Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Ignition, Liftoff - watching from across the Banana Creek, I saw the Dragon capsule of SpaceX 33 liftoff and rise higher into the atmosphere with a very special cargo. For more than a year, my teammates and I had been working on one of the four experiments in a cube lab that was going to the International Space Station on that rocket. Staring at its bright, fiery flames, I felt an exciting sensation of accomplishment and awe.
We got up in the middle of the night to see the launch. We got there early so we could get a good look at the rocket, take some pictures, and prepare for the launch. A key piece of launch viewing knowledge had been passed down to Michelle, which she then shared with everyone viewing. When the launch itself is happening, put down your cameras and just take it in. It is some of the best advice I’ve gotten. As the countdown started, I stood back and watched as the rocket ignited. The rocket burned bright, and staring at it, it blinded a point in my vision like gazing into an LED. The sky itself brightened from its midnight darkness. Lifting off and curving away from us, several seconds after the launch began, my favorite part of the launch started - the sound. We were several miles away from the launch, so it took time for the noise and vibrations to reach us. However, when they did, it felt triumphant, shaking my body and ears in a deep roar. As the rocket soared higher and higher, it eventually switched stages. The rocket was far away, and I had been blinded in the center of my vision from the start of the launch, so I lost track of it. As I searched for it, I only saw stars in the night sky until I noticed one of them was veering off and moving. The moving star was the Dragon carrying our experiment into orbit. I watched in awe for as long as I could.
Thanks to Higher Orbits, I was able to come to Florida and view this once-in-a-lifetime launch. Florida itself was fascinating to me. Coming from Pittsburgh, I didn’t think there were many places with more rain. Thankfully, I am used to it, and for the launch itself, we were fortunate to have beautiful, clear skies. I am glad I got to see other parts of the Cape Canaveral and Orlando area. There were even more alligators than I expected, thrilling amusement rides, captivating museums, and they have the best Cuban sandwiches in existence. My father and I ordered two, and they were so large that we needed to work together to just eat one. If you’re ever near Cape Canaveral, make sure to try out “Tree of Life” bakery. I loved viewing wildlife at Black Point Drive and seeing gators in the floodplains. Florida is such a unique part of America that I was glad to experience.
I am so glad that I was able to meet other amazing, intelligent students who were a part of Higher Orbits and learn more about them and their experiments. There were members from all 5 teams there, and I think I was a good ambassador for the Cosmic Critters. For some, like me, it was their first launch, while others had seen launches before. The launches just weren’t carrying their experiments to the ISS until then. It is a unique feeling to be surrounded by those who have worked hard to experience science together. Everyone gets each other. I loved spending time with them and will cherish the friendships I made.
After the launch and some lovely sleep, we got to explore the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center. There was so much to learn about, and I LOVE learning. We took the bus tour and were able to see fascinating parts of the Kennedy Space Center and learn about its history. I had never even thought of how the rockets would be transported, so I was captivated by the crawler transporters and how they slowly move over layers of rounded river rock and other materials to transport rockets. It was delightful to spend more time with the other students. I got to take in the history of NASA and so much rocket knowledge. I also recommend visiting the Sands Space History Center at the Space Force Museum. I am going to college for Engineering, and I got to talk with a volunteer about his career and advice in Engineering. He gave me a vacuum tube and told us about the history of Cape Canaveral, and we were able to get info on every launch site.
After seeing the Visitor Center, I got to learn even more when everyone got together for dinner at Zarrella’s, another must-visit when near Cape Canaveral. I had delicious, flavorful, juicy chicken and great garlic spuds. Michelle fed us more knowledge about the space world - past, present, and future. It was terrific to talk to Michelle about the launch, Higher Orbits, and wombats. Michelle is an amazing treasure trove of knowledge. I am so thankful that she brought us to Florida for the launch, and her mission with Higher Orbits is outstanding.
After coming back home, I’ve been interviewed several times and made front-page news. It has been exciting to check in on our experiment and see the pseudopodia extending and reaching around the corners. Every time I go back to see the updated data, I’m in awe of how it is really on the ISS.
Written By Stellar Student Andrew Craig
