From July 30th to August 1st, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the AIAA Ascend Conference held in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, NV. This conference was a significant event, bringing together professionals, students, and enthusiasts from the aerospace industry. It was a truly enriching experience, particularly as I had the chance to connect with the other two Higher Orbits students who were also attending. Engaging with them and participating in the various sessions was a highlight of my time there.
One of the most memorable sessions I attended was “Astrodebates: Part 1,” where I had the privilege of witnessing Michelle Lucas, the founder and CEO of Higher Orbits & GoForLaunch, debate the intriguing topic of “Humans vs. Robots.” This debate centered on the roles that humans and robots will play in the future of space exploration. It was both engaging and thought-provoking, as Michelle and her fellow debater discussed the potential impacts of both entities on advancing our capabilities in space. The session concluded with the insightful perspective that humans and robots will need to work collaboratively to push the boundaries of space exploration further.
In addition to the Astrodebates, several other fascinating sessions included “Rovers at Work: Next Generation,” “Landing Systems,” and “Autonomous Systems for the Moon and Mars 1: Autonomous System Capabilities for In-Space Assembly.” Each of these sessions provided deep dives into cutting-edge technologies and future plans for space missions, broadening my understanding of the industry's direction and innovations.
A particularly special moment for me was seeing my Alma Mater, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, represented at the conference. The AIAA’s Design, Build, Fly team from Embry-Riddle showcased their award-winning plane, “Wrench.” It was both exhilarating and inspiring to see my university’s work being celebrated on such a prestigious platform.
During my time in Las Vegas, I also had the chance to explore the local area with the Higher Orbits group. One of the highlights of this exploration was a trip to a dark sky location where I was fortunate enough to observe the Milky Way in all its splendor. I also got to see and learn about the Hoover Dam! This experience was a reminder of the vastness of the universe we are working to explore.
On Wednesday, July 31st, I participated in a panel facilitated by Michelle Lucas titled “STEM Gen: Igniting the 21st-Century Workforce.” This panel was particularly meaningful as it included me and the other students from Higher Orbits. It was an excellent opportunity to discuss our individual journeys into the aerospace field, share insights into how I got involved with Higher Orbits, my academic path, and my budding industry experience. I was equally excited to hear about Stella and Zahra’s experiences, their paths to joining Higher Orbits, and their current endeavors. Their passion for space and their educational pursuits left me truly impressed and inspired.
Overall, I felt incredibly honored to share the stage with such dedicated individuals and to contribute to the discussion on navigating college and entering the aerospace industry. The conference not only provided me with invaluable knowledge but also allowed me to forge lasting connections and friendships. I am deeply grateful to Michelle Lucas and Higher Orbits for this remarkable experience and for the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
Written by Kaley Eaton
