Building the Orbital Frontier | An Evening with Plum Alley, MIT Space Exploration, & Rendezvous Robotics
Building in space is no longer a science-fiction ambition, but it’s not a no-brainer either.
With SpaceX tapping the public market, the attention is heightened on what happens in space beyond transportation and tourism. As previously unthinkable opportunities become possible, a new set of challenges must be overcome. One of the most critical is how to transport materials and construct infrastructure in an environment radically different from anything experienced on Earth.
Rendezvous Robotics is ahead of the curve with a patented approach that uses magnetically enabled materials that snap together like LEGO bricks while withstanding the harsh conditions of space. Space is hostile, weightless, and high-radiation. Materials cannot be moved, positioned, or assembled the way they are on Earth, and traditional construction methods break down entirely.
Before space infrastructure can scale, the industry must answer a foundational question: how do you build large, durable, reliable structures in an environment that resists every method we know? The use cases are vast. The scale potential is enormous. And none of it moves forward without solving the construction problem first.
Come to be informed and inspired by Ariel Ekblaw, PhD, founder of the MIT Space Exploration Initiative and co-founder of Aurelia Institute, as she explores what it'll take to build at scale in orbit. Dedicated to advancing humanity's future in space for the benefit of Earth, the presentation will explore how Rendezvous Robotics’ autonomous, self-locking assembly technology could enable the foundations of civilization to be built in the extraterrestrial frontier. Dr. Ekblaw holds a BS in Physics, Mathematics, and Philosophy from Yale University, and a PhD from MIT, where her research advanced a novel vision for space habitats using self-assembling structures.
The next era of space will not be defined by who gets there first. It will be defined by who can build there.
Join us for a live founder presentation and fireside chat with the Rendezvous Robotics team, available in person and via live stream. The program runs 5-8 pm ET.
Event Schedule
5:00 pm | Welcome Reception
Guests arrive for drinks, small bites, and networking.
5:30 pm | Part A: Fireside Chat with Ariel Ekblaw, PhD (Co-Founder & Inventor)
Join Dr. Ariel Ekblaw for an engaging conversation on the future of building at scale beyond Earth and the technologies that will enable the next generation of space infrastructure.
6:15 pm | Intermission
A brief break to connect with fellow attendees and refresh before the second session.
6:30 pm | Part B: Founder Presentation with Phil Frank (Co-Founder & CEO)
Hear directly from the Rendezvous Robotics leadership team as they present the company's vision, technology, and path to enabling large-scale construction in orbit, beginning with a microgravity biomedical research lab as its first commercial application.
7:15 pm | Reception & Networking
Continue the conversation over drinks and small bites with fellow attendees, founders, investors, and industry leaders.
This event is made possible with the support of our co-host Cure. and sponsors Fidelity and Wells Fargo.
Fidelity Private Shares is an all-in-one equity management platform that helps businesses maintain a clean cap table, an organized data room, independent 409a valuations and a clear equity story. If you'd like to learn more, connect with Charlie Stephens.
Registration Disclaimer
By registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree that your registration information, including name and email address, may be shared with Plum Alley Ventures Company, Cure., and Deerfield Management for event coordination, communications, and follow-up purposes. You also consent to being photographed and/or recorded during the event and grant permission for such content to be used for promotional, archival, or communications purposes without further notification or compensation.