- Space Exploration Initiative
Manuel Sánchez Castro is a Mexican inventor, entrepreneur and researcher working at the intersection of aerospace, public health, and advanced manufacturing.
As a Research Affiliate with the MIT Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative, Manuel leads the development of next-generation disinfection technologies for space habitats, projects that are being tested aboard zero-gravity flights and designed for future deployment on the Moon, Mars and beyond.
Manuel holds a Master of Public Health from Harvard and an MBA from MIT Sloan, along with a Graduate Certificate in Aerospace Innovation from MIT AeroAstro. His academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to systems thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scalable impact.
Before MIT, Manuel has led multiple ventures in healthcare. Born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Manuel is passionate about bridging talent, technology, industry, and knowledge to improve access to healthcare.