Heritage School's Discovery Space Center.
The Christa McAuliffe Space Center was the first of its kind in Utah County—a pioneering launchpad for imagination, exploration, and hands-on STEAM learning. Today, that legacy has inspired a small constellation of additional space centers in American Fork, Lehi, Saratoga Springs, and Vineyard. Each has its own staff, volunteers, and starship simulators, yet all share a common mission: to prepare a new generation of space enthusiasts as we move steadily toward becoming a spacefaring society.
One of these sister centers is the Discovery Space Center, located at American Heritage School in American Fork. It is home to two starships: the Discovery and the Galileo II. Under the leadership of director Alex Debirk, the center is staffed by talented American Heritage high school students who bring energy, skill, and creativity to every mission they run.
Last year, the Discovery Space Center welcomed several members of our own Voyager Club for a special visit. Our volunteers had a blast flying a mission aboard their Starship Discovery. Yesterday, we were excited to return the favor.
The Space Center hosted the Discovery Center’s staff aboard the Magellan, giving them the chance to experience one of our missions firsthand. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the unique community of educators and volunteers who make Utah’s space simulation programs so remarkable.
Here's to many more shared missions across our ever-growing fleet!
The Happy Couple
Meet Mr. and Mrs. Herring; yes Space Center alumni, the great Kyle Herring (aka the Big Fish) has married the love of his life. I was more than privileged to attend the ring ceremony Wednesday night. It was so good to see this long time friend, associate, and co-worker from many many years at the Space Center radiate with pure happiness and joy. It was a night to remember.
Not only was the ring ceremony emotionally moving, the middle eastern feast that followed was a culinary physically inspired event!!!! I've never in my life had food that good!
Congratulations old friend!
Victor
Imaginarium Theater
The Week's Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience
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