Higher Orbits
Alice Carruth
(575) 639-1113
alice@higherorbits.org
Galactic Golf Connects Space Legends with
the Next Generation Workforce
As global momentum builds around a new era of space exploration, Higher Orbits is bringing that excitement down to Earth, one swing at a time.
May 1, 2026, Higher Orbits Galactic HQ - On June 2, 2026, Higher Orbits will host its annual Galactic Golf fundraising event at The Glen Club in Chicagoland, uniting industry leaders, supporters, and space enthusiasts for a day where sport meets spaceflight. This year’s event features three former NASA astronauts, Nicole Stott, Michael Good, and Gregory H. Johnson, offering attendees a rare opportunity to connect directly with those who have helped shape humanity’s journey beyond Earth. Participants won’t just hear their stories, they’ll share the course with them.
Golfers can test their skills alongside these spaceflight veterans and take their shot at a “Beat the Pro” challenge, with a coveted trip to Pebble Beach on the line. Throughout the day, attendees will enjoy premium food and drinks, astronaut meet-and-greets, professional photography, and exclusive space-themed experiences.
The Glen Club is on the grounds of what used to be the Glenview Naval Air Station. Neil Armstrong was once stationed there, and Greg “Box” Johnson who is joining the event this year, flew into Glenview as an Air Force Pilot (before he was an Astronaut) when it was an operational base.
Galactic Golf is more than a day on the course, it’s an investment in the future workforce powering the rapidly expanding space economy. At a time when missions to the Moon and Mars are accelerating and commercial space is opening new career pathways, Higher Orbits is preparing students to step into these opportunities. Funds raised from the event directly support the organization’s hands-on programs that engage high school students in real-world spaceflight experiences. Over the last decade, Higher Orbits has worked with thousands of students across 23 states, sent 24 student experiments to space, and has five more manifested to launch this year and next.
Through Higher Orbits’ flagship Go For Launch! program, students collaborate in teams to design microgravity experiments, guided by former astronauts and industry experts. In just 20 hours, participants build technical knowledge while developing the critical skills of teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving needed for success in a space-enabled economy.
“Space is no longer a distant dream, it’s an emerging industry creating real opportunities for today’s students,” said Michelle Lucas, CEO of Higher Orbits. “Galactic Golf brings together those who have been there with those who will go next.”
Higher Orbits extends its gratitude to event sponsors Tech-Max, Scot Forge, SMR Strategic Investments, RBC Wealth Management, Wintrust Commercial Bank, Plano Pins, BMG, and On The Run Photo for their continued support in making this event, and its impact, possible.
About Higher Orbits
Founded in 2015, Higher Orbits is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization creating an experimental learning lab for secondary school students across the United States, focused on the multifaceted worlds of space exploration, research, and spaceflight in order to launch the next generation workforce our world desires. www.higherorbits.org/
More images can be found at https://ontherunphotochicago.pixieset.com/higherorbitsgalacticgolf/
