As a student from Arizona who attended my first Go For Launch! event two years ago, I have been grateful for the opportunities to travel to new places, meet incredible people, and take part in eye-opening experiences through Higher Orbits. Whether I was attending a conference or watching a rocket carry our experiment’s payload alongside others involved in this indelible experience, I can say each opportunity has continued to shape my journey.
Now, looking back, but also looking forward after my most recent event, the Higher Orbits Alumni Rendezvous and Symposium, I can say that attending this event in Chicago was incredibly transformative for me. Not only did it celebrate the 10th year anniversary of Higher Orbits, but it also celebrated the 100th Go For Launch! event where it all began.
Although the reunion lasted four days, each day was filled with meaningful moments: meeting new people, exploring Chicago through unique scavenger hunts, and hearing insights from astronauts, scientists, authors, and space industry leaders. On the first day, I met our fellow Higher Orbits alumni, which was one of my favorite parts of the entire event. Everyone shared the same excitement and curiosity for what we would learn throughout the trip.
On the second and third days, we heard from astronauts Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, Don Thomas, and Wendy Lawrence, who shared their journeys to space and the perseverance behind them. We also learned more about Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a Space Shuttle, through a documentary about her life and leadership. Following the documentary, we were each given a handmade bookmark by Jean Wright, known as “Sew Sister,” with Beta cloth connected to a Columbia mission commanded by Eileen Collins. This was one of my favorite gifts.
After each talk, we were given books signed by incredible authors who shared meaningful presentations and conversations with us. I especially felt inspired by Kate Rubins’ presentation because I love learning about genetics, space medicine, and the discoveries that make future space exploration possible. As someone who is deeply interested in protecting the planet and developing ideas that connect genetics and sustainability, her presentation reminded me that space exploration is not only about leaving Earth. It is also about understanding life, improving technology, and finding new ways to help people and our planet.
Exploring Chicago made me realize how much history and energy the city holds. As someone who deeply enjoys traveling and staying active, this event was unique because it allowed me to explore and experience places I had never expected to see. One particular memory was walking with the group of alumni for miles, stopping to take pictures, and exploring famous places like the Chicago Bean, the Art Institute Lions, and the Museum of Ice Cream.
Throughout the symposium, we also explored the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, where we visited the SpaceX Dragon CRS-12 capsule that carried a Higher Orbits student experiment to the International Space Station in 2017. This was especially memorable and became another highlight of the Stellar Soiree.
Upon arriving at the Stellar Soiree, we listened to fascinating speeches that tied together the 10th year anniversary of Higher Orbits and its incredible impact, all while walking through the iconic Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s Henry Crown Space Center.
I am so grateful for the thoughtful space-themed keepsakes we received, including the books, dozens of patches and stickers, and the handmade bookmark. These items are reminders of the people I met, the stories I heard, and the future I am excited to keep working toward.
Thank you to Higher Orbits for the incredible effort that went into making this event possible, as well as the sponsors, astronauts, speakers, alumni, and all the remarkable people who attended the Stellar Soiree. This was truly a weekend where I learned and experienced more than I had anticipated, and I am beyond grateful for that and for the phenomenal people I met along the way.
Written by Alexis Simon
