What does it mean to design for life beyond Earth without losing our humanity?
In this episode of The Solve Effect, we sit down with Dr. Ariel Ekblaw, founder and CEO of the Aurelia Institute and General Partner of the Aurelia Foundry Fund, to explore how space innovation can make life on Earth more sustainable.
From leading MIT’s Space Exploration Initiative to advising NASA on the next decade of lunar activity, Ariel has dedicated her career to shaping humanity’s future in space. But her vision isn’t about escape—it’s about expanding what’s possible for all of us.
Together, Hala and Ariel explore:
How space research can protect and restore Earth’s ecosystems
Why beauty and belonging matter—even in orbit
What it takes to build bridges between science fiction and sustainable reality
Ariel’s story reminds us that exploration isn’t about leaving home, it’s about learning how to care for it better.
Full transcript available here.
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