Hi everyone, my name is Kaley Eaton! I'm originally from a small town in Massachusetts, and I've been fascinated by space and exploration for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming an astronaut, and that dream has shaped much of my journey.
I attended a vocational and technical high school, where I studied Electronics Technology and developed a strong foundation in engineering. I went on to study Engineering Physics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where I also pursued minors in Applied Mathematics, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. While space has always been my biggest passion, I've also developed a strong appreciation for exploring our own planet. Whether I'm hiking through national parks, learning about geology, or stopping along a trail to examine an interesting rock, I'm constantly reminded of how much there is to discover right here on Earth.
My journey with Higher Orbits began in 2018 during my sophomore year of high school, when I participated in a Go For Launch! program in Massachusetts. During the program I was part of Team Plutonium, where we developed a research proposal investigating how microgravity affects the reproduction of tardigrades, tiny organisms known for their incredible ability to survive extreme environments. Our project was selected as the winning proposal for our local program! Looking back, GoForLaunch! gave me the opportunity to explore scientific questions beyond the classroom and connect with others who shared my passion for space. Eight years later, I am excited to once again be involved with Higher Orbits, this time through Iceland GeoSpace. While the setting and scientific focus may be different, the curiosity that first brought me to Higher Orbits remains the same.
One of the things I am most excited about with Iceland GeoSpace is the opportunity to combine so many of my interests: space, geology, science, and adventure! While I have always been fascinated by exploring worlds beyond Earth, I've come to appreciate just how much we can learn about other planets and moons by studying our own. During college, I made it a point to take geology and space exploration courses, even when they didn't count toward my degree, simply because I wanted to learn more. That curiosity has followed me outside the classroom, whether I'm attending ranger-led geology programs at national parks or stopping to examine interesting rock formations while hiking.
I've also had the opportunity to work on NASA programs, including APL's Project Dragonfly, a mission to Saturn's moon Titan. Through my work with LiDAR to better understand Titan's surface, I gained an appreciation for how important it is to study and map landscapes when exploring another world.
Iceland GeoSpace offers an exciting opportunity to connect those experiences by exploring Iceland's unique geological landscapes firsthand. I'm especially looking forward to learning how the volcanic terrain, glaciers, and other geological features found in Iceland can help us better understand environments beyond Earth. Most of all, I'm excited to experience these places alongside others who share that same curiosity and passion for exploration!
After graduating from Embry-Riddle in 2024, I moved to Colorado to begin my career at Lockheed Martin Space as an Associate Software Engineer. Although my title was in software engineering, I spent much of my time working on electrical engineering projects, which allowed me to continue building on the technical foundation I developed in high school and college.
At the beginning of 2026, I transitioned into my current role as a Circuit Design Engineer, where I can contribute to a variety of programs, including Strategic Missile Defense, GeoXO/GPS, and Artemis. It has been exciting to work on projects spanning different areas of aerospace while continuing to learn and grow as an engineer.
Outside of work, I spend as much time as I can exploring Colorado and beyond. Whether I'm hiking, skiing, rock climbing, visiting national parks, or simply finding somewhere new to explore, I love taking opportunities to learn more about the world around me.
As I prepare for Iceland GeoSpace, I'm reminded of how much my journey has been shaped by curiosity and a willingness to try new things. From participating in Go For Launch! as a high school student to working in the aerospace industry today, my passion for exploration has only continued to grow. I'm incredibly excited to return to Higher Orbits for this adventure, meet fellow explorers, and experience Iceland's incredible landscapes firsthand.
Who knows where curiosity will take me next? Hopefully, one day, all the way to space!
Written by Kaley Eaton
