Little Scientists’ Queries
7 minute read - What would happen to a tree in space? That was just one of the many fantastic questions from the fifth graders at NICE Community School District, and we had so much fun answering them! Rose Schopfer shares the Q&A we had with these curious young minds and reflects on why curiosity, creativity, and encouragement matter so much.
The Celestial Silk Road
3 minute read - What if the next great trade route isn't across land, but between Earth and the Moon? Robotics Engineer Preksha Sanjay Madhva explores the future of space logistics and the infrastructure needed to build a thriving, sustainable space economy. From orbital refueling depots and skyhooks to space traffic coordination, debris removal, and in-orbit manufacturing, the foundations of this new economic corridor are already being laid.
KMI: The Origin Story, Part II
4 minute read - The story didn't end when KMI was founded. In many ways, that's when the real work began. In KMI: The Origin Story, Part II, Troy M. Morris shares some insights on the challenges and partnerships that shaped KMI's next chapter, from the REACCH missions aboard the International Space Station to the people and perseverance that continue to drive our mission forward.
Servicing Data Centers in Space
5 minute read - As demand for AI computing power grows, some are looking beyond Earth for the next generation of data centers. But what happens when orbital mechanics, power generation, and decades of accumulated space debris collide with that vision? Adam Kall explores the opportunities and challenges of orbital data centers, why Sun Synchronous Orbit may become valuable real estate, and why space sustainability must be part of the conversation from the start.
Since REACCH Returned
8 minute read - What happens after a space prototype returns from orbit? Co-Founder & CTO Austin Morris reflects on the journey of REACCH, from a shelved DARPA concept to becoming the first commercial system to repeatedly capture unprepared objects in space aboard the ISS. From prototype setbacks and sleepless engineering sprints, to watching SpX-31 carry years of work into orbit, to 172 capture cycles aboard the International Space Station, this is the story behind one of KMI’s most ambitious missions yet.
A Walk off the Edge of the Planet
3 minute read - Gabby Muehlenbeck stood barefoot on the edge of Black Rocks in Marquette, Michigan, sun-warmed stone beneath her, Lake Superior shimmering below. Her heart thumped. Tunnel vision. Don’t think. Just jump. So she did.
KMI and the SDA Tap Lab
5 minute read - KMI and the US Space Force share a common goal: ensuring free access to and use of space for all. To meet that mission, debris-causing events must be predicted and avoided. Sheena Winder showcases our new role in the SDA TAP Lab where were helping the Department of Defense (DoD) cut through the noise and rapidly identify unknown objects in space in less than a minute.
Beneath Alien Skies, Part Two: Charting Our Course
8.2 minute read - Fellow xenologists, prep your gear—our next alien expedition awaits! What would life look like on a planet with crushing gravity, acidic skies, or methane oceans? Preksha Sanjay Madhva breaks down how otherworldly environments could shape life itself—from compact, ground-hugging beasts to floating titans in sulfur clouds.
A Year With KMI
2 minute read - From learning CAD to designing capture targets for REACCH, Engineering Intern Joe Giroux has spent the last year transforming curiosity into capability. As he heads to Michigan Tech to study Mechanical Engineering, we celebrate the work he’s done at KMI—and the engineer he’s becoming.
Beneath Alien Skies, Part One
6.5 minute read - Every night, I look up and wonder who might be looking back. Could life exist out there—not just somewhere, but everywhere? In the first installment of Beneath Alien Skies, Maura Flynn delves into the fundamentals of life itself: what it needs to survive, and how truly alien biology might look beyond the comforting blueprint of Earth. Carbon, silicon, hybrids, and solvents that seem straight from the pages of science fiction—this is just the start of our exploration.
Beyond Flatland: Exploring the Possible Shapes of the Universe
5 minute read - Flat like a pancake, curved like a sphere, or twisted like a cosmic donut? The shape of the universe is one of the greatest mysteries in cosmology, and its answer could reveal the fate of everything. Robotics Engineer Preksha Sanjay Madhva dives into the mind-bending possibilities of our universe’s geometry—from infinite expansion to a cosmic wraparound effect.
Electronics Design Considerations for an Astrobee Payload: Robustness
10 minute read - Designing for space isn’t easy. Before electronics reach the ISS, they must endure launch forces, operate in microgravity, and function reliably in orbit. In this first installment, Thomas Zieglar breaks down the challenges of building for space—starting with robustness. Plus, meet Astrobee, the free-flying ISS robot hosting our REACCH demo. From extreme environments to precision engineering, KMI is exploring what it takes to make space tech not just survive—but thrive.
Music in Space
5 minute read - Space may be silent, but that hasn’t stopped us from filling it with music! From astronauts playing Jingle Bells in microgravity to a cover of David Bowie’s Space Oddity recorded on the ISS—music has been a constant companion in space exploration. Scientists are even transforming galaxies, black holes, and star data into sound, turning the universe into a cosmic symphony.
3D Printing and Space Manufacturing - One Layer at a Time
5 minute read - From on-demand tools to building lunar colonies, 3D printing is revolutionizing space missions. By reducing costly resupply needs and enabling in-space manufacturing, it’s paving the way for sustainable exploration beyond Earth. Can it overcome the extreme challenges of space to truly support the next era of deep space exploration?
The First Space Travelers
5 minute read - From fruit flies to Mighty Mice, animals have shaped space exploration. Learn the “when & why” behind these missions, their impact on science, and how ethical standards are evolving.
Skyhooks, Space Elevators, and Other Things We Can't Build Yet
7 minute read - Have you ever wondered if there’s a better way to get to space than rockets? Robotics Engineer Preksha Sanjay Madhva breaks down futuristic concepts like space elevators, skyhooks, and other ideas that could revolutionize space travel. From reducing fuel costs to carrying larger payloads, these innovative ideas could change how we explore the cosmos - if we can solve their massive engineering challenges.
Collection of Debris in Space Increases
4 minute read - Karleigh Lundy, a Louisa County High School reporter, brings a fresh perspective on the growing challenges of space debris and its impact on daily life, emphasizing the need to prepare future generations for these critical issues.
REACCHing for the Stars
5 minute read - When it comes to sending hardware to space, it’s no easy task - but incredible things are possible when passionate minds join forces. With KMI's first space-bound hardware now aboard the ISS, Austin Morris shares the journey of REACCH. From early concepts to our launch success, dive into the story of resilience, ingenuity, and teamwork behind this monumental step of KMI #KeepingSpaceClearForAll.
Spooky Space: Halloween on the ISS
3 minute read - Especially for Halloween, Corinne Moore presents a special feature on costumes, candy, and more aboard the ISS. Put on your brave faces, grab your favorite holiday treat, and enjoy a lighthearted romp into Halloween’s past. Maybe you’ll find some last minute inspiration for your costume this year!
Tow Trucks and Tug Boats in Space!
4 minute read: Tow Trucks and Tug Boats in Space, Oh My! There are several examples on Earth that illustrate the need for different types of in-space services. It’s clear that more options for specialization lead to overall efficiency.