Hi everyone! I am excited to share that on November 17th, I'm heading to Washington, D.C. with Higher Orbits for The Golden Age of Space 2026 conference and I'm bringing my passion for aerospace with me! While attending, I'll be listening intently as leaders discuss the decisions that will shape the future that me and my fellow engineers will possibly help build someday.
Nearly a decade ago, I was one of the several students who had no idea that attending my first Go For Launch! event would show me that aerospace engineering was my calling. During my first GFL event, I didn't just learn about space and the countless industries it envelopes, I designed an experiment that actually went there. That project lived on the International Space Station for a month and was the spark that ignited my passion for engineering and space. And as I stood watching my experiment take off from the Wallops Island launch pad back in 2017, I knew I belonged in this field. My passion for aerospace continued to grow and I attended 3 more GFL events following my first, and made the decision to stay in close contact with this amazing organization.
Throughout my college years, my passion for science and aerospace deepened into something more profound: an understanding of why this field matters beyond the romance of space exploration. I became increasingly aware, and even more so now as a young engineer, that aerospace and national security are deeply intertwined. The technologies we develop in orbit protect us here on Earth, and our nation's leadership in space is critical to our future security and economic strength.
This is precisely why I'm looking forward to this year's Golden Age of Space conference. Higher Orbits is a recognized partner for this event, and as a young engineer attending with them, I'm thrilled to witness conversations between NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Members of Congress, senior military officials, and space industry leaders. Higher Orbits focuses on space-inspired STEM education launching student experiments, but the broader aerospace landscape is moving at unprecedented speed. Nations around the world are accelerating their space ambitions and commercial innovation that are actively reshaping the industry in front of our eyes. I am interested to hear from a diverse pool of voices on the critical decisions about the technological competitiveness that exists and economic leadership beyond our Earth.
T-2 weeks until I am attending this event with the organization that has launched 24 experiments to space, creating pathways for students like I once was. Now, while those students continue dreaming bigger, we as an industry are being challenged to think bigger too!
Written by Abi Youngker
