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

Lex Fridman Podcast

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