Coca-Cola Space Science Center: Explore the Cosmos in Columbus

The Coca-Cola Space Science Center (CCSSC) in Columbus, Georgia, has been inspiring visitors of all ages to look to the stars since opening its doors in 1996 [4, 13]. As Georgia's only science center and museum dedicated to astronomy and space science, it provides experiences for students and the public [4, 5, 13]. CCSSC serves as an academic enrichment center for Columbus State University and a regional informal education institution [4]. The center's exhibit gallery features over $17 million in NASA artifacts from the Space Shuttle program, including a Space Shuttle Main Engine Nozzle that has flown to space on nine NASA missions [4]. The gallery also includes flight simulators and interactive displays presenting content from state and national science standards [4, 5]. Visitors can experience a virtual trip to the International Space Station and test their skills on flight simulators [9]. A recent addition is the interactive exhibit, “Guzzle Vortex,” designed to spark conversations about aerospace principles [9, 10]. CCSSC is home to the WestRock Observatory, a premier public observatory with over 20 portable telescopes, a portable planetarium system, and a remotely controllable solar observatory [4, 5]. The Omnisphere Theater planetarium features a full-dome digital projection system for documentaries and constellation-mapping events [4, 10]. The Challenger Learning Center offers mission simulations [6]. The center also houses consoles from the Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center [6].