If there is one thing I can confidently say, it is this: Higher Orbits completely changed the trajectory of my life.
My journey began in 2020 at a Go For Launch! event hosted by Higher Orbits in Spring Grove, Illinois. Like many students entering the program, I had a passion for space and science, but I had absolutely no idea how much one weekend could change everything. During that event, I designed a project investigating fireflies and their behavior in space. My project won the local competition, but I did not progress further. At the time, I could have viewed that as the end of the road. Instead, Higher Orbits taught me something incredibly valuable: space is not about giving up after one window closes.
I became determined to design an experiment that would eventually make it to the International Space Station. So I kept going. Soon after, I applied for a scholarship to attend another Go For Launch! event, this time at Kennedy Space Center. Receiving that scholarship meant everything.
My grandmother and I packed our bags and drove all the way from Illinois to Florida because we believed that opportunities like this were worth chasing.
At Kennedy Space Center, I met astronauts, aerospace professionals, industry mentors, and representatives from NASA and SpaceX who made the aerospace industry feel tangible for the first time. Together, Team Laika designed an experiment exploring the effects of microgravity on methanotrophic bacteria, organisms capable of consuming methane waste aboard the ISS and producing useful byproducts that could eventually support plant growth systems for long-duration spaceflight. What started as an idea during a student competition eventually became something much bigger. Team Laika won the national competition, and our experiment earned the opportunity to fly to the International Space Station.
In March 2023, Team Laika was invited to witness the launch carrying our research as official NASA launch guests. Standing on a NASA viewing deck, watching a rocket lift off carrying something that began as sketches and brainstorming sessions with fellow students, is a moment I will never forget. That experience alone would have been life-changing, but Higher Orbits was only getting started.
In Summer 2023, I was selected as one of only five U.S. representatives to attend the International Science School in Sydney, Australia. This opportunity introduced me to students from around the world and exposed me to scientific frontiers, including dark matter, quantum computing, stem cell research, and advanced physics topics. Beyond the lectures, I gained something equally valuable: a global network of passionate young scientists and mentors who continue to inspire me today. Higher Orbits did not simply send me across the world; it expanded my world entirely.
In 2024, I attended ASCEND with Higher Orbits, not only as an attendee but as a panel speaker. Speaking about my journey at a major aerospace conference alongside other students and professionals was surreal. The conference introduced me to thousands of attendees, countless networking opportunities, and gave me the chance to share how Higher Orbits shaped my path. What amazed me most was seeing how Higher Orbits students were not simply attending these spaces; we were contributing to them.
Outside of conferences and competitions, Higher Orbits became something even more meaningful: a community. Whether helping at Galactic Golf events, participating in student ambassador opportunities, becoming part of the very first Stars in Orbit cohort, or simply staying connected with the incredible mentors and students I have met throughout this journey, Higher Orbits created a network that continues to support me long after individual programs ended. Through Higher Orbits, I have now had the opportunity to meet over a dozen astronauts, connect with industry professionals, and build friendships that span continents.
Today, I am a rising sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Madison studying engineering. I currently serve as a mentor for a NASA internship program and am also conducting research as a UC San Diego research intern.
When I look back at where this journey started, a student attending a local Go For Launch! event in Illinois, it is hard to fully comprehend how much has happened since. Higher Orbits did not simply provide opportunities. Higher Orbits provided mentorship when I needed guidance. Higher Orbits provided confidence when opportunities felt intimidating. Higher Orbits provided a community when STEM sometimes felt isolating. I am incredibly grateful to be part of the Higher Orbits orbit, and I cannot wait to attend the Stellar Soirée in downtown Chicago this June to celebrate this amazing community and everything still to come.
Written By Stellar Student Stella Ristic
