Speaker: Jason Lee, UCONN

September 12, 2026

5:00 – 5:45 pm

Manufacturing in 0G — Why Make Things in Space?

The International Space Station (ISS) has been continuously occupied for 25 years. What do astronauts do while they’re there? Many astronauts are scientists and engineers. A lot of their time is spent running experiments. Because the ISS is in a perpetual free fall, they experience microgravity, a.k.a. “Zero” G, where many unique physical properties appear. Many experiments have been conducted to explore how this environment may be useful for unique manufacturing processes that cannot be replicated on Earth. Dr. Lee will talk about some of these experiments and discuss how commercial partners may take up a larger role when the ISS is planning to decommission in 2030.

Jason Lee is an Associate Professor-in-Residence and the Undergraduate Director at the University of Connecticut in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering. He teaches thermal fluids, manufacturing, and capstone courses. He is an active member in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics – Gravity Dependent Science and Technology Technical Committee. In 2024, he participated in NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog where he spent 45 days with 3 other analog astronauts as a test subject studying the effects of isolation to investigate effective methods in team work and communication. Dr. Lee works with students in exploring how the variable gravitational environments play a role in manufacturing and enjoys developing courses that help students develop as engineers. This fall he is offering his students a new course “Space Life Support System Design”.

Tickets & Important Information

Time: 5:00-5:45 pm
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Cost: $6 for members, $7 for non-members (per person). General museum admission will not be charged for attendees arriving after 4:30 pm on Speaker Series days
Location: Alden Planetarium
Age Range: All ages are welcome. Recommended 15+

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