#137 | Self-Assembling Space Habitats | Ariel Ekblaw, Aurelia Institute & Foundry

Ariel Ekblaw is an MIT aero-astro engineer who founded the MIT Media Lab Space Exploration Initiative, and developed a new technique to build large-scale space structures. She now runs the Aurelia Institute, a non-for-profit dedicated to building humanity’s future in space and the Aurelia Foundry, a space-focused VC fund. We talk about all of these things in this episode. Enjoy!

 

🕰️ Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction

01:47 - Ariel’s Background

06:07 - Self-Assembling Space Structures

10:44 - Applications of Space Real Estate

22:45 - Balancing Form and Function 

25:13 - Vision for Aurelia Foundry

26:54 - Promising Sectors for Investment

33:12 - Unexplored Space Manufacturing Use-cases

35:40 - Future of Space Urbanism

38:34 - Challenges and Concerns in Space 

41:29 - Recurrent Thoughts on Space

43:29 - Sci-Fi Favorites

 

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To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:

1. "To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities. 📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
2.  edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments. 🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
3. Space Business Newsletter 📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/