- MIT alumni are at the forefront of space innovation.
- Panelists discuss cutting-edge projects for 2026 and beyond.
- Long-term investment is crucial for deep tech in space.
- Lessons learned from MIT empower entrepreneurial success.
At the recent SpaceTech 2026 panel, a distinguished group of MIT alumni shared their groundbreaking work and visions for the future of space. From developing high-performance satellite computers to pioneering materials for lunar habitats, these entrepreneurs are not just dreaming big; they're actively building the infrastructure for humanity's expansion into the cosmos.
The panel, chaired by Dava Newman, the Apollo Professor, kicked off with an inspiring vision of humanity returning to the moon and venturing to Mars to search for life. This ambitious outlook set the stage for the alumni to reveal their most impactful projects for 2026. Ariel Ekblaw introduced Rendezvous Robotics, a spinout from Aurelia Institute, focusing on national security and defense applications for massive aperture radars and large-scale self-assembling space structures. Rodrigo Diaz of Novo Space highlighted direct-to-phone satellite communications, a massive orbital telescope project, and a moon rover landing as part of NASA's Artemis mission. Jordan Wax of SpaceRyde detailed small form factor laser terminals for drones, providing unjammable communications for military applications, with plans to expand to space networks. Mike Fink, representing NASA, emphasized the agency's role in investing in small and mid-size companies through non-dilutive investments, citing SpaceX's reusable launches as a prime example of successful collaboration. Lastly, Stevie Steiner from Aerogel Technologies discussed advanced aerogel materials, including non-cryopumping insulation to prevent energetic explosions in launch vehicles, significantly improving safety.
The panelists also shared invaluable lessons from their time at MIT that contributed to their entrepreneurial success. Mike Fink credited MIT's
“We need to make sure that we have an investment infrastructure in the United States and abroad that supports 14, 18, 21-year type IRRs. Uh or otherwise, we're just going to take great ideas and and and kill them off because we stifle from uh having enough capital early on.”
