By Bill Maloney, Guest Writer, Red Planet Bound Communicating rapidly and storing information are crucial for settling space, just as they were to our advancements here on Earth. Where would we be without the phone, computer, postal mail, or books? The Boston Post Road, once measured by Benjamin Franklin with an odometer attached to a carriage’s wheel, and committees of correspondence were vital for the colonists in the American Revolution. Books have inspired and educated many, spreading knowledge and wisdom… READ MORE >
News & Announcements
November 9th, 2026
Thank You for Making the 2026 International Mars Society Convention a Success!
What an incredible three days of science, innovation, inspiration, and enthusiasm for the future of Mars exploration! The Mars Society extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, held October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, such a memorable event. With nearly two hundred people participating over the three days, along with viewers joining virtually from around the world, the convention brought together an enthusiastic community of scientists,… READ MORE >
October 27th, 2026
Why Global Partnerships Are Essential for Mars Exploration [Blog]
By Lou Farrell, Senior Writer, Red Planet Bound Picture the moment a crew steps onto Martian soil for the first time. Mars exploration promises to become humanity’s next great leap, but reaching it will likely take more talent and resources than any single country can supply. Global partnerships can narrow that gap by letting space agencies combine their expertise and hardware. Four real-world examples, from a Japanese lunar rover to a European one bound for Mars, show that cooperation is… READ MORE >
October 22nd, 2026
The Red Planet Takes Center Stage — Watch LIVE from Los Angeles!
The 2026 International Mars Society Convention is underway at the University of Southern California (USC), October 22–24, and you’re invited to join us from anywhere in the world via our live YouTube broadcast! Over three exciting days, leading scientists, engineers, astronauts, entrepreneurs, and space advocates will gather to discuss the latest discoveries, technologies, and bold ideas shaping humanity’s future on Mars. Highlights include: Whether you’re interested in the search for life on Mars, the latest rover discoveries, or the challenges… READ MORE >
October 20th, 2026
USC Students — Your Ticket to Mars is Free!
The 2026 International Mars Society Convention lands at USC, October 22–24, and USC students are invited to attend FREE of charge! Why should you be there? Whether you’re studying engineering, science, technology, business, or public policy, this is a unique opportunity to: 🔹 Learn from the experts — Hear directly from NASA-JPL scientists, former astronauts, and commercial space pioneers about the future of Mars exploration. 🔹 Build valuable connections — Network with researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and space industry professionals who… READ MORE >
October 15th, 2026
Life on Mars? One Week Until the 2026 Mars Society Convention
Are we alone in the universe? Could life exist beneath the Martian surface? And might NASA’s Viking landers have discovered evidence of life on Mars 50 years ago? These fascinating questions will take center stage at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, now just ONE WEEK AWAY! The three-day gathering will bring together leading scientists, astronauts, engineers, entrepreneurs, and space advocates at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, October 22–24. Among the convention’s highlights will be a… READ MORE >
October 11th, 2026
The Man Who Inspired Elon Musk to Shoot for Mars
By Jacob Mikanowski, The Economist, October 9, 2026 The International Space Development Conference (ISDC) is an annual jamboree for interplanetary entrepreneurs. It draws space-industry professionals, NASA researchers, rocket-launch obsessives, young dreamers and anyone else hoping one day to live in—or at least profit from—settlements beyond Earth. Last year it took place in Orlando, Florida, in a convention centre sandwiched between Sea World and the Universal theme park. Crowds flocked around vendors peddling dehydrated “space salsa” and guided tours of Florida’s… READ MORE >
October 8th, 2026
The Internet Goes Interplanetary: Vint Cerf to Speak at Mars Society Convention
The Mars Society is pleased to announce that Dr. Vinton G. “Vint” Cerf, widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of the Internet, will deliver a plenary address at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. Cerf’s presentation will focus on an extraordinary technological challenge: developing an Internet that extends beyond Earth to Mars and eventually throughout the solar system. Best known for co-designing the TCP/IP… READ MORE >
