The Mars Society Puerto Rico Chapter was formally organized in July 2007 although we have been meeting since the summer of 2005. One of our main objectives is the advancement of interest about the Red Planet in our school system. In accordance with this goal, we have set up an instructional program based on a detailed briefing focusing on the Planet's characteristics, geologic and atmospheric composition and geometric measurements. This is augmented by an in-depth look inside each attempted probe mission to the planet. There are three types of programs, each tailor-made for our prospective target audience. These include our grade and middle school projects which are directed at enticing our children's interest in Mars. Our high school program is a more detailed platform intended to promote the commencing of the exploration of Mars by their generation. Additionally, we will be represented in the 2008 University Rover Challenge by a team of students from the Liceo de Arte y Tecnologia.

Aside from our school programs, the Chapter holds a monthly conference in association with the Sociadad Astronomica de Puerto Rico. These series of discussions foments the idea of the feasibility of human exploration to Mars during the next decade. Our discussions usually take place at the Planetario in the town of Bayamonand at the Borders Book Store in San Juan. Aside from these events, our Chapter promotes the exploration of Mars with a series of bi-monthly meetings. Each meeting has its own theme. Our last meeting was focused on the metallurgical aspect of the planet. Next months chat will be concentrated on the Phoenix Probe's telemetric and directional systems. Aside from these activities, we are engaged in deep space telecommunication enhancements to our existing platforms. In accordance we perform extensive research into each sent Mars probe's communication and telemetric transmission system. We are also working on a new website which will be debuting in June 2008.

Our Chapter's main purpose is the encouragement of open and free discussions in an effort to advance the cause of promoting the Red Planet as our next logical foray into the heavens. As President Kennedy so eloquently put it, "We choose to go the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy but because they are hard." The exploration of Mars is not easy, but the investment we make today will be doubled in the not so distance future. The next generations deserve our effort.

Are you a Member of The Mars Society? You Should Be!

About a month ago, we sent out a newsletter item entitled "We Want You Back." Since then, we have had a surge of renewals and many new members have joined. However, we are still are not where we NEED to be in our membership base. Without a strong paid membership base, we can't achieve the difficult goals and projects that we have set out for ourselves. So, if you have simply let your membership lapse, please renew. If you left because you feel that we weren't responsive, we are making reforms that will make our organization much more responsive to the needs of our organization. Regardless of the reasons, WE WANT YOU BACK.

This is an exciting time to join. We are moving forward. We are planning a whole range of new programs, but we can't succeed without a strong, paid membership base.

We now have a more attractive membership offer than we have ever offered before: get three years of membership for the price of two years. Of course, we are happy to welcome you back for just one year too -- just for starters, we hope. Those interested in renewing their membership or joining for the first time can do so on our web site.