The 2026 International Mars Society Convention is now accepting abstract submissions for presentations covering all aspects of Mars exploration and settlement. We welcome proposals across a wide range of topics, including science, engineering, technology development, human factors, public policy, economics, and other key areas shaping the future of the Red Planet. This global gathering will bring together scientists, engineers, policymakers, industry leaders, and space advocates to share ideas, research, and strategies for advancing human exploration of Mars. Whether your work… READ MORE >
News & Announcements
March 31st, 2026
Mars Society & INCOSE Foundation Announce Systems Engineering Award for URC
The Mars Society is proud to welcome the INCOSE Foundation as an Educational Partner of the University Rover Challenge (URC). The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization affiliated with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) and is committed to rewarding skills through scholarships for those engaged in finding solutions to complex technical challenges at all stages of their education or career. Together, the organizations are pleased to announce the establishment of the INCOSE Foundation Excellence in Systems Engineering Award. This… READ MORE >
March 28th, 2026
How Mars Rover Components Are Tested for Red Planet Survivability [RPB Blog]
By Lou Farrell, Senior Writer, Red Planet Bound Mars rovers are among the most meticulously engineered machines ever built. Getting one to the Red Planet is only half the challenge, as the real test is keeping it alive once it’s there. Surviving on Mars demands that every component withstand conditions that would destroy ordinary machinery within hours. This degree of readiness is achieved through a series of demanding tests designed to simulate the harshest environment any machine has ever been… READ MORE >
March 25th, 2026
The Mars Society Applauds NASA’s Ignition Initiative: A Bold Step Toward the Moon and Beyond
Access a PDF Version of this Statement The Mars Society welcomes the sweeping set of policy announcements made by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman at yesterday’s Ignition event. The decision to prioritize sustained surface operations on the Moon, to dramatically increase mission cadence, accelerate the development of space power, fly a Mars helicopter mission, and to develop a commercially driven logistics pipeline represents a fundamental and long-overdue reorientation of America’s human spaceflight program. For the first time in decades, the architecture… READ MORE >
March 23rd, 2026
Save the Date(s): 29th Annual International Mars Society Convention at USC
The Mars Society is pleased to announce that the 29th Annual International Mars Society Convention will take place October 22–24, 2026 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. This three-day international gathering will bring together leading scientists, policymakers, commercial space leaders, science journalists, and space advocates to explore the latest progress in Mars exploration, future human settlement and sustainability beyond Earth, emerging space technologies, the next era in lunar exploration, and much more. With both on-site and… READ MORE >
March 18th, 2026
38 Teams Advance to 2026 University Rover Challenge Finals!
After an incredibly competitive System Acceptance Review, 38 teams from 11 countries will compete at the 2026 University Rover Challenge Finals, being held May 27-30, 2026 at the Mars Society’s Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah! A record 116 teams from 18 countries (!) began the year competing for a coveted invitation to the URC2026 Finals. Teams submitted both written reports as well as video demonstrations of their rovers, which were scored by URC’s panel of judges. The URC, led… READ MORE >
March 6th, 2026
High School Students: Design Your Own Mission to Mars This Summer
The Mars Society is excited to announce the Fifth Annual International Mission to Mars Engineering Design Competition, a dynamic virtual summer program open to high school students ages 13–19 worldwide. The program will run June 8 through July 10, 2026, offering students an immersive opportunity to tackle real-world challenges related to human exploration of the Red Planet. During this five-week competition, students will think and work like aerospace engineers and mission planners by designing a comprehensive human mission to Mars… READ MORE >
March 5th, 2026
Musk Is Enticed by the Lunar Siren [R.Zubrin Op-Ed]
By Dr. Robert Zubrin, Quillette, 03.05.26 On 8 February, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted: For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years. The mission of SpaceX remains the same: extend consciousness and life as we know it to the stars … That said, SpaceX will also strive to build a Mars city and begin doing… READ MORE >
