First of all, I’d like to thank Michelle Lucas and the entire Higher Orbits team, as well as AIAA, for giving me the incredible opportunity to attend AIAA ASCEND in Las Vegas. I’m truly grateful to have been selected and feel honored to be part of such an exciting and inspiring event.
This will actually be my fi rst time attending a conference of this scale—and, even more exciting, it will also be my fi rst time leaving the state! I’m thrilled to explore something so completely new and to immerse myself in a world I’ve always dreamed of being part of. I can’t wait to see what I’ll learn, the amazing speakers I’ll get to listen to, and the incredible people I’ll get to meet, many of whom work at NASA and other major organizations in the space industry.
As many of you might know, I’ve been part of several Go For Launch! events—three, to be exact—and I was fortunate enough to win two of them. Although our experiments didn’t make it to space due to some unfortunate circumstances, the experience itself was unforgettable and incredibly valuable for my personal and academic growth. Every single one of those events helped shape my passion and showed me what’s possible when you dream big and work hard.
Being able to attend ASCEND feels like the next step in this journey. I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge, making connections, and hearing from people whose work I deeply admire. It’s an exciting time in my life, and I know this event will be a highlight that helps shape my future and inspire new goals.
Once again, thank you to Michelle, Higher Orbits, and AIAA for this opportunity. I’m Aaron Estrada, and I hope to see y’all in Las Vegas. Until then, take care and reach for the stars!
Written by Stellar Student Aaron Estrada