Go For Launch!

Winning experiments are launched to the International Space Station to be conducted in space by real astronauts!


WELCOME TO

HigherOrbits.org

Higher Orbits is a non-profit with the mission of promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); along with leadership, teamwork, and communication through the use of spaceflight. Mankind’s journey into space serves as an ideal launchpad to excite students of all ages about STEM/STEAM and working to fulfill their dreams and ambitions while also building teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

You Can Help!

You can help inspire students to discover their place in the world of STEM. Higher Orbits is committed to providing the best experiences, resources, and educational opportunities for the future of STEM and STEAM. High school students everywhere will be empowered to reach for the stars and literally launch their dreams into space with your support. Equip the next generation to reach their potential and be our future astronauts, scientists, mathematicians, engineers, creators, and explorers.

17

Experiments Sent To Space

1500+

Students

34

States

Stay Tuned for 2024 Go For Launch

New Dates and Locations

Hi,

I'm Michelle Lucas

Michelle spent 10 years working at NASA primarily in International Space Station (ISS) Flight Control Operations Planning and as an Astronaut Instructor in the Daily Operations Group. Her passion for inspiring students led to extensive work with other organizations in STEM outreach. She then decided to form Higher Orbits to continue to work to inspire students about the wonders of STEM through spaceflight.

Founder & President of Higher Orbits

Meet the trailblazers who defy gravity and venture beyond our earthly bounds!

Our stellar astronauts are the fearless pioneers of space, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for the unknown. Each one embodies the essence of human exploration, pushing the boundaries of possibility and inspiring generations to reach for the stars.

Go For Launch! Winners

Experiments In Space

Testimonials

"Go For Launch! has been an amazing experience for me combining both of my passion for and interest in space and aviation. This program has helped set the course for my future career goals and has been nothing short of inspiring! So thankful for the opportunities that I was able to take part of such as working closely with an astronaut and being able to pitch ideas that could be sent to outer space! Taking part of this program made my out-of-this-world aspirations feel valid. "

Sophie

Go For Launch! Student

"Annie loved participating in the program a year and a half ago! The program really got her passions moving in a new direction and is thinking about pursuing aeronautic engineering. She is currently in the magnet engineering program at her school."

Go For Launch! Parent

"I'm so excited to be a part of Go For Launch!  Michelle Lucas and her team do such an 'out-of-this-world' job inspiring young minds to pursue STEM careers. Being involved in such an important endeavor is very important and rewarding to me."

Mike Foreman

Retired Astronaut