Launch

The Next Era

Wednesday May 20th

6-8PM

30 Venture Way, Bangor ME

RSVP

Launch The Next Era :

An Evening with Dr. Kenneth Harris

Join the Challenger Learning Center of Maine for Launch the Next Era, a special evening welcoming community supporters to reflect, learn, and look ahead as we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster.

This inspiring adults-only event will honor the legacy of Challenger while exploring the future of space exploration, innovation, and STEM education. The evening will feature a presentation by Dr. Kenneth Harris II, NASA engineer and nationally recognized STEM leader who contributed to the James Webb Space Telescope. Dr. Harris will share insights from his work in aerospace and discuss the importance of inspiring the next generation of explorers, engineers, and problem-solvers.

Together, we will commemorate the past, celebrate resilience and discovery, and engage our community in conversations about how STEM education continues to shape the future for learners across Maine as we launch into the next era.

Evening Schedule

6:00–6:30 PM — Social Hour
6:30–7:15 PM — Presentation by Dr. Kenneth Harris II
7:15–8:00 PM — Tours of the Simulators

This adults-only (21+) event will be held at the Challenger Learning Center of Maine beginning at 6:00 PM. We hope you will join us for this meaningful evening of reflection, inspiration, and community.

Please RSVP to reserve your spot.

RSVP
NASA's Challenger Center 40th anniversary logo with a large black number 40, a rocket launching into space, stars, and a blue planet, encircled by text reading 'CHALLENGER CENTER' and 'Launch the Next Era' with years 1986 and 2026.
A circular logo for Challenge Learning Center in Maine with a rocket launching into space, stars, and a blue hill, with the words "Challenge Learning Center" around the top and "Maine" at the bottom.

Learn More About Dr. Harris

Dr. Kenneth Harris II is a distinguished aerospace engineer, author, speaker, and STEM advocate whose work blends technical excellence with educational outreach.

Recognized by Forbes as one of the world’s most impactful young leaders in science, he began his career at NASA as a teenager and has since contributed to multiple satellite missions and served in significant technical and leadership roles such as Deputy Lead Integration Engineer for the James Webb Space Telescope and in senior engineering positions. Beyond his engineering achievements, Dr. Harris actively champions STEM education, delivers keynotes globally, and engages audiences through media appearances and outreach efforts on and off kennethfharris.com

Continue scrolling to read his media kit below or click the button to visit Dr. Harris’ website.

Learn More
A collage of five images featuring Dr. Kenneth F. Harris II: a man seated on a stage, a man giving a presentation, children and an adult taking a selfie, a scientist working in a lab, and a speaker pointing at a large screen.
A woman and a young man being interviewed in a room with large windows, lighting equipment, and printed posters about science and engineering projects.