#271 – Ariel Ekblaw: Space Colonization and Self-Assembling Space Megastructures

Ariel Ekblaw is the director of the MIT Space Exploration Initiative. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:

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EPISODE LINKS:

Ariel’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ariel_ekblaw

MIT Space Exploration Initiative: https://media.mit.edu/groups/space-exploration

Books and resources mentioned:

Into the Anthropocosmos (book): https://amzn.to/3CUIchM

Seveneves (book): https://amzn.to/36ipd4O

Endurance (book): https://amzn.to/3CYdKDJ

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OUTLINE:

Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.

(00:00) – Introduction

(06:51) – Space exploration

(15:58) – Swarm robotics and self-assembling space habitats

(33:39) – Microgravity

(37:56) – Deep duration space missions

(43:06) – Extraterrestrial life

(49:29) – Music and sports in space

(56:08) – Colonizing space

(1:03:28) – War in space

(1:08:02) – Robots in space

(1:22:43) – Commercial space exploration

(1:26:21) – Future of space exploration

(1:34:07) – Beauty of the universe

(1:39:03) – Space cities

(1:44:44) – Advice for young people

(1:48:04) – Consciousness

(1:49:50) – Meaning of life