Michigan Students Compete for Research Opportunity on the International Space Station with Higher Orbits and the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association

The Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association and Higher Orbits announce their partnership for the 2021 Go For Launch! Series launching in Alpena this June.

Research continues to demonstrate the State of Michigan’s rise as an attractive aerospace manufacturing partner in the United States. “To continue to be competitive, particularly with the economic development investments in Michigan’s planned spaceports, we have to prepare today for the workforce we need tomorrow,” said Gavin Brown, Executive Director of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association. “We are committed to the growth and prosperity of the State of Michigan and went looking for the best investment - one that would both inspire our students and create and retain the aerospace workforce we need. The unparalleled commitment to rigorous, student-led scientific research at Higher Orbits, combined with the leadership team and hands-on design and training lessons from astronauts was the experience our students here in Michigan deserved so we made it happen.”

As the flagship, hands-on educational experience at Higher Orbits, Go For Launch! delivers a multi-day, in-person, truly out-of-this-world experience to 8th-12th grade students. Go For Launch! leverages spaceflight and space exploration as the launchpad for students to develop and strengthen their skills in STEM, teamwork, communication, research design, and leadership. Go For Launch! students work side-by-side with an astronaut for the entire event – learning, growing, and developing the life-long skills that create a successful, meaningful future.

“Space inspires! Exposure to space exploration helped shape my own career as an Astronaut Trainer and I want every student, regardless of their background, to have the same opportunity to see science-driven careers as an achievable goal,” says Michelle Lucas, Executive Director of Higher Orbits. “Higher Orbits is thrilled to be a part of each student’s journey to make the world a better place through their creativity and determination today, and in the future careers they hold.”

Open to students grades 8 through 12, Go For Launch! Alpena will be held June 22-24, 2021 at Alpena Community College, the host partner for this event. Student researchers can be enrolled in any school in the state, including home school, but must be available for all three days of the event. Interested students can register online at: https://higherorbits.org/events/go-for-launch-alpena-community-college/

About Higher Orbits

Founded in 2015, Higher Orbits is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization creating an experiential learning lab for secondary school students across the United States, focused on the multi-faceted worlds of space exploration, research, and spaceflight in order to launch the next generation workforce our world desires. From novice to advanced level activities drawing from the Science Futures by Design curriculum at Higher Orbits, students from all STEM backgrounds will find the GFL! experience a user-friendly environment to learn, explore, and inspire others.

About Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association

Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association’s purpose is to promote the aerospace manufacturing industry in the State of Michigan and, in connection therewith, to help shape a favorable legislative and regulatory environment, encourage innovation and productivity, facilitate employment growth, and increase public understanding of the industry and its economic contribution to the State of Michigan.

MAMA’s commitment to continuous opportunity development is evidenced by the Michigan Launch Initiative (MLI). MAMA's MLI program is developing a spaceport facility for the launch of rockets carrying small & mid-sized satellites into Low Earth Orbit from horizontal and vertical platforms and a Command Center to manage post-launch satellite operations. The spaceport will have an adjacent technology park to attract firms entering and active in the commercialization of near earth outer-space.

MAMA continues to generate interest in Michigan's small and midsize manufacturing enterprises from aerospace and defense top-tier and prime contractors through trade-missions and industry days. MAMA is committed to the growth and prosperity of Michigan.

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