New Go For Launch! Event Manager

Go For Launch! TMA

This event is open to students in grades 8-12 from anywhere.
Students must attend the full day both days of the event.
If you are in need of financial aid to be able to attend this event please contact us at GoForLaunch@HigherOrbits.org

  • October 7-8, 2023 
  • 8:00am -  6:00pm

Flyer graciously created & donated by: www.pro-cad.net

Presenting Team

Team may be subject to change due to schedules.

Selected by NASA in January 1990, Dr. Thomas became an astronaut in July 1991. Dr. Thomas has served in the Safety, Operations Development, and Payloads Branches of the Astronaut Office. He was CAPCOM (spacecraft communicator) for Shuttle missions STS-47, 52 and 53. From July 1999 to June 2000 he was Director of Operations for NASA at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. A veteran of four space flights, STS-65, STS-70, STS-83 and STS-94, he has logged over 1,040 hours in space as a Mission Specialist.

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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!

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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.

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Other Team Members To Be Announced

Presented in Partnership with:

Supported by Sponsors:

Intergalactic Voyagers

Event Location Details

Technology & Manufacturing Association
1651 Wilkening Rd.
Schaumburg IL 60173


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