New Go For Launch! Event Manager

Go For Launch! 4-H in Space

Mission Complete!

Help Higher Orbits continue to provide these GO FOR LAUNCH! events. Your donation ensures that our organization continues to excite and educate children about SPACE and STEM!


Presenting Team

Team may be subject to change due to schedules.

Astronaut Jim Reilly is a geologist and retired Astronaut who flew as a Mission Specialist on 3 Space Shuttle missions: STS-89, STS-104, STS-117. He has logged over 853 hours in space, including 5 spacewalks totaling 31 hours and 10 minutes. Prior to NASA, he served as chief geologist at Enserch Exploration, Inc., working on projects around the world. He has been active in geological research in Antarctica and on the continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico.  

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.

A life long artist, Tim is the former Director of the Young Astronaut Program at Divine Mercy Catholic School in Merritt Island, FL. Since designing the emblem for the Expedition 11 mission to the ISS in 2004, Tim has contributed artwork to over a dozen NASA mission patches.

Other Team Members To Be Announced

Presented in Partnership with…

Supported by Sponsors:

Mars Rovers

Intergalactic Voyagers

Event Location Details

Space Coast, FL




Donate Today to Support Space Inspired STEM