Massachusetts Space Week

Cleaning Up the Final Frontier: Tackling the Space Debris Challenge

Did you know there are more than 900,000 pieces of space debris ranging in size from 1-10 cm orbiting the Earth right now, and they are all traveling faster than a bullet? Join a special presentation with space debris expert, Richard Linares, Rockwell International Career Development Professor at MIT AeroAstro.

Making Space Accessible to All

Join Anna Voelker, Founder and CEO of AstroAccess, for an inspiring conversation on breaking barriers in space exploration. From zero-gravity flight missions with disabled scientists to advocating for accessibility in astronaut training, Anna shares how AstroAccess is reimagining who gets to go to space, and why it matters for us all. 

Blast off with us and discover the wonders of MA Space Week. Join Alissa J. Haddaji as she reveals all the exciting space events happening across Massachusetts during MA Space Week. Then, the Museum’s own Talia Sepersky will show you the coolest space adventures happening right here. Have burning questions about space? We’ll have a Q&A session where you can ask away. Get ready to explore the cosmos!

Join us for a vital conversation. “Who Owns the Night? Protecting the Night Sky Ecosystem” invites you to explore the impact of light pollution and the importance of preserving our night sky. Hear from experts, learn about the Massachusetts Dark Sky Bill, and participate in an open Q&A. Your voice matters in this crucial discussion about our shared environment.

Featuring: Alissa J. Haddaji, Talia Sepersky, Representative Simon Cataldo and Representative Sean Garballey

Explore the future of human life beyond Earth with Dr. Christopher E. Mason. His pioneering work with NASA delves into the very fabric of our DNA, revealing how we might adapt and thrive in the vast expanse of the universe. Discover how his research is paving the way for long-term space travel and the search for life elsewhere. Dr. Mason will sign copies of his book, The Next 500 Years: Engineering Life to Reach New Worlds, which will be available for purchase.

Join us for a special presentation in the Planetarium from astronomer and planetary scientist, Dr. Sara Seager, who will share how new achievements like the Kepler Telescope and rapidly improving technology put us one step closer to the possibility of finding an Earth-like world. Hear how this will change how we view our place in the universe.

Dr. Sara Seager will be available afterwards to sign copies of her memoir The Smallest Lights in the Universe: A Memoir. Copies will be available for purchase.

Join us for an immersive journey into the challenges and triumphs of human life in space. First, delve into the cutting-edge science with “Life in Space: Exploring Space Medicine & Genetics,” a 45-minute panel featuring experts Bhavya Lal (RAND), Dr. Christopher E. Mason (Cornell), Nahum Melamed (Aerospace), and Kyle Hornn (AstroAccess). Discover how their groundbreaking work is unraveling the mysteries of human adaptation in space, from the molecular level to the strategic planning of future missions.

Then, experience the ultimate test of human resilience with a free screening of The Martian. 

What is Astrobiology?

Join Dr. Simon Steel, Deputy Director of the Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute, for an engaging introduction to astrobiology: the scientific study of life in the universe. Explore how researchers investigate the origins of life on Earth, the potential for life on other planets, and the methods used to search for extraterrestrial life.​

Space Psychology: Living Beyond Earth

Join MIT AeroAstro PhD Candidate Mich Lin for a behind-the-scenes look at working supporting human well-being in isolated, confined, and extreme environments. In this 20-minute talk + 10min Q&A, they’ll share their experiences as a scientist, designer, and space architect in industry (Blue Origin, SpaceX), NASA, and beyond, offering a unique perspective on the future of human spaceflight and planetary exploration.

Engineering Humanity’s Future in Space. As vice president of engineering at Aurelia Institute, Dr. Annika Rollock is not just building habitats, she is architecting humanity’s next leap. With a PhD from CU Boulder and experience at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Blue Origin, she’s a force driving the evolution of space exploration. Beyond her technical prowess, Annika is a relentless advocate, reshaping the landscape of STEM to ensure a future where everyone has a place among the stars. Join her to witness the convergence of groundbreaking engineering and a powerful vision for an inclusive spacefaring future.

The Human Body in Space

How does spaceflight affect the human body, and how do we protect astronauts’ health on long missions? Join Anna Wadhwa, former NASA intern and MD/PhD student at MIT AeroAstro, for a talk exploring space health challenges like bone loss, fluid shifts, and other key physiological changes in microgravity.

Exploring Asteroids with a Planetary Defender

Join Nahum Melamed, Project Leader at The Aerospace Corporation and Co-Chair of the Planetary Defense Conference, for a dynamic talk on asteroids: from what they are and where they come from, to why we study them and how they could shape our future. Whether as scientific time capsules or potential hazards, these space rocks are more important than you might think!

A Beginner's Guide to Astrophotography

Ever wondered how people photograph stars, planets, and galaxies? Join Nazmus Nasir, member of the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston, for a beginner-friendly talk on astrophotography, covering essential gear, techniques, and tips for capturing the beauty of the night sky.

Asteroids: Friends or Foes?

Asteroids are more than just rocks in space: they hold secrets of our solar system’s origins and, occasionally, pose risks to life on Earth. Join MIT Planetary Scientist Richard Binzel for a fascinating exploration of these small bodies, how we study them, and what they reveal about both our past and our preparedness for future encounters.

Join The Space Consortium and the Center for Space Sciences at the Museum for the grand finale of MA Space Week! Hear closing remarks and a Space Week recap from the Museum and the JFK Library. 

After, enjoy a free screening of the space epic Treasure Planet in the Mugar Omni Theater.

This event will be preceded by the announcement of the MA Space Week Space Medicine Hackathon winners starting at 5.45pm. Treasure Planet ticket holders are welcome to attend this special announcement ahead of the screening!