A self-proclaimed “space geek”, Michelle Lucas has always been on a mission to dream big and pursue her passion. Her space obsession took her from frequent childhood visits to Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, to the pinnacle of Mission Control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, working as a lead technical instructor for Astronaut Suni Williams’ first spaceflight. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life—a life that has led her on a journey toward space and eventually to Painted Prairie.
Before she landed at NASA, Michelle earned a scholarship to attend Space Camp in Huntsville, AL, and in college she flew on NASA’s KC-135 aircraft that simulates weightlessness for research purposes. For one hour of her life (25-30 seconds at a time), Michelle was able to experience freedom from gravity! “Getting to be part of human spaceflight has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Michelle beamed. “It inspired me to keep sharing about space and the incredible possibilities that exist if you dream big.”
Michelle’s experiences led her to launch Higher Orbits, a non-profit with the mission to inspire and engage high-school students through the use of spaceflight, in hands-on, project based learning experiences. Winning student experiments in Higher Orbits’ “Go For Launch!” program are actually launched to the International Space Station to be conducted in space by real astronauts!
Although space exploration has always been her primary passion, Michelle, who was born and raised in Southside Chicagoland, also has baseball in her veins. She will forever harbor a love for the Chicago Cubs — and the game in general. She’s visited many stadiums during her work travel and always attempts to meet each team’s mascot (she’s somewhat of a mascot superfan too!) She’s also fascinated with donuts, tracking down the best in each city she visits. Sprinkles and sparkles—as she says, “Childish in some ways, but I think we all need more sparkle and joy in life, and I embrace that.” And otters, she LOVES otters.
Arriving in Colorado from out of state, Michelle set her sights on finding a forever home for her and her 16-year-old fur child Guinness. She spent several weeks attempting to find a place that was “just right.” When she came across Painted Prairie, she immediately fell in love. She spends much of her work life traveling, so being near DEN is a bonus, and her neighbors have become a second family to Guinness. “They are dear friends and always looking out for us,” she mentions. “I sincerely don’t know what we’d do without them.”
