Scientia Et Inventio Nos Ad Astra Tolle --

“Science and Invention Take Us to the Stars”

​

The Hephaestus Mission Series will study aspects of biotechnology applications to human sexuality and reproductive factors in space environments. In ancient Greek myths, Hephaestus was the god of fire, metalworking, and craftsmanship, and – along with the Athenian inventor Daedalus – creator of the Automatons: animate metal statues of men, animals and monsters (robots).  The husband of Aphrodite, goddess of love, Hephaestus has also been referred to as the god of technology and invention.  He is often depicted in art and literature with a hammer, anvil and forge, and is said to have crafted the arrows of Eros, which strike irresistible desire and love into their targets.

The Hephaestus missions will include a broad spectrum of studies and experiments analyzing the application of biotechnology to address challenges to human sexuality and reproduction in space – ranging from IVF applications and artificial wombs to A.I. companionship for deep space crews, robotics, and more.​​​

​