The Mars Society is honored to announce that Dr. Orson Sutherland, Programme Manager for Mars Exploration and Acting Exploration Chief Scientist at the European Space Agency (ESA), will deliver a (virtual) plenary address during the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention October 9-11, 2025 at the University of Southern California (Los Angeles). Dr. Sutherland will outline ESA’s current and future plans for exploring Mars and beyond, drawing from his extensive experience leading key programs such as the ExoMars mission and… READ MORE >

In ninety-eight, a vision sparked,By Zubrin’s hand, the flame embarked.A call to reach the crimson sphere,To plant our dreams, to persevere. With “Mars Direct,” a daring plan,To send our kind, both woman and man.To live, to learn, to build anew,Beneath the sky of rusty hue. In deserts vast and Arctic’s chill,They train with grit, unwavering will.Simulations test the human core,Preparing for that distant shore. Through rovers’ race and VR’s glance,They give the youth a fighting chance.To touch the stars, to… READ MORE >

Mark your calendars for Red Planet Live on Tuesday, May 6 at 5:30 pm PT—we’re sitting down with Dr. Oleg Demidov, a trailblazing space and tech entrepreneur, investor, and all-around innovation guru. With two successful startups under his belt, Dr. Demidov is the co-founder of Beyond Earth Ventures and COSolve, both focused on game-changing advances in space and climate tech. He also launched the First Space Tech Syndicate on AngelList to open up space investing to a broader audience. Oh,… READ MORE >

In a groundbreaking educational experience last year, students across Greece stepped into the boots of astronauts during DES@Mars 2024, the country’s first interactive Mars Analog Simulation. Organized by DES School in collaboration with Mars Society Hellas—the official Greek chapter of The Mars Society—the program brought space exploration to life for elementary and high school students through immersive, role-based learning. Set in the year 2047, the simulation imagined the early days of a Martian settlement. Students, now “New Martians,” were tasked… READ MORE >