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Space Exploration Initiative
Advancing justice in Earth's complex systems using designs enabled by space
Designing Systems for Cognitive Support
Building intelligent personified technologies that collaborate with people to help them learn, thrive, and flourish.
Augmenting and mediating human experience, interaction, and perception with sensor networks
"Autonomous operations are critical for the success, safety, and crew survival of NASA deep space missions beyond low Earth orbit, includin…
Overview: The outermost skin of a space-based structure is designed using materials known to protect against the harsh elements of space. S…
Digital Learning + Collaboration Studio
Public libraries are one of most trusted public institutions in the U.S. and increasingly provide a broad range of education services, rang…
It is known that prolonged exposure to micro and hyper-gravity induces various acute health risks, such as osteoporosis, skeletal muscle at…
Converting the patterns of nature and the human body into beneficial signals and energy
The Scratch Team invited young people from around the world to create Scratch projects designed specifically to be played in zero grav…
Orbital debris consists of human-made objects orbiting Earth that no longer serve a purpose.
SEI Analog Environments StudyProject OverviewThe way humans engage with space has changed rapidly over the past 60 years, moving from a mod…
Extending expression, learning, and health through innovations in musical composition, performance, and participation
A panel of experts, including SEI director Ariel Ekblaw, discusses the history, culture, science, and future of NASA's Artemis program
Seamlessly coupling the worlds of bits and atoms by giving dynamic physical form to digital information and computation
The Space Sustainability RatingThe Space Sustainability Rating design team—comprised of the World Economic Forum, the European Space Agency…
ML Learning
Open Ocean
Creating technology for social change
Designing for, with, and by nature
Enjoy these recent titles from Institute faculty and staff.
The Space Exploration Initiative charters an annual ZERO-G parabolic flight for 14-15 projects and 25 researchers across MIT Media Lab, sev…
The artist and MIT Media Lab Space Exploration Initiative Arts curator makes work that explores why the seemingly impossible is possible.
Neil Gaikwad, a PhD student in the Space Enabled research group, has been selected as one of the 2019 Facebook Fellows.
More ocean data has been collected in the last two years than in all previous years combined, and we are on a path to continue to break tha…
Traditional additive manufacturing processes, especially those that make use of liquid resin as the feedstock, are constrained by the gravi…
In MIT Spectrum, Gladys Ngetich of the Space Enabled research group discusses her passion for math and physics and her road to MIT.
By Rachel Bellisle
Ariel Ekblaw talks about the TESSERAE project, which was tested on the Space Station during the recent Axiom Space AX-1 mission.
Overview: How will we build the coming generations of Space Architecture—the modules, space ships, and space stations that will enscon…
MicroPET aims to identify how microorganisms can efficiently degrade plastic waste and produce higher-value plastic materials, a process kn…
When imagining human life in space, how will we express our humanity and creativity in an alien environment? Can the art we make both refle…
The environmental conditions of prolonged spaceflight pose significant psychological risks for astronauts. In particular, crews of future …
This project seeks to examine the effects of altered gravity on an individual’s physiology during parabolic flight. Specifically, we will c…
The TESSERAE project, a design for self-assembling space structures and habitats, has sent prototypes to the International Space Station.
Beyond the Cradle
On Earth, morning, noon, and night have their own specific meanings. The feeling of a second or a minute passing by, the shortening of the …
SpaceHuman is a soft robotics device designed to facilitate the exploration of environments with reduced gravity in a view of democratizati…
Faculty leaders highlight innovations that can close longstanding knowledge gaps and reimagine how the world responds to the climate crisis.
Ariel Ekblaw talks about leading the Space Exploration Initiative, self-assembling space architecture, science fiction, + long-term thinking
The Wanderers were unveiled as part of the exhibition: ‘The Sixth Element: Exploring the Natural Beauty of 3D Printing' on display a…
Rapid prototyping platforms such as 3D printers used for digital fabrication are today able to manufacture custom objects for specific task…
Self-reconfiguring ElectroVoxels use embedded electromagnets to test applications for space exploration.
Space Exploration Initiative director Ariel Ekblaw speaks with WIRED’s Ramin Skibba about the beginning and future of space tourism.
A conversation recently aired on Planetary Radio, hosted by Mat Kaplan of the Planetary Society, featuring SEI director Ariel Ekblaw.
Spacecraft wrapped in sensor-rich electronic textiles could double as scientific instruments
The LA Times talks to Fluid Interfaces alum Xin Liu about her art project Living Distance.
In recent years, there has been an increase in low-cost and open-source electronic and chemical sensors that hobbyists, concerned citizens,…
A FerroMagnetic Suit For Zero Gravity // Grounding Humans without Gravity
Gravity Proof is a performance and mission to prepare and cook bread in space. Inspired by ancient recipes and archaeological bread re…
Life Beyond Earth is a multidisciplinary project that explores advanced space architecture concepts to enable humankind to live on the Moon.
In 2015, the director general of the European Space Agency (ESA), Jan Wörner, introduced the concept of the “Moon Village.” Inspired by the…
Under Dr. Wood's leadership, the program will move forward with the NASA Astrobee robotic system as its new in-space robotic platform.
This research highlights opportunities to bring the rich culture of Earth-based fermentation practices to space to design beneficial applic…
The Interplanetary Gastronomy research aims to address the unique challenges and opportunities associated with eating in s…
We are leveraging current Wireless Sensor Network technology to develop an easily deployable, and inexpensive wireless sensor (LunarWSN) ne…
Our journeys off-world have taught us just as much about humanity as the harsh environment of space. For the past 20 years, we have had a c…
Liu, Fangzheng. (2021). LunarWSN: A Wireless Sensor Network for In-Situ Lunar Water Ice Detection.
Explore Moon ArchitectureWorkshop @Digital FUTURESNASA’s Artemis Program is envisioning a plan to drive humanity to live on our closest cel…
Living in space could have significant physical and mental impacts on astronauts. Wearables have the potential to play a critical role in m…
Wax-based hybrid rocket propellants, including paraffin (common candlewax) and beeswax show promise as high-performing hybrid rocket propel…
The Space Exploration Initiative supports research across and beyond MIT in two microgravity flights this spring.
Ever wish you could toss your folded up tent and have it self-assemble mid-air? Well...you can. In a zero gravity environment.Self As…
By Larissa Zhou and Adam ZacharFood is crucial to maintaining the physical and psychological health of humans in space. Eating food pr…
By Nancy Valladares and Rae Yuping HsuThis project is an art performance that seeks to rethink imaginaries of multispecies surviv…
The Miniature Optical Steered Antenna for Intersatellite Communications (MOSAIC)By Shreeyam KackerThe Miniature Optical Steered Antenn…
Solid-state microfrabricated devices are in development to replace contemporary heavy mechanical components for use in spacecraft propellan…