Abstract
Higher Orbits is a non-profit with the mission of promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); along with leadership, teamwork, communication and art (STEAM) through the use of spaceflight. Mankind's journey into space serves as an ideal launchpad to excite students of all ages about STEM/STEAM and working to fulfill their dreams and ambitions while also building teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
Our main method of outreach is through our Go For Launch! events. Go For Launch! is a multiday program (not overnight) that uses Space Exploration as a platform to launch student involvement in STEAM, and to develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills. This transformative program was developed to reach upper middle school and high school-aged students. Go For Launch! events pair former NASA Astronaut Trainer, and Higher Orbits' CEO Michelle Lucas, with a former NASA Astronaut to work with students to teach them about the opportunity of microgravity research. Students form teams and ultimately work to develop a proposal to send research to space. Those proposals are entered into a national competition with one team selected each year to send their experiment to space.
Since Higher Orbits was established as a 501(c)(3) in 2015, we've hosted 96 Go For Launch! events in 23 states. 24 experiments have been sent to space so far; 23 to the International Space Station, 1 launched with Blue Origin. 4 more are manifested to launch this year, with another selected to fly in late 2026/ early 2027.
We want to help more students learn about space, work with real astronauts, and become part of the future of space exploration. This project connects students to MoonDAO by teaching them about space, DAOs, and how they can actually participate in building the future of humanity beyond Earth. Think of it like this: We train students → They learn how MoonDAO works→ They become contributors to MoonDAO!
Problem
Access to space education and real space career pathways is still very limited.
Most students:
- Don't know how to get involved in space
- Don't have access to hands-on experiences
- Are excluded due to cost, geography, or background
At the same time, MoonDAO needs:
- More contributors
- More diverse participation
- A pipeline of future builders and leaders
Solution
We propose student training with MoonDAO's decentralized ecosystem at the Higher Orbits Reunion Event (June 24-27, 2026). This event will have older students (college age) and early-career professionals in attendance.
What we will do:
1. Run MoonDAO-Education
- At the Reunion event in June (https://higherorbits.org/alumni-rendezvous/)
- 50+ students and early-career professionals expected at the event
- Focus on future space workforce
2. Deliver Hands-On Space Training
Students will:
- Work with astronauts and industry experts
- Network with space professionals
- Learn teamwork and problem-solving
3. Introduce MoonDAO + DAO Education
Students will learn:
- What a DAO is
- How MoonDAO governance works
- How to submit and vote on proposals
4. Onboard Students into MoonDAO
Graduates will be invited to:
- Join MoonDAO Discord
- Participate in governance
- Contribute to projects
Benefits
For MoonDAO
- Builds a strong talent pipeline
- Increases diversity and inclusion
- Generates new project ideas and contributors
- Strengthens long-term ecosystem growth
For Students
- Real access to space education and networking
- Direct pathway into MoonDAO
- Career inspiration and mentorship
Revenue / Value Potential
- Long-term contributor growth → stronger DAO output
- Potential spin-out projects from student ideas
- Increased visibility → partnerships and funding opportunities
Risks
Risk 1: Low conversion to active MoonDAO contributors
- Mitigation: Structured onboarding at the Alumni Reunion + mentorship pathway through Higher Orbits' 'Stars in Orbit' mentorship program.
Risk 2: Misalignment between education and DAO participation
- Mitigation: Integrate MoonDAO content directly into a presentation at the event
Risk 3: Program scalability
- Mitigation: Start with pilot event, then expand
Risk 4: Budget inefficiency
- Mitigation: Clear tracking, milestone-based spending, DAO transparency
Objectives
Objective #1: Build a pipeline of students into MoonDAO
Key Results:
- Train 25+ students within 12 months
- Onboard 5+ students into MoonDAO community
- Generate 5+ MoonDAO-aligned project ideas
- Achieve 25%+ engagement rate (students participating in DAO activities)
Members responsible: All
Team (Table A)
Project Lead
Higher Orbits CEO.
Initial Team
Role 1: Program Director Responsible for program delivery, student experience, and partnerships
Role 2: Astronaut Educator Experienced in STEM program delivery and student engagement.
Role 3: MoonDAO representative Responsible for Discord engagement and student integration into MoonDAO
Team Bios
Project Lead
Michelle Lucas, Founder & CEO of Higher Orbits
Michelle spent 10 years working at NASA primarily in International Space Station (ISS) Flight Control Operations Planning and as an Astronaut Instructor in the Daily Operations Group. Her passion for inspiring students led to extensive work with other organizations in STEM outreach. She then decided to form Higher Orbits to continue to work to inspire students about the wonders of STEM through spaceflight.
Team Member #1– Program Director, Alice Carruth
Alice Carruth is the Chief Operating Officer at Higher Orbits, bringing two decades of media, communications, and space industry leadership. She has held roles with Spaceport America, Solstar Space Company, and N2K Networks, and directs the Las Cruces Space Festival. Carruth specializes in strategic communications, content development, and industry outreach across the global aerospace sector.
Team Member #2 – TBD, Former NASA Astronaut
We work with a select group of former astronauts (https://higherorbits.org/astronauts-for-higher-orbits/) This is TBD depending on availability.
Timeline (Table B)
| Days After Proposal Passes | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | Proposal passes |
| 30 | Finalize curriculum + MoonDAO integration |
| 60 | Launch first DAO education package |
Budget (Table C)
| Description | Amount | Justification |
|---|---|---|
| MoonDAO Presentation planning and development | $2,000 | Covers cost of staff time to develop MoonDAO for execution at the event |
| Demonstration Materials | $682 | For digital displays and material needed to create them. |
| Program Delivery | $2,000 | Staff costs to attend and deliver event materials. Travel to Chicago, and accommodation |
| ### Total: | ### $4,682 |
Higher Orbits brings the students. MoonDAO brings the ecosystem. Together, we build the future of space, open to all.
