Alexandria, VA – Challenger Center for Space Science Education mourns the death of space artist Robert T. McCall, who died Friday, February 26 in Scottsdale, Arizona at the age of 90.
According to The University of Arizona’s Alumnus magazine, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov once described McCall as, “the nearest thing we have to an artist-in-residence in outer space.”
One of McCall’s space murals fills a six-story high wall at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C, and his work has been featured on United States postage stamps, an iconic movie poster for 2001: A Space Odyssey, and at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park.
McCall also created the original concept art for Challenger Center for Space Science Education, which can be viewed here: http://www.challenger.org/about/images/McCallCConcept_lg.jpg
“Bob’s artistic talent and imagination helped us to create the concept and design for Challenger Center, and he remained a close friend and supporter. My heart goes out to his wife Louise and his entire family,” said June Scobee Rodgers, Challenger Center’s Founding Chairman.
“Robert McCall’s keen eyes and talented hands captured the wonders of space exploration in dramatic and inspiring detail, and documented our achievements for generations of Americans,” said Challenger Center President Dan Barstow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in McCall’s honor to the Challenger Space Center of Arizona, 21170 North 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382, www.AZChallenger.org.
About Challenger Center
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of nearly 50 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.