Howdy, Y’all! It’s Bri again. It's three weeks after the incredible IAC in Milan, Italy, and I can describe it again in three words: Space, Italy, and Queso.
Let’s start with space, since that’s what IAC is all about, right? Totally!! I was in awe the moment I first stepped into the convention center! Space and technology advancements were everywhere, and there were super awesome people in front and behind me! Though the process of getting into the building was long, once we got inside the convention center, we met tons of people just exploring. On the first day, after we got into the center, we started with a quick gelato stop—the IAC offered free gelato throughout the day, which was amazing! Walking through the exhibit hall, we met the incredible former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, and I got to see my super awesome astronaut friend Tony Antonelli again.
Making our way to the North hall, we saw thel VAST aerospace booth, where later in the week Sophie and I tried their VR experience. Here Space Mom introduced us to the incredible Derek Hassmann.
Though he is a University of Texas graduate while I’m at a rival school, Texas A&M (Gig 'em!), we talked about the recent UT win at the OU and UT game, the Red River Showdown, and wished each other's teams the best of luck in the revived Aggie vs Longhorn game coming up in November. Also at the VAST booth, we ran into the amazing Clay Mowry, AIAA CEO and president of AIF, he was super cool to talk to and so passionate about the space industry.
A little later in the day, we met some phenomenal women in the space industry, Elizabeth Steward from BAE Systems and Amber Gell from KSAT—they were incredible, and seeing what they do in the space industry was amazing.
Also, who could forget the amazing Prada space suit? Fashion and space made a huge appearance here with its unveiling. It’s now a goal of mine to make the first Prada item I wear be, the Prada space suit.
The rest of the week was a blur; space, merch, gelato, it was all incredible! I took so many pictures, and thanks to Sophie’s mom, they were all perfect.
Throughout the week, companies from various countries had many free snacks to try, both in receptions and just for fun! Sophie and I were both former International Science School scholars in Sydney, Australia, so we had to stop by the Australia booth. We got Tim Tams and took tons of fun pictures.
Having another trip with Sophie was so much fun. While we’ve never truly met in the States, we had a blast exploring Milan and catching up since our adventures in Sydney. I can’t wait to see what country we meet up in next!
My absolute favorite part of the IAC was the gala at the end! I’ve always wanted to go to one. My goal is to one day attend many of them, just like Space Mom. It was so cool. Being in the world's fashion capital, we saw a one-of-a-kind fashion show! I never understood the hype before seeing a fashion show in person, but after, I can totally get behind it. The fashion was incredible, and the atmosphere was amazing. I loved meeting everyone, especially since there were people from all over the world. It was such an awesome experience (photo 9).
I’d be lying if I said I only went for the IAC because Italy is a country I’ve always wanted to visit. It was the best of both worlds! Before the conference started, I had a full day to explore Milan, and it is so beautiful! I walked around for a long while, soaking in the atmosphere and getting delicious food. The best food I had was my first stop at a little restaurant, where I had the most incredible pizza I’ve ever tried. Even writing this, I miss it! They also served free dessert, which was so good. If I’m being honest, I have no idea what it was, but it tasted like a funnel cake donut with Nutella on it, I was in love! Fun fact, on this trip, I learned I’m not allergic to hazelnuts anymore. While trying them in a new country may have been a little unsmart, it was totally worth it.
Throughout the week, I ate pizza at every meal. I think I had maybe two pasta dishes and about fifteen pizzas while I was there. Currently, I’m looking into making pizza like that at home—it was too good to only have that experience for a week. The city was gorgeous, with the architecture of the buildings, how green it was, and just hearing people talk in Italian—it was stunning.
I was able to go to a few churches that were so beautiful. One of the afternoons after the conference, Sophie, Wella, Michelle, and my new friend, space lawyer Joel Graham, got to go on the roof of the iconic Duomo. It was so beautiful, seeing the phenomenal engineering and the incredible statues.
A little later in the week, Sophie, Wella, and I decided to take a day trip to Lake Como and Switzerland. Ever since I found out that Star Wars: Episode II was filmed at Lake Como, it’s been a dream of mine to see it, so this outing was amazing. Even though it was a rainy day, the lake and hills were so pretty, it was like something out of a movie, so lush and green.
What does queso have to do with IAC and Italy this time? Close to nothing, but it’s become Higher Orbits’ tradition to try queso in every country we visit. I thought Australia’s was pretty bad, but Italy smashed the record for the worst queso I’ve ever had. I can only describe it as the feeling of eating too much candy after a party, but as a taste, it is not very queso-like.
This opportunity was absolutely incredible, and I cannot thank Space Mom Michelle and Higher Orbits enough. I first started my Higher Orbits journey exactly three years ago, the date I went to IAC, and I had no idea what I’d be able to do just by going to a Go For Launch event.
I loved being able to travel to Europe for the first time while learning from various incredible space companies. This was an experience I’ll never forget. Catch y’all next time! Ciao!
Written by Brianna Ortiz
(Brianna is a Go For Launch! Midland student and one of 5 Americans to attend the
International Science School with Higher Orbits in 2023)
