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The Future of Space Exploration

Rocket into the future of space exploration with this behind-the-scenes briefing from one of the aerospace engineers making it happen.
 
 
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Slowly but Surely but Slowly Space exploration is a fascinating subject, but it has its limits. Humans always seem to get ahead of themselves at someone's unnecessary peril. I would think with the advancement of AI and robotics at lightning speed robots would and should replace astronauts for obvious reasons; at least for the next many decades once we have put a station on the moon.
Date published: 2025-06-17
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Very Inspirational I loved the optimism conveyed by Dr. E and the other participants. I also like the frequent tie-backs to how exploration of space has and will continue to benefit those of us left behind.
Date published: 2025-06-02
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Exciting These lectures were very interesting in that amid all the speculation about space travel and living in space, people have gone forward and been able to actually test their ideas in zero gravity. It was good to learn that real progress is being made in many areas related to space flight. There is so much to be gained by considering all the aspects of changed life that will be encountered.
Date published: 2025-05-26
Rated 1 out of 5 by from Disappointed I've been a customer since 1993, and what I expect to see here are well-vetted neutral academics who teach me about a important subjects. The course on humans going into space was led by a professor from UC Irvine working on important research on the topic. This is not that. It's an infomercial for Bezos and Musk, along with the small-fry iin their supply chain, and for all we know, funded by them. There's no one even bringing up the question of whether we there should even be a future of space exploration because this is all about the people making big money on it. I feel let down by The Teaching Company.
Date published: 2025-05-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good Overview of the future of Space Exploration I must say, I enjoyed this course. I have over 200 Great Courses, and I wouldn't say that this course is the best one I have, I will say that it was very informative and interesting to watch about the future of space exploration. I'm a firm believer that the future of the human race is in the exploration of space. Earth's resources are finite. From a human perspective, the universe is infinite, and in order for the human race to survive, that "infinite" resources need to tapped into. From asteroid mining, to the colonization of Mars, that is the future of humanity. I thought this course gave a great overview of where mankind is going, in the exploration, and utilization, of space.
Date published: 2025-05-10
Rated 1 out of 5 by from Wrongly titled The title of this should be "The Future of Manned Space Exploration" NASA's truly great success stories have been the ROBOTIC exploration of space. The manned space program has been nothing but a huge money sink with a miniscule return in investment. This series was fantasy pure and simple. It was pie in the sky. With a PhD in astrophysics, I found myself cringing every ten minutes or so. Watching it was like driving past a terrible accident on the highway -- you know you shouldn't look, but you just can't help yourself. Virtually everything she touted as benefits could be accomplished far cheaper, better, faster, safer using robots. Robots don't p**p or p**, eat or drink. They are not restricted to a very limited environmental range. Worst Greatcourse I have ever encountered.
Date published: 2025-05-08
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Exceptional Program Exceptional program for general lay person with some science & interest in space exploration. Creative, very thorough; presenter has many other experts also testify and plenty of good illustrations or maps. Many thanks!
Date published: 2025-04-22
Rated 1 out of 5 by from Seems biased They seem to put Blue origin and SpaceX in the same light, was a bit disappointed looking at the first episolde
Date published: 2025-04-11
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The Future of Space Exploration

Trailer

Innovating the New Space Frontier

01: Innovating the New Space Frontier

In this first episode, Dr. Ekblaw looks at the thrilling future of space exploration, being fueled by groundbreaking advances in rocketry and other space technologies. Discover how private companies are shaping this new frontier, while NASA continues to play a vital leadership role. Gain insights into the major players, and hear from some of the leading authorities who are featured in the course.

23 min
To Boldly Go Again: Back to the Moon

02: To Boldly Go Again: Back to the Moon

More than 50 years after the Apollo Program, humans are heading back to the Moon. But why return, and what’s different this time? Explore the economic and scientific potential of long-term lunar bases, and discover how innovative public-private partnerships are enabling a new generation of astronauts to take that next giant leap. We already know where on the Moon they will land.

33 min
Dare Mighty Things: Destination Mars

03: Dare Mighty Things: Destination Mars

The next destination after the Moon is Mars. Consider how much more perilous this mission will be, with the vast distance from Earth, extended mission duration, harsh radiation, and little prospect of rescue if anything goes wrong. Also investigate the problem of landing on Mars and surviving there for many months before return to Earth is possible. Hear about the detailed planning now underway.

29 min
The Future of Living in Space

04: The Future of Living in Space

Trace the history of Earth-orbiting space stations—from the Soviet Salyut and the US Skylab in the 1970s to the International Space Station, continuously occupied since 2000, and China’s Tiangong facility. Then explore the exciting next generation of stations, designed to be more commercialized, autonomous, sustainable, and inclusive to open up space for research, industry, and even vacationers.

25 min
Next-Generation Space Stations

05: Next-Generation Space Stations

Dr. Ekblaw describes her own groundbreaking work on the next generation of space architecture: a self-assembling, reconfigurable structure capable of constructing itself in space—no need for spacewalking astronauts or robotic arms. Known as TESSERAE, this clever system transcends the limitations of traditional modular space station designs, offering greater flexibility and a touch of fun.

24 min
Life Support and Futuristic Space Suit Designs

06: Life Support and Futuristic Space Suit Designs

As space voyagers venture farther and farther from Earth, they require advanced radiation protection, robust life support systems, and significantly improved spacesuits. Explore the innovative designs that will enable astronauts to thrive in truly alien environments. These technologies have potential applications on Earth, including radiation therapy, air purification, water recycling, and more.

31 min
The Future of Food in Space

07: The Future of Food in Space

Investigate the challenges of eating in microgravity, where floating food and crumbs can pose safety risks. Beyond providing essential nutrition, food in space supports mental well-being and social bonding, especially if it is flavorful, varied, and, when possible, fresh. Consider the benefits of fermented foods over freeze-dried options and the necessity of growing food during long Mars missions.

22 min
From Surviving to Thriving in Space

08: From Surviving to Thriving in Space

We’ve mastered how to survive in space; the next hurdle is how to thrive. Survey creative strategies for tackling the singular challenges of spaceflight: the routine disorientation and sometimes debilitating vertigo and nausea caused by weightlessness, the psychological effects of prolonged confinement, and the need for rewarding outlets like art, music, and other forms of self-expression.

22 min
Space Tourism and the Overview Effect

09: Space Tourism and the Overview Effect

Look ahead to the future of space tourism, which could feature orbiting resorts offering one-of-a-kind sports, cuisines, and entertainments that are possible only in zero-g . Hear from pioneering space tourists who extol the exhilarating journey, the unmatched sensation of weightlessness, and, above all, the breathtaking view of Earth—a sight they describe as both spiritual and transformative.

31 min
Using Space to Benefit Life on Earth

10: Using Space to Benefit Life on Earth

Thriving in space means harnessing its resources to benefit humanity. “Off-worlding” opens opportunities to mine the Moon and asteroids for rare materials, generate solar power in space to beam back to Earth, and develop technologies in microgravity that advance medicine and manufacturing. While Earth is humanity’s irreplaceable home, space offers the tools to safeguard and sustain it.

24 min
Finding Life in the Universe

11: Finding Life in the Universe

Are we alone? Join the search for extraterrestrial life—a quest that has yielded intriguing leads. Astronomers have discovered thousands of extrasolar planets, some with Earthlike properties that could support life. Spacecraft have also identified promising regions on Mars, Venus, and certain moons of the outer planets, such as Europa and Enceladus, that might harbor life or evidence of past life.

34 min
The New Ethical Problems of Space

12: The New Ethical Problems of Space

As humans spread throughout the cosmos, we shouldn’t take our bad habits with us. Consider what an ethical approach to space exploration and settlement might involve. For example, disturbances in the lunar soil, such as footprints, last for many millions of years. Finally, hear from the experts who have contributed throughout the course as they make predictions about our future in space.

39 min

Overview Course No. 10590

More than half a century after humans first walked on the Moon, exciting new space adventures are in the works. Thanks to major advances in rocketry, robotics, and other space technologies, humanity is on the verge of returning to the Moon, exploring Mars, building permanent orbiting space stations, expanding space tourism, and pushing the boundaries of exploration throughout the solar system and beyond. The Future of Space Exploration explores these exciting developments in 12 half-hour episodes, hosted by space architect and executive Dr. Ariel Ekblaw. She is joined by experts from diverse space-related fields, each offering unique insights on this greatest of all adventures. Topics include NASA’s Artemis program for a sustained human presence on the Moon, the challenge of a roundtrip mission to Mars, the next generation of space stations, the future of space tourism, and cutting-edge advances in spacesuits, radiation protection, robotic assistants, and in-space living—including more comfortable crew quarters and better food. By the end of this course, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, innovations, and possibilities of space exploration—and maybe even be inspired to take part in it yourself!

About

Ariel Ekblaw

We stand at the threshold of a new era where space is not just a destination, but a platform for endless possibilities.

INSTITUTION

Aurelia Institute; MIT Media Lab; Yale Center for Collaborative Arts and Media

Ariel Ekblaw is the co-founder and CEO of Aurelia Institute, where she combines research across science, engineering, art, and design to realize the future of space exploration. She has a PhD in Space Architecture from MIT and is the founder and past director of the MIT Space Exploration Initiative. She also serves on the NASA Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium Executive Committee and is leading MIT’s To the Moon to Stay mission. She is the author of Into the Anthropocosmos. Her work has been featured in Wired magazine, MIT Technology Review, Harvard Business Review, and The Wall Street Journal as well as on NPR, CNN, and the BBC.

By This Expert

The Future of Space Exploration
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