Howdy y’all, welcome back to a Bri Blog!
Alright, alright, alright, we’re going to Austin, Texas for the 12th Annual Space Traffic Management Conference, and I am absolutely ecstatic to be joining Higher Orbits again as a student panelist and conference attendee!
This conference is super exciting as the Artemis II launch is coming up, and so many of the conversations are centered around what the future of space traffic, robotics, and spaceports will look like as we head back toward the Moon..
Now, I do have to acknowledge something important… we’re heading to Austin, home to the University of Texas, which as an Aggie is technically rival territory. But in the spirit of space collaboration, I’ll allow it this time. Besides, space brings everyone together, even if we wear different shades of orange and maroon. Plus I have many friends who are Longhorns, so I’ll be bringing a tiny bit of burnt orange energy with me.
Now back to the conference. As a current engineering student interested in autonomous vehicles and robotic systems, and someone interning at one of the first commercial air and spaceports, these panels and discussions are right up my alley. I’m especially excited to hear about robotics, launch integration, and how spaceports are evolving as we prepare for Artemis-era missions and increased traffic to space.
I’m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to speak on a student panel with Higher Orbits. Being able to represent students who are actively working toward careers in aerospace while also learning from professionals in the field is such a full-circle moment. It’s a little surreal to be part of these conversations while still in school, but I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
I’m excited for the Higher Orbits students group for this panel as well; Kiera Fehr, Eva Estrada, and Josie Choulat. Kiera and I actually went to Australia together, so when I heard she’d be here I was SO excited. I’m also excited to reconnect with Eva, who’s on the same Midland College campus as me every day, even though there’s a six-year difference in our class years so we haven’t actually crossed paths yet. Maybe this conference will finally be
our Midland crossover episode! And we’ll also be meeting Josie for the first time, which is always fun when new space friends join the mix.
Between speaking on the panel, attending sessions, and catching up with Higher Orbits friends, this conference is shaping up to be one of those “wow I really get to do this” moments as a current college student.
With Artemis II on the horizon and so many conversations happening about the future of space travel, it feels really special to be part of this moment as a student stepping into the industry.
Also, a huge thank you to Spacemom Michelle for the opportunity to be part of this. I absolutely cannot wait!
Now just a little song every Texan knows by heart in honor of us being in my home state for this conference:
“The stars at night”
“Are big and bright”
Clap clap clap clap
“Deep in the heart of Texas!”
Looking forward to the conference and I’ll catch y’all later!
Written By Stellar Student Brianna Ortiz
