The AIAA SciTech Forum was my first time at a conference, and it will be a positive experience I will look back on as I continue my aerospace journey.
I started off my SciTech experience on Monday with a technical lecture by Andy Lapsa, Stoke Space Co-founder and CEO, who spoke about Stoke’s Andromeda and Zenith rocket engines, and future plans for Nova, a fully reuseable orbital rocket. Andy told an inspiring story about his journey – from starting Stoke Space just a few years ago to now being a competitor in reuseable rocket design. I also attended several events from AIAA’s new Career Accelerator program, where I learned about resumes, job applications, internship advice, and much more. During the Meet the Employers event, I was able to speak to representatives from various companies including RTX, Northrup Grumman, and Electra.
On Tuesday, I finally got to meet the five students who would also be speaking on Higher Orbits’ panel. We immediately bonded over our love of space, engineering, and science, and had a fun time getting to know each other and sharing our experiences. I was so impressed by the accomplishments of the younger students, and enjoyed being able to offer advice from my time in high school and college.
Wednesday was my last day at the conference, and the day of our presentation. I attended technical lectures in the morning by Firefly Aerospace and Boeing and then met up with Michelle and the rest of the Higher Orbits group before our presentation. Presenting at the world’s largest aerospace conference is not an experience that most people are able to have, so I am thankful to have had the opportunity because of Higher Orbits.Wednesday was my last day at the conference, and the day of our presentation. I attended technical lectures in the morning by Firefly Aerospace and Boeing and then met up with Michelle and the rest of the Higher Orbits group before our presentation. Presenting at the world’s largest aerospace conference is not an experience that most people are able to have, so I am thankful to have had the opportunity because of Higher Orbits.
Attending SciTech has been an experience that furthered my aerospace knowledge and improved my professional speaking skills, and I had a great time learning and meeting new friends. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of Higher Orbits’ amazing community and have unique opportunities to connect with so many students and professionals in aerospace.
Written By Stellar Student Madelyn Masucci
