#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