Attending the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, as a student ambassador was an adventure that was truly out of this world. I still find myself replaying the incredible memories— the technical sessions that inspired me and overlapped with what I am learning in my university courses, the gelato that tasted as sweet as the opportunity, and the connections that made me feel part of a global community driven by a passion and curiosity for space exploration. It was a week filled with gratitude, excitement, and a deep appreciation for the endless possibilities of space.
From the moment I walked into the convention center, I knew I was in for an incredible learning experience. As a student passionate about space exploration, attending the technical sessions at IAC felt like stepping into the heart of the industry. Each session covered topics that were truly fascinating: satellite technology, space sustainability, human spaceflight, propulsion advancements, and so much more. One session that particularly resonated with me was on the topic of lunar exploration and sustainable mission planning. The depth of knowledge and willingness to answer questions really broadened my understanding and only increased my excitement for the future Artemis Missions. Sitting there, surrounded by people from every corner of the globe who shared the same passion, I felt like I was part of something bigger, like a huge space family. This wasn’t just a conference— it was a gathering of visionaries, dreamers, and doers.
Outside of the congress, Milan was a city waiting to be discovered. When I wasn’t attending sessions, I found myself wandering the cobblestone streets, exploring historic architecture, and sampling more gelato than I’d like to admit! Each scoop (pistachio quickly became a favorite) was a small celebration of being in such an incredible place for such an extraordinary event.
Visiting the iconic sites like the Duomo di Milano, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and taking a day trip to Lake Como added a cultural layer to the trip that made it even more special. Milan offered a unique blend of history and innovation— just like the space industry. There was something poetic about exploring one of the world’s fashion and art capitals while discussing the future of space exploration.
One of the highlights of my IAC experience was meeting like-minded individuals. As a student ambassador, I had the incredible opportunity to network with professionals, engineers, and other students who all shared the same drive for space exploration. There’s an unspoken bond between people who believe in the possibilities of the unknown, and that bond brought us together. I connected with individuals from countries as far as Japan and Australia, learning about their unique projects and how they hope to contribute to the industry.
And then, there were the incredible mentors— those with decades of experience who took the time to share their journeys and encourage us to stay curious and keep pushing forward. Their stories and advice were humbling and inspiring, reminding me that space exploration is not a straight path, but a journey that requires perseverance, passion, and an unwavering belief in the impossible.
One of the most surreal moments was attending a panel featuring Pam Melroy, a former NASA astronaut and a true pioneer in human spaceflight. Hearing her speak about her experiences, the challenges of exploration, and her vision for the future of space gave me chills. It’s one thing to read about someone’s achievements, but to hear them speak about it, especially in such an intimate setting, is a whole other experience. Her words were a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with space in the first place. It’s the spirit of adventure, the drive to overcome limits, and the curiosity that pushes us to look up and wonder. That panel left a lasting impression on me, fueling my excitement to one day contribute to this incredible field and to continue to inspire the next generation to be curious about space using STEM, just as Higher Orbits does.
None of this would have been possible without the support of Higher Orbits. They made it possible for me to attend IAC 2024 as a student ambassador, for which I am incredibly grateful. Their mission to inspire students through space education truly changes lives. Higher Orbits gave me the chance to step into the international space community, gain knowledge, and build connections that will undoubtedly shape my career. Leaving Milan, I felt a mixture of gratitude and excitement. Gratitude for the people I met, the sessions I attended, and the moments that inspired me. And excitement— because I left IAC 2024 with new goals, new ideas, and a renewed passion for space exploration. I look forward to the day when I can contribute to the space community and inspire others, just as I was inspired by everyone I met this week.
Thank you, Higher Orbits, and thank you, IAC 2024. This experience was a dream come true, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next… maybe down under to the next IAC with our pals in Australia?
Written by Stellar Student Sophia Crowder
