TED Talks Daily: "Beyond the Talk" Featuring Ariel Ekblaw

Release Date: May 30, 2025

In the latest episode of TED Talks Daily, host Elise Hu engages in an insightful conversation with Ariel Ekblaw, an aerospace engineer and architect renowned for her pioneering work in space construction. This episode delves deep into Ariel's TED Talk and explores the transformative potential of space technology in addressing some of humanity's most pressing challenges on Earth.

The Journey to the TED Stage

Elise Hu opens the conversation by congratulating Ariel on her recent TED Talk. Ariel reflects on the meticulous process of crafting her presentation, emphasizing the importance of refining ideas to their essence.

"Refining to the very core. What is that idea that's so important to really share with the public and share with the audience?"
[03:43] Ariel Ekblaw

She highlights the challenge of distinguishing between science fiction and scientific reality, striving to communicate complex ideas in a relatable manner.

Space Exploration Serving Earth

Ariel shifts the focus to a compelling perspective on space exploration—not merely as a quest for discovery but as a strategic initiative to solve Earth’s critical issues.

"Space is a frontier for more than exploration. It's a laboratory for solving humanity's biggest challenges."
[06:12] Ariel Ekblaw

She argues that space infrastructure can be leveraged to benefit Earth directly. For instance, building large structures in orbit can facilitate innovative solutions like zero-gravity biotechnology and space-based solar power.

Innovative Technologies with Earthly Benefits

Biotechnology in Space

Ariel discusses the unique advantages of conducting biotechnology research in microgravity environments. Proteins fold differently in space, enabling the creation of drugs and therapies unattainable on Earth.

"You can stabilize them and then you can bring them down. So a great example is artificial retinas."
[08:35] Ariel Ekblaw

She cites LambdaVision, a company that manufactures artificial retinas in orbit, capable of curing macular degeneration—an innovation impossible under Earth’s gravitational constraints.

Space-Based Solar Power

Another focal point is space-based solar power. Ariel explains how placing solar panels above Earth's atmosphere can capture undiminished sunlight, addressing the intermittency and storage issues associated with terrestrial solar energy.

"You could shine energy on Earth even at night, which would fundamentally solve the storage problem for solar power or the intermittency problem."
[08:54] Ariel Ekblaw

She envisions a future where concentrated solar energy from space acts like a flashlight, providing a consistent and reliable energy source.

Timelines and Political Climate

Development Timelines

Ariel outlines realistic timelines for these technologies:

• Biotech Habitats: She anticipates that within five years, commercial space stations focused on biotechnology could emerge, scaling up the experimental groundwork laid by the International Space Station (ISS).

"In five years we could be able to credibly say that we could do another commercial space station focused around biotechnology."
[09:45] Ariel Ekblaw

• Space-Based Solar Power: This is viewed as a mid-term investment, comparable to constructing nuclear power plants on Earth, with a projected timeline of 10 to 15 years.

Political and Economic Factors

Ariel acknowledges the significance of bipartisan support in the U.S. for space initiatives, which bolsters funding and governmental backing. She also emphasizes the importance of democratizing access to space, envisioning a self-sustaining space economy less reliant on government funds.

"We think space infrastructure could serve Earth, to help Earth."
[07:53] Elise Hu

Environmental Considerations

Addressing environmental impacts, Ariel discusses the current carbon footprint of rocket launches. She underscores the necessity for cleaner propulsion technologies to make frequent launches sustainable.

"We need to be able to do cleaner mass to orbit. It needs to have a lower carbon footprint than it does right now."
[13:23] Ariel Ekblaw

Innovations such as liquid oxygen and hydrogen engines, as well as alternative methods like mass drivers or slingshots for cargo, are presented as viable solutions to reduce the environmental impact.

Navigating a Male-Dominated Field

Ariel shares personal experiences and lessons learned from being one of the few women in aerospace engineering. Inspired by her mother, one of the first female pilots in the U.S. Air Force, Ariel emphasizes the importance of role models and mentorship.

"Girls are good at math. Just reinforce the fact that you have just as much right and opportunity and natural ability to go out and really succeed and try hard."
[14:20] Ariel Ekblaw

She also highlights the efforts of her nonprofit, Aureli Institute, which aims to diversify the space workforce by providing opportunities to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.

Behind the Scenes of Her TED Talk

Ariel expresses a desire to showcase the extensive groundwork that precedes successful research, such as years of lab testing and iterative prototyping. She reflects on the unseen efforts that contribute to space missions.

"There's so much development in science and engineering, so much iterative prototyping and failure..."
[16:29] Ariel Ekblaw

Lightning Round: Personal Insights

In a lighthearted segment, Ariel shares glimpses into her personal life and philosophies:

• Innovation: Values elegance and simplicity in solutions.

  "I like it to feel elegant. Something that doesn't feel kludgy, doesn't feel over engineered."
  [18:50] Ariel Ekblaw

• New in 2025: Recently moved to New York to expand her professional and personal horizons.

  "Splitting my time between Boston and New York has been a delightful change of scenery."
  [19:18] Ariel Ekblaw

• Hobbies: Enthusiast of tropical botany, maintaining over 40 houseplants.

  "I am obsessed with tropical botany... I have over 40 houseplants in my house."
  [22:08] Ariel Ekblaw

• Regret and Lessons: Reflects on prioritizing personal relationships and fulfillment over solely professional ambitions.

  "Don't get so caught up in your own excitement that you forget some of the really fundamental, like basic human needs around fulfillment and taking care of others."
  [23:15] Ariel Ekblaw

• AI Conversation: Emphasizes the importance of addressing fundamental human needs alongside advancing AI technologies.

  "Let's not get obscured... there are still fundamental pockets of humans who need help in a less technologically driven way."
  [21:17] Ariel Ekblaw

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks from both hosts. Listeners are encouraged to watch Ariel Ekblaw’s TED Talk for a deeper understanding of her groundbreaking work and visionary ideas.

Elise Hu remarks on the importance of balancing technological advancements with human-centric priorities, encapsulating the essence of the conversation.

Key Takeaways:

• Space as a Multifaceted Frontier: Beyond exploration, space technology offers innovative solutions to Earth's challenges.
• Biotech and Energy Solutions: Microgravity environments facilitate groundbreaking biotech advancements, while space-based solar power presents a viable, long-term energy solution.
• Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility: Emphasizes the need for eco-friendly propulsion technologies to support scalable space infrastructure.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Highlights the significance of role models and inclusive initiatives in traditionally male-dominated fields.
• Personal Fulfillment: Stresses the balance between professional ambitions and personal relationships for a well-rounded, regret-free life.

For those eager to explore these transformative ideas further, Ariel Ekblaw’s TED Talk is available on the TED Talks Daily feed and ted.com.