Aurelia Institute

Founded in 2020 and based in Cambridge, United States, Aurelia Institute is a non-profit organization focused on research and development in the field of space architecture. The Institute operates as an R&D lab, education and outreach center, and policy hub, dedicated to enabling a sustainable future for humanity in space, with benefits for life on Earth. Aurelia Institute’s core work centers on the development of next-generation space habitats, encompassing structural design, materials science, and in-space manufacturing techniques.

A key project currently underway is TESSERAE, a self-assembling space habitat, with a demonstration mission planned for January 2026. Beyond habitat development, Aurelia Institute actively engages in education and outreach programs designed to broaden access to space knowledge and training, and conducts policy research addressing the societal and governance challenges of expanding human presence in space.

The Institute differentiates itself through a holistic approach, integrating technical innovation with considerations for the cultural, philosophical, and policy implications of space exploration. Aurelia Institute emphasizes that its work is not about escaping Earth, but rather about building a better future for humanity both on and off-world, and operates with a collaborative model to translate research into public benefit technologies.