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More Close
Research
Space Exploration Initiative

Space Exploration Initiative

#robotics #design #virtual reality +68 more
Research
Space Enabled

Advancing justice in Earth's complex systems using designs enabled by space

#robotics #design #human-computer interaction +52 more
Not Accepting Applicants
Research
Opera of the Future

Extending expression, learning, and health through innovations in musical composition, performance, and participation

#multimodal representation #performance technologies #digital opera +58 more
Accepting Applicants
Archived
Project Research

Microgravity Extrusion

Traditional additive manufacturing processes, especially those that make use of liquid resin as the feedstock, are constrained by the gravi…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Ariel Ekblaw · Sean Auffinger +1 more
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Archived
Publication Research

AgriFuge: An exploration of controlled irrigation methods for a rotating plant habitat

Somayajulu Dhulipala, Manwei Chan. Agrifuge: An exploration of controlled irrigation methods for a rotating plant habitat. IAC-22, Paris, France. IAC-22,A2,3,4,x69080.

Academic Paper, Oct. 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#space #biology #wellbeing +1 more
Publication Research

The Astronaut Ethnography Web Project: Insights from first-person accounts of space

S. Sharma, N. Klop-Packel, A. Ekblaw, “The Astronaut Ethnography Web Project: Insights from First-Person Accounts of Space.” AC-22,E1,9,19,x68611, 73rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Paris, France, 18-22 September 2022.

Academic Paper, Oct. 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#design #social science #space +1 more
Project Research

Spatial Flux: Body and architecture in space

Structurally, zero gravity means that we do not have to contend with architecture's greatest arch-nemesis, gravity. This opens up a new wor…

in City Science · Space Exploration Initiative
Carson Smuts · Chrisoula Kapelonis
#design #architecture #art +4 more
Project Research

Peristaltic Suit

It is known that prolonged exposure to micro and hyper-gravity induces various acute health risks, such as osteoporosis, skeletal muscle at…

in Responsive Environments
Irmandy Wicaksono · Ali Shtarbanov +1 more
#robotics #data #wearable computing +6 more
Project Research

Candlewax Rockets: A Green Alternative for In-Space Propulsion

Wax-based hybrid rocket propellants, including paraffin (common candlewax) and beeswax show promise as high-performing hybrid rocket propel…

in Space Enabled
Javier Stober
#robotics #architecture #art +16 more
Research
Tangible Media

Seamlessly coupling the worlds of bits and atoms by giving dynamic physical form to digital information and computation

#robotics #design #virtual reality +55 more
Accepting Applicants
Post Research

Space Miso: ISS Mission 2020

New flavors may evolve as earth foods migrate to outer space. A collaboration between Maggie Coblentz at the MIT Media Lab and Joshua Evans…

Feb. 27, 2020
in Space Exploration Initiative
#food #space #zero gravity
Research
Responsive Environments

Augmenting and mediating human experience, interaction, and perception with sensor networks

#robotics #design #virtual reality +66 more
Accepting Applicants
Project Research

Space Fabrics: resilient electronic textiles for distributed sensing in low Earth orbit

Overview: The outermost skin of a space-based structure is designed using materials known to protect against the harsh elements of space. S…

in Responsive Environments · Space Exploration Initiative
Juliana Cherston
#design #architecture #consumer electronics +14 more
Archived
Project Research

Scratch in Space

The Scratch Team invited young people from around the world to create Scratch projects designed specifically to be played in zero grav…

in Lifelong Kindergarten · Space Exploration Initiative
Christan Balch · Eric Schilling
#computer science #space #zero gravity
Archived
Project Research

Space Sustainability Rating

The Space Sustainability RatingThe Space Sustainability Rating design team—comprised of the World Economic Forum, the European Space Agency…

in Space Enabled
Danielle Wood · Minoo Rathnasabapathy
#environment #health #politics +7 more
Project Research

Microgravity Research Flights with the Space Exploration Intiative

The Space Exploration Initiative charters an annual ZERO-G parabolic flight for 14-15 projects and 25 researchers across MIT Media Lab, sev…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#space #zero gravity
Project Research

The Gravity Loading Countermeasure Skinsuit

By Rachel Bellisle

in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Project Research

TESSERAE: Self-Assembling Space Architecture

Overview: How will we build the coming generations of Space Architecture—the modules, space ships, and space stations that will enscon…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Ariel Ekblaw
#robotics #design #agriculture +12 more
Project Research

Fluid Expressions - Art and Craft in Microgravity

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…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Sanjana Sharma
#robotics #design #architecture +13 more
Project Research

Personalized Performance-Optimization Platform (AttentivU - P-POP)

​The environmental conditions of prolonged spaceflight pose significant psychological risks for astronauts. In particular, crews of future …

in Fluid Interfaces · Space Exploration Initiative
Nataliya Kos'myna · Pattie Maes
#environment #health #sensors +6 more
Archived
Project Research

Physio FreeFall

This project seeks to examine the effects of altered gravity on an individual’s physiology during parabolic flight. Specifically, we will c…

in Affective Computing · Space Exploration Initiative
Kristy Johnson · Rosalind W. Picard +3 more
#bioengineering #consumer electronics #health +5 more
Archived
Archived
Project Research

Zenolith - An Interplanetary Time Device

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 …

in Space Exploration Initiative
Sands Fish · Che-Wei Wang +1 more
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Archived
Project Research

SpaceHuman 2.0

SpaceHuman is a soft robotics device designed to facilitate the exploration of environments with reduced gravity in a view of democratizati…

in Responsive Environments · Space Exploration Initiative
Valentina Sumini · Joseph A. Paradiso +2 more
#robotics #design #human-computer interaction +16 more
Project Research

Reconfigurable space structures

Rapid prototyping platforms such as 3D printers used for digital fabrication are today able to manufacture custom objects for specific task…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #art +13 more
Article Research

Robotic cubes shapeshift in outer space

Self-reconfiguring ElectroVoxels use embedded electromagnets to test applications for space exploration.

via MIT News · Feb. 23, 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #space +2 more
Project Research

Envirome Monitoring with CRISPR Biosensors

In recent years, there has been an increase in low-cost and open-source electronic and chemical sensors that hobbyists, concerned citizens,…

in Responsive Environments · Space Exploration Initiative · Open Ocean
Devora Najjar
#robotics #architecture #art +14 more
Archived
Project Research

Gravity Proof: Speculating Cosmic Futures

Gravity Proof is a performance and mission to prepare and cook bread in space. Inspired by ancient recipes and archaeological bread re…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Maggie Coblentz
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Archived
Archived
Project Research

Space Fermentation

This research highlights opportunities to bring the rich culture of Earth-based fermentation practices to space to design beneficial applic…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Maggie Coblentz
#food #space #zero gravity
Archived
Project Research

Interplanetary Gastronomy

The  Interplanetary Gastronomy research  aims to address the unique challenges and opportunities associated with eating in s…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Maggie Coblentz
#design #virtual reality #food +5 more
Project Research

Astronaut Ethnography

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…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Sanjana Sharma · Ariel Ekblaw +1 more
#design #architecture #social science +2 more
Project Research

Bio-Digital Wearables or Space Health Enhancement

Living in space could have significant physical and mental impacts on astronauts. Wearables have the potential to play a critical role in m…

in Fluid Interfaces · Space Exploration Initiative
Pat Pataranutaporn · M.S. Suryateja Jammalamadaka +3 more
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Article Research

Life in space: Preparing for an increasingly tangible reality

The Space Exploration Initiative supports research across and beyond MIT in two microgravity flights this spring.

via MIT News · July 28, 2021
in Opera of the Future · Responsive Environments · Fluid Interfaces +2 more
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Project Research

Self Assembling Space Frames

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…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Che-Wei Wang
#robotics #design #architecture +14 more
Project Research

H0TP0T

By Larissa Zhou and Adam ZacharFood is crucial to maintaining the physical and psychological health of humans in space. Eating food pr…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Project Research

Panspermia

By Nancy Valladares and Rae Yuping HsuThis project is an art performance that seeks to rethink imaginaries of multispecies surviv…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Project Research

Miniature Optical Steered Antenna for Intersatellite Communication (MOSAIC)

The Miniature Optical Steered Antenna for Intersatellite Communications (MOSAIC)By Shreeyam KackerThe Miniature Optical Steered Antenn…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Project Research

Moving Liquids With No Moving Parts

Solid-state microfrabricated devices are in development to replace contemporary heavy mechanical components for use in spacecraft propellan…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Project Research

Ø-scillation: oscillating chemistry in zero gravity and beyond

How did life originate? Nobody knows. Life might not even be native to our Earth - it might have come from asteroids or the interstellar me…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Ariel Ekblaw · Carson Smuts +5 more
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Project Research

AgriFuge

By Somayajulu Dhulipala and Manwei ChanAs humanity explores deeper into space, long-duration missions will require horticulture activities …

in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Project Research

Harmony in Precarity

By Po-Hao ChiHow could microgravity/hypergravity shape our perceptual experience of listening with weightlessness? How can we seek to explo…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Post Research

Six suborbital research payloads fly on Blue Origin New Shepard

The projects on board the Media Lab's first suborbital rocket flight

May 1, 2019
in Space Exploration Initiative
#architecture #art #space +1 more
Archived
Project Research

ZG Stardust

How might zero gravity space affect silk spinning, and what benefits might such material properties provide for digital fabrication and add…

in Mediated Matter · Space Exploration Initiative
Neri Oxman · Felix Kraemer +2 more
#space #zero gravity
Archived
Project Research

ELI: Electronic Life-detection Instrument

Life on Mars, if it exists, could have been transferred between Earth and Mars due to meteorite impacts. The Search for Extra-Terrestrial G…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Project Research

The Interplanetary Cookbook

The Interplanetary Cookbook, developed by Maggie Coblentz, presents thought-provoking recipes and zero-g kitchenware for the future of life…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Maggie Coblentz
#design #virtual reality #food +5 more
Article Research

What’s it like to design a meal that floats?

Taking a taste of the sensory research of Space Exploration Initiative’s Maggie Coblentz

via The Tech · Feb. 25, 2021
in Space Exploration Initiative
#design #virtual reality #food +3 more
Project Research

Tasting Menu in Zero G

 A multi-course tasting menu was flown on a zero gravity flight in August 2019.  Five specially crafted dishes were consumed…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Maggie Coblentz
#design #virtual reality #food +3 more
Post Research

Media Lab Research Takes Flight

Space research, led by a diverse team of women scientists, will be presented at this year's AIAA Ascend Conference.

Nov. 16, 2020
in Responsive Environments · Fluid Interfaces · Space Exploration Initiative +1 more
#environment #health #sensors +5 more
Project Research

Lunar Open Architecture

Building an open, shared, and collaborative future of lunar exploration.Explore the Lunar Open Architecture (LOA) at loa.mit.edu. …

in Space Exploration Initiative
Mehak Sarang · Ariel Ekblaw
#architecture #environment #health +9 more
Archived
Project Research

The Telemetron Orchestra

When contemplating the future of life in space, we dream not only of rockets and off-world societies, but also of art, of leisure, and freq…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Thomas Sanchez Lengeling · Nicole L'Huillier +1 more
#design #music #interfaces +3 more
Archived
Project Research

Space Webs as Infrastructure for distributed sensor networks and other infrastructure on low gravity bodies

We study textiles and nets as a base form for growing infrastructure and allowing reconfigurable sensing on low gravity bodies (for instanc…

in Responsive Environments · Space Exploration Initiative
Juliana Cherston · Paul Strohmeier
#design #architecture #art +7 more
Archived
Project Research

Liquid resin fabrication in microgravity

The future of human life outside of Earth will heavily depend on the ability to fabricate and manufacture things. Yet fabrication in space …

in Space Exploration Initiative · Tangible Media
Amos Golan
#manufacturing #space #zero gravity
Archived
Article Research

MIT’s robotic tail could aid crew operations in space

Developed by a team of Media Lab researchers, SpaceHuman is a seahorse-inspired additive prosthetic for use in microgravity environments.

via Hackster.io · May 15, 2020
in Responsive Environments · Space Exploration Initiative
#space #technology #zero gravity +1 more
Post Research

Five MIT payloads deployed on ISS

A cohort of transdisciplinary researchers will study effects of sustained microgravity

March 25, 2020
in Space Exploration Initiative
#space #zero gravity
Post Research

Designing humanity’s future in space

The Space Exploration Initiative’s latest research flight explores work and play in zero gravity

Nov. 27, 2019
in Space Exploration Initiative
#space #technology #zero gravity
Project Research

Radiofungi: Biological Pigments for Radioprotection

A major concern for manned missions is space radiation. Ionizing radiation is known to pose both acute and chronic risks to many organisms,…

in Mediated Matter · Space Exploration Initiative
Sunanda Sharma · Nic Lee +2 more
#space #biology #zero gravity
Project Research

Molecular Gastronomy in Zero G

A molecular gastronomy experiment was flown on a zero gravity flight in August 2019, using spherification techniques to create recipes in z…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Maggie Coblentz
#design #virtual reality #food +4 more
Project Research

Space/Craft

Space/Craft explores sculpting in zero gravity. Making artistic works by hand is a fundamentally human act, but how will it transform …

in Space Exploration Initiative · Civic Media
Alexis Hope · Tim Savas
#art #space #technology +1 more
Archived
Project Research

FLAPS: Folded Lightweight Actuated Positioning System for CubeSat Deployables

Mechanical actuators for deployable systems on satellites are often complex, expensive, only designed for a single use, and too large or he…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#space #technology #zero gravity
Archived
Archived
Project Research

Microgravity Rowing

In microgravity, the removal of constant loading on the skeleton leads to loss of bone density and muscle mass. In order to counteract this…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#space #technology #zero gravity
Archived
Project Research

Orbit Weaver Suit

​​​​​​​​​The Orbit Weaver Suit for zero gravity was designed by Media Lab Director's Fellow Andrea Lauer in collaboration with Xi…

in Space Exploration Initiative · Director's Fellows
Andrea Lauer · Xin Liu
#design #art #fashion +3 more
Article Research

Space pianos and upside-down shoes: innovations for life in space

Hairstyles, musical instruments and gardening all change in zero gravity, scientist Sands Fish says.

via CBC News · Oct. 8, 2019
in Space Exploration Initiative
#design #music #space +2 more
Article Research

Collaboration is key for the future of space exploration, HubWeek scientists say

Ariel Ekblaw presented designs for self-assembling architecture to create habitats for people living and working in low-gravity environments

via BU News Service · Oct. 4, 2019
in Space Exploration Initiative
#space #technology #zero gravity
Project Research

The Telemetron

Today, the environments that humans occupy in space are designed for survival. Humans are carefully shuttled to and from space, and during …

in Opera of the Future · Space Exploration Initiative
Nicole L'Huillier · Sands Fish +1 more
#robotics #design #architecture +13 more
Project Research

Accessibility of the microgravity research ecosystem

For decades, the International Space Station (ISS) has operated as a bastion of international cooperation and a unique testbed for microgra…

in Space Enabled
Danielle Wood · Christine Joseph
#environment #health #politics +8 more
Article Research

How a robotic tail could help future space travelers

Researchers at the MIT Media Lab are developing technology for a day when amateur astronauts travel into orbit.

via The Wall Street Journal · April 5, 2019
in Responsive Environments
#space #zero gravity
Archived
Project Research

ZeroN: Levitated Tangible Interface

Imagine a physical object that floats through the air, unconstrained by gravity, which can move freely to display the motion of a planet in…

in Tangible Media
Hiroshi Ishii · Ernest Rehmi Post
#imaging #space #gesture interface +1 more
Archived
Project Research

Orbit Weaver

Gravity anchors all existence on Earth.It pulls a chaotic world to one single point in every moment of life. Even though gravity is everywh…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Xin Liu
#design #agriculture #architecture +8 more
Article Research

MIT’s zero-gravity musical instrument provides a soundtrack for space travel

The Telemetron was created in response to a call from the MIT Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative.

via Digital Trends · July 9, 2018
in Space Exploration Initiative
#music #space #zero gravity
Article Research

A musical instrument for astronauts and other news

BBC Click's Nick Kwek looks at some of the best technology stories of the week.

via BBC News · July 13, 2018
in Space Exploration Initiative
#music #space #zero gravity
Post Research

Curating the human experience of space—present, future, and fiction

Xin Liu discusses the Space Exploration Initiative's upcoming arts exhibition at Ars Electronica

Aug. 21, 2018
in Space Exploration Initiative
#design #art #space +1 more
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