Constructing Buildings in Space: Tessellated Magnetic Tiles and the Path to Space Habitats

Space architecture is moving from science fiction to reality as MIT-based Aurelia develops Tessaray, modular self-assembling tiles that magnetically fuse in microgravity to form livable structures. The interview explains how these space Legos could enable large habitats, microgravity laboratories, and in-orbit manufacturing, while addressing air pressure seals, radiation shielding, and human-robot collaboration. The conversation also covers growing plants in space, space-based solar power concepts, and the challenge of debris and environmental impact as humanity contemplates commuting to orbit rather than living there full-time. The episode highlights the people behind the ideas, the partnerships driving the work, and the broader implications for Earth and beyond.

Overview

The episode profiles Ariel Ekblo, a space architect who co-founded Aurelia with Danielle Dalatt and Sona Sharma, and she outlines Tessaray, a self-assembling space structure concept. Tessaray tiles act like space Legos with magnetic edges that self-align and bond in microgravity, enabling large, reconfigurable habitats and potentially in-orbit laboratories or manufacturing spaces. The tiles are designed to be self-correcting, drawing inspiration from biomimicry in proteins and DNA, and are tested in MIT-derived prototypes with plans to return to the International Space Station in early 2026. This segment sets the stage for a future where space architecture scales through automated assembly rather than complex, ground-built modules.

Quote 1 — Ariel Ekblo, space architect and Aurelia founder

Self-Assembly and the Tessaray Vision

In contrast to traditional pre-built modules, Tessaray aims to create large structures in space by releasing modular tiles that magnetically attract and self-assemble. The tiles carry AI-like features embedded in the hardware to assess bonding accuracy and self-correct as they come together. The approach is inspired by natural self-assembly processes and biomimetics, offering a pathway to rapidly scale up livable volumes in orbit without heavy ground-based construction.

Quote 2 — Ariel Ekblo

Earth-Green and Space-Earth Interactions

The discussion expands beyond habitation to in-space agriculture and industrial capability. Projects with partners like Daikin explore space gardens, humidity and temperature control, and CO2-to-oxygen cycles for astronauts and plants alike. Insights from the Venice architecture Biennale illustrate how space-tested agriculture concepts can inform resilient farming on Earth, especially in disaster zones or resource-constrained environments.

Quote 3 — Regina Barber

Humans, Robots, and the Commuting Model

The host and guest consider whether humans will live in space long-term or primarily commute to orbital installations. The view is that long-duration living in microgravity remains challenging for the human body, so near-term operations may resemble commuter hubs near Earth, with artificial gravity and longer mission durations as a longer-term goal. Human-robot collaboration is highlighted as essential, with Rendezvous Robotics advancing self-assembly capabilities for large-scale applications without direct human EVA involvement.

Quote 4 — Ariel Ekblo

Energy, Debris, and Ethical Spacefaring

Space debris remains a critical concern for an era of increased launches and orbital activity. The FAA’s deep-orbit plan requirements and debris-remediation concepts, such as autonomous debris capture, are discussed as necessary steps to avoid a tragedy of the commons. The episode also covers space-based solar power as a near-term, scalable energy solution via a company named Overview Energy. Demonstrations from air-based beaming experiments suggest that space-to-Earth power beaming could become practical within five to ten years, offering a potentially clean energy pathway for the global south and a strengthening of ethical, spacefaring relations with Earth.

Quote 5 — Regina Barber

Conclusion: A New Frontier for Earth and Space

Ultimately, the show frames space architectures like Tessaray not as sci-fi fantasies but as plausible routes to more sustainable Earth practices. By separating heavy industry from Earth and enabling in-space manufacturing and energy, humans may offload some of the most carbon-intensive processes while preserving Earth as a garden planet. The conversation closes with a vision of mixed human-robot work in orbit, a pragmatic commute to space, and a broader ethic of responsible exploration that benefits life on Earth.