Higher Orbits
Katy Thompson
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Higher Orbits Student Experiment Set to Launch into Space Through Support of Series Sponsor BRPH
Higher Orbits Galactic HQ – Feb. 22, 2023 – Team Laika of the Higher Orbits Go For Launch! Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex event will have their science experiment flown aboard SpaceX CRS-27 thanks to the stellar support of architecture, engineering, and construction firm, BRPH.
"We are proud to be the title sponsor for the Higher Orbits Go for Launch! BRPH Series and are thrilled to foster a love of science, engineering and space exploration among young people through meaningful programs like these,” said Raul Aviles Jr., PE, President, BRPH Architects & Engineers. “We look forward to the launch of team Laika’s experiment aboard SpaceX-27 and cannot wait to see what these four amazing students, and all those who participated in the Go For Launch! event series, will accomplish in the future.”
Throughout Go For Launch! students explore STEM and space topics while working on a viable experiment design that could be successfully researched in space. The BRPH Series consisted of three Go For Launch! events in the states of Arizona, Florida, and Alabama.
This Go For Launch! event was also made possible by the amazing support of the team at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex/Delaware North for partnering with us as the host.
“Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was pleased to partner with Higher Orbits and provide a unique Go For Launch! experience for their students. It is exciting to have students who watched launches during this event back in July from our facility, then return and watch a rocket launch with their own experiment on board. All of it possible because they were able to come to Kennedy Space Center and be a part of this program,” said Therrin Protze, COO of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Team Laika’s winning experiment will explore the effects of microgravity on methanotrophic bacteria aboard the International Space Station.
“I look forward to seeing team Laika’s experiment fly into space and to seeing the data that they get back when crews on the ISS conduct their experiment. Thank you, Higher Orbits, BRPH, and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for providing the support necessary for these future stars to discover and develop their passion for STEM,” said featured astronaut of Go For Launch!, Tony Antonelli.
Team Laika consists of stellar students Daisy Li, Stella Ristic, Joshua Suarez, and Elena Zhu.
Their experiment is being developed in partnership with Higher Orbits payload integration partners Space Tango.
“We are over the moon for team Laika and grateful that they get to experience this incredible research opportunity. These life changing opportunities become available when you have out of this world organizations like BRPH, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and Delaware North, that are dedicated to getting students interested in STEM,” said Michelle Lucas, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Higher Orbits.
Team Laika’s experiment will be flying with three other Go For Launch! student experiments aboard SpaceX-27, bringing the grand total of experiments sent to space from this program to 17.
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 multifaceted worlds of space exploration, research, and spaceflight in order to launch the next generation workforce our world desires. www.higherorbits.org/
About BRPH
BRPH is a technically focused, creative architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) company providing solutions to mission-driven clients’ most challenging programs. Drawing from its technical AEC talent, the firm partners with clients in the aerospace, defense, manufacturing, commercial, education, entertainment, and hospitality markets to identify gaps in their program delivery and to create innovative solutions. Founded in 1964 to support America’s space program, BRPH is consistently ranked among the nation’s top firms and has completed a wide range of projects across the United States and throughout the world. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, BRPH operates regional offices in Orlando; South Florida; Atlanta; Charleston, South Carolina; Huntsville, Alabama; Seattle; Palmdale, California and Phoenix. For more information, visit brph.com.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering multiple days of fun, inspiration and educational activities. Included with admission: The all-new Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®, Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, presented by Boeing, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, space films, the Rocket Garden, Planet Play and the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Just 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. The new, two-day ticket, which can be used for up to
six months from purchase and averages to a cost of less than $45 per day, is now available for $89 per adult and $79 per child. Single-day admission is $75 per adult, $65 per child. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
Twitter: @ExploreSpaceKSC
Facebook.com/KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex
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