A generous donation from Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) has launched a new space education lab in Colorado Springs — the AGI Space Missions Simulator at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute. AGI, headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, donated software, licensing, and new computer equipment valued at more than US$3 million to establish the education lab, which will simulate launch, flight, and landing of a variety of space missions.

The lab will run AGI’s STK, Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK) and STK/Astrogator software, which will allow students and teachers to learn about satellite orbits, design their own satellite orbits, track their satellites, and, eventually, help plan a simulated return mission from Mars. The lab will also be the mission control center for future labs and mission scenarios that will take place in adjacent labs at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute. The Space Foundation Discovery Institute opened last summer on the campus of the Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy in Colorado Springs. It provides space- and aerospace-themed professional development, training, and support for teachers and students from around the world and serves as the base location for the Space Foundation's education programs.