  Matrix theory is a proposed non-perturbative definition of superstring theory
in which space is emergent. We begin a study of cosmology in the context of
matrix theory. Specifically, we show that matrix theory can lead to an emergent
non-singular cosmology which, at late times, can be described by an expanding
phase of Standard Big Bang cosmology. The horizon problem of Standard Big Bang
cosmology is automatically solved. We show that thermal fluctuations in the
emergent phase source an approximately scale-invariant spectrum of cosmological
perturbations and a scale-invariant spectrum of gravitational waves. Hence, it
appears that matrix theory can lead to a successful scenario for the origin of
perturbations responsible for the currently observed structure in the universe
while providing a consistent UV-complete description.
