Beyond the Cradle
Beyond the Cradle: Envisioning a New Space Age is the MIT Space Exploration Initiative's annual flagship event, where we weave the tapestry of the space industry with leading space visionaries—from the space scientists and astronauts at the vanguard of exploration, to the CEOs and founders building a burgeoning space ecosystem, to the artists and storytellers shaping our conception of the possible.
Beyond the Cradle takes a creative spin on the future of space exploration.
The event brings together leading space industry chief executives, space science researchers, sci-fi authors, Hollywood visionaries, artists, and astronauts to inspire the audience to envision, design, hack, and build our space futures.
Envisioning a New Space Age
Beyond the Cradle hosts over 350 in-person attendees and reaches six continents with several thousand members who tune in via our livestream, Twitter and YouTube channel. Part of MIT Space Week, the event features a keynote speaker, several workshops and panel discussions to engage audience members in imaginations of the future of space innovation and exploration, and closes with an astronaut panel. A space art gallery and breakout workshop sessions democratize access by inviting and uniting new disciplines and voices in our event.
See a selection of photos and videos from past events below, and view additional details and archived footage at beyond.media.mit.edu →
Beyond the Cradle Highlights
Welcoming attendees to the event, traditionally held on the 6th floor of the MIT Media Lab
Beyond the Cradle gathers experts across industries and disciplines to participate in engaging plenary sessions, panels, workshops, and artistic performances on space exploration.
The event’s finale session - the astronaut augury panel
Beyond the Cradle’s 2018 Plenary Address and Panel: Our Sci-Fi Space Future
One of many interactive workshops hosted during the event.
The event includes a gallery featuring space art, design, and experimental artifacts.
A glass planet created by artist Josh Simpson, featured as part of Beyond the Cradle’s space art gallery.
Watch a highlight video highlighting key events and speakers from Beyond the Cradle 2019