Go For Launch!

# Go For Launch! Go For Launch! is the flagship program of Higher Orbits, a nonprofit founded by a former NASA Johnson Space Center flight controller. At each multi-day (non-overnight) event, student teams work directly with an astronaut while using space exploration as the platform for STEM, teamwork, communication, and leadership. The program marked its 100th event in 2026, and student experiments that win series finals are flown to the International Space Station - recent winners launched aboard SpaceX cargo missions. ## What You'll Do - Spend each full event day working side by side with a NASA astronaut and the Higher Orbits team - Design a microgravity space experiment with your team and pitch it to a judging panel - Compete for the chance to have your experiment launched to the ISS and operated by astronauts in orbit - Take on hands-on space-themed challenges in engineering, teamwork, and communication - Receive supplies, lunch, a mission patch, and event swag as part of registration ## Who Should Apply Students in grades 8-12 anywhere near an event city - 2026 events include Denver (September 26-27) and Albuquerque (November 7-8), with stops in cities like Huntsville and Flint. Standard registration is $350, offered pay-what-you-can from $25 so cost is not a barrier. No space background is needed. ## Outcomes Participants leave with a judged experiment design, direct astronaut mentorship, and - for winning teams - the rare credential of flying a student experiment on the International Space Station.