A Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (Navy Exchange Pilot), Astronaut Dominic “Tony” Antonelli accumulated over 3,200 hours in 41 different kinds of aircraft prior to being selected as a pilot by NASA in 2000. In 2009 he piloted his first mission aboard space shuttle Discovery for STS-119, which delivered the final pair of power-generating solar array wings to the International Space Station. During his second flight he piloted space shuttle Atlantis in 2010 for STS-132, the 32nd Shuttle flight to the International Space Station.Across his two space flights, Antonelli has logged a total of 24 days, 3 hours, 57 minutes and 35 seconds in space.

Michelle Lucas spent 10+ years working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. First as part of the International Space Station (ISS) Payload Safety Review Panel (PSRP) and then in the Mission Operations Directorate as a Flight Controller in ISS Mission Control and as an Astronaut Instructor in the ISS Daily Operations Group. Additionally, she worked with each of the International Partners (European Space Agency – ESA, Japanese Space Agency – JAXA, and the Russian Space Agency) in the field of Daily Operations, Flight Controller, and Instructor Training. Michelle was part of the Core NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) team for 9 missions where astronauts would carry out analog space missions underwater in the Aquarius habitat. Along the way, Michelle found she has a passion for launching the next generation’s dreams and ambitions. Her passion for inspiring students led to extensive work with other organizations in STEM outreach so she founded the non-profit Higher Orbits to use space to excite and inspire students about STEM, Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication. Michelle is proud to be a Space Camp Alum, AIAA Associate Fellow, and member of the Space Camp Hall of Fame. She believes that collaboration in space and STEM is the key to the stars! Space Inspires!

Katy recalls being initially drawn to the wonders of space during her days on campus at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. While pursuing her undergrad in Communication, she always enjoyed catching a glimpse of the occasional rocket trail or hearing the launches out of Kennedy Space Center. In 2020, Katy was truly able to embrace her space curiosities when she had the opportunity to work as a communication intern for Higher Orbits. She graduated from Embry-Riddle with honors in 2021 and currently holds the position of Communications Director. Her skills of graphic design, photography, and writing allow her to launch her creative side into the cosmos where she can help connect students across the country with the excitement of Higher Orbits and their Go For Launch! programs.