AeroAstro SpaceTech 2025: From the Earth to the Moon
MIT AeroAstro’s fifth annual SpaceTech Conference explored technologies of the future at the intersection of lunar exploration with life on Earth. The event convened leading experts, researchers, and students for a day of panel discussions, presentations, and connection with other experts and enthusiasts at the forefront of space technology.
The conference commenced with opening remarks from Department Head Julie Shah and AeroAstro research scientist and SpaceTech lead George Lordos. “This is an incredibly exciting moment in aerospace – possibly the most exciting moment. There are more launches, there are more startups, more new research, and more big, ambitious ideas than we’ve ever seen before,” said Shah..
Keynote speaker, Dr. Julien Lamamy (SM ’04, PhD ’07) opened the event with a presentation on career trajectories in the aerospace industry, followed by a panel discussion on space technology startups and entrepreneurship. PhD student Chloe Gentgen (ESL) also gave a presentation on future space systems capabilities.
Attendees networked at the AeroAstro SpaceTech Expo, which showcased demonstrations from MIT-led projects including BRICCS, the Walking Oligomeric Robotic Mobility System (WORMS), AR/VR applications for human space exploration, a deployable lunar tower, and the Lunar Autonomy Challenge. Poster sessions highlighted advancements in space nuclear propulsion, lunar in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), cislunar trajectory design, and testing of nuclear thermal rocket fuel.
Throughout the day, AeroAstro students competed in “lightning talk” presentations, condensing their extensive research into five-minute presentations. The event audience participated in real-time judging and scoring of each talk. Daniel Monaghan ‘25 was awarded third place for his presentation on Project MATER, graduate student Partick Riley earned second place, and first prize was a tie between graduate student Annika Thomas (STAR lab) and Cesar Meza ‘25.
Alexa Aguilar (SM ’19, PhD ’22), Lead Space Lasers Engineer at SpaceX, delivered a keynote on cutting-edge laser technologies for space applications. Later sessions included student presentations and a panel on STEM and science communication, moderated by Maia Weinstock, with panelists from MIT, SpaceNews, and the Aurelia Institute. Mehak Sarang from the Open Lunar Foundation discussed models of good governance in space exploration.
The final segment featured a keynote by Dr. Bhavya Lal (BS ’90, SM ’92 (MIT Nuclear Engineering)), former NASA Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy, who addressed policy and strategic considerations for lunar missions. A final panel interviewed MIT experts on returning to the Moon, moderated by Professor Jeffrey Hoffman.
AeroAstro would like to extend a special thanks to event sponsors Ansys and The Aerospace Corporation for their support in making the event possible.
