The Space Center's Volunteer Handbook from 2017 (Much of it taken from an Earlier Handbook). See the Old Odyssey in Action: Christine's Last Mission Before Retirement. Imaginarium Theater

Volunteering has been the lifeblood and heart of the Space Center since it first opened its doors in November 1990.  In fact, well over 90% of the Space Center's staff over all those years came from our volunteer corps.  Today, over 80 people ranging in age from 12 to 68 put in many volunteer hours per month to support the Center and its programs. 

The first volunteers were members of my sixth-grade class and former members of Central Elementary School's Young Astronaut Club.  They helped with field trips and the overnight camps.  The program quickly grew as students from schools across the district got involved. 

Photos of the Space Center's Volunteer Manual are included in this post.  This manual was printed in 2017 and distributed to all volunteers.  Much of it came from an earlier version of the manual.  

For those of you readers who are former volunteers, enjoy a quick stroll down memory lane.  For our current volunteers, you'll notice the program hasn't changed much over the last 9 years, except, of course, for the new Space Center building.  

The Space Center's Volunteer Manual, circa 2017 

See the Old Odyssey in Action

Watch a master flight director at work as she concludes her final mission as an employee of the Space Center.  Christine was the Odyssey's Set Director.  In today's video, you'll see her complete her final mission after serving for many years at the Space Center in Space Service.  She is flying a crew in the Odyssey II in the old Space Center building.  

The original Odyssey was torn down in 2013 and replaced with a new Odyssey shortly thereafter.  Even though the simulator bridge was different, the builders used the original Odyssey's Control Room for the new Odyssey.  

Isn't it amazing to see how Christine plays the ship, just like a musician plays a fine instrument.  Her hands dart from the keyboard to the soundboard to the voice synthesizer to video remote controls and lights.  

It is people like Christine who made the Space Center what it is today, and today's flight directors carry on her legacy in their professionalism and talent.     

Imaginarium Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World, Edited for a Gentler Audience