Author: Michael Stoltz

Posts by Michael Stoltz

Holiday Gifts That Inspire — From Mars Store Finds to Student Memberships

This holiday season, give gifts that truly support space exploration and spark lifelong passion by supporting The Mars Society. One great option is shopping at The Mars Store—the official store of The Mars Society. You’ll find mission patches, space-themed apparel, books, collectibles, model rockets, and unique Mars-inspired artwork. Every purchase directly helps fund hands-on research like the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), student competitions, global outreach, and programs that advance human exploration and settlement of the Red Planet. It’s a… READ MORE >

Would You Be Prepared to Handle a Year on Mars? [Blog]

By Lou Farrell, Red Planet Bound, 12.10.15 The dream of setting foot on Mars has never been closer. Thanks to advanced technologies and analog missions, serious plans for human missions are underway. These simulations push the boundaries of human endurance and adaptability, demanding incredible fitness and mental fortitude. Could you tackle these formidable challenges to survive a year on Mars? Exploring Mars Analog Missions Mars analog missions replicate critical aspects of living on the Red Planet to help future crews… READ MORE >

Year-End Red Planet Live: Dr. Zubrin on NASA, Mars Plans & What’s Coming Next

Mark your calendars for a special end-of-year episode of Red Planet Live! On Tuesday, December 16th at 5:00 pm PT, Mars Society President & Founder Dr. Robert Zubrin will join our host, Ashton Zeth, for an in-depth conversation about the organization’s major accomplishments in 2025 and what’s on the horizon for 2026. He’ll discuss the Mars Society’s programs and initiatives, the national campaign urging Congress to safeguard NASA’s space science budget, and the current outlook for sending humans to Mars…. READ MORE >

Launch a Young Explorer’s Journey this Holiday Season!

For just $25/year, you can enroll a child or teen as a Mars Society Student Member, giving them a meaningful connection to the global movement dedicated to advancing human exploration and settlement of the Red Planet. As the world’s largest and most influential Mars advocacy organization, the Mars Society leads educational programs, analog research missions, public outreach, international initiatives, and chapter development that inspire the next generation of explorers. It’s a unique gift that fuels curiosity, builds excitement, and invites… READ MORE >

Will Trump Destroy NASA? Its Moonshot is a Fantasy [R.Zubrin – Editorial]

By Dr. Robert Zubrin, Unherd, Dec. 3, 2025 At the end of May, all looked lost for Jared Isaacman. The billionaire tech entrepreneur, a self-funded astronaut who had been lined up to run NASA, suddenly had his nomination pulled by Donald Trump. The President had just fallen out with Elon Musk, who had briefly been the “First Buddy”. Isaacman, whose trips into space had been via Musk’s company SpaceX, was collateral damage. Not only was Isaacman a “blue-blooded Democrat”, the President wrote in… READ MORE >

DES@Mars 2025: Inspiring Greece’s Next Generation of Martian Explorers

In the year 2101, humanity has taken its first bold steps toward becoming an interplanetary species—and students in Greece are getting a taste of that future through DES@Mars 2025, the second interactive Mars analog simulation developed by DES School in collaboration with Mars Society Hellas, the official Greek chapter of Mars Society International. Designed for elementary and high school grades, DES@Mars 2025 places young participants in the role of “Martians Pro,” early settlers tasked with building a viable community on… READ MORE >

2025 European Mars Conference Showcases Innovation, Collaboration & the Road Ahead

The 2025 European Mars Conference (EMC2025) concluded this weekend (28-29 November) in Paris, drawing together a vibrant community of researchers, engineers, students, and space advocates committed to advancing humanity’s future on the Red Planet. The event featured a rich and wide-ranging program, including a keynote address by Mars Society President and Founder Dr. Robert Zubrin, along side numerous sessions covering scientific, technical, and societal aspects of Mars exploration. Among the many subjects discussed, several themes stood out. Participants explored the… READ MORE >

Why Settle for Black Friday When You Can Go Red — as in the Red Planet!

Celebrate Red Friday (through Monday, Dec. 1st) and support space exploration by shopping at The Mars Store — your one-stop destination for gifts that are truly out of this world. Run by The Mars Society, the world’s largest and most influential organization dedicated to the human exploration and settlement of Mars, The Mars Store isn’t just another online shop — it’s a way to wear your passion for discovery and directly support groundbreaking research, education, and outreach. Inside The Mars Store, you’ll find a wide array… READ MORE >

Why Mars Matters: Launching Our New 25-Part Short Video Series

The Mars Society is pleased to announce the launch of a new weekly series of 25 short videos highlighting compelling reasons why humanity should settle Mars—and why investing in this bold endeavor is both critical and worthwhile. Created for a broad public audience, each video offers a clear, accessible look at how Mars exploration drives scientific discovery, technological innovation, economic growth, and long-term planetary resilience. “We want to extend our sincere thanks to Nicole Willett and John Carter of the… READ MORE >

Inside Rocket Lab: A Conversation with Morgan Connaughton on Red Planet Live

Join us Tuesday, December 2nd at 5:00 PM PT for an exciting episode of Red Planet Live, hosted by Ashton Zeth, featuring Morgan Connaughton, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Rocket Lab. Morgan has been with Rocket Lab since 2017, leading global communications through milestones such as the company’s first orbital launch and its 2021 Nasdaq listing. Rocket Lab is one of the most dynamic companies in the commercial space sector, providing end-to-end space solutions — from reliable launches… READ MORE >

Joint Statement on the Re-Nomination of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman

The Mars Society is proud to be a key partner in a new coalition of leading space advocacy organizations working to protect NASA’s science programs and budget. Our latest joint statement expresses strong support for the nomination of Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator. This statement has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Robert Zubrin, President of the Mars Society, and James Burk, Executive Director. We are enthusiastic about this partnership with The Planetary Society, National Space Society, and other organizations,… READ MORE >

Dr. Robert Zubrin Discusses Mars Exploration on CNN

Mars Society President Dr. Robert Zubrin appeared on CNN earlier today to discuss NASA’s long-term plans for Mars exploration, the challenges of human missions to the Red Planet, and why establishing a human presence there is vital for our future. From technological hurdles to the spirit of discovery that drives exploration, Dr. Zubrin shared powerful insights on what it will take to make humanity multiplanetary. Watch the full interview here: https://bit.ly/43pRktm…. READ MORE >

Manufacturing for Mars: The Importance of the Unsung Heroes — Part Two [Blog]

By Lou Farrell, Senior Blog Writer, Red Planet Bound Source: Photo by Guilherme Farinha on Unsplash Traversing beyond Earth is an infinite yet meaningful collaboration of minds and technologies. Manufacturing for Mars exploration and beyond demands reliable orbital and discovery mechanisms, but what about when humans finally plant a flag on its surface? What vehicles, techniques and tips will get experts closer to understanding our relationship with other worlds? These are the on-the-surface ideas making everything possible. Dust Mitigation Strategies… READ MORE >

Exploring the Future of AI with Dex Hunter-Torricke on Red Planet Live

We’re thrilled to announce a special weekend edition of Red Planet Live! Join us Saturday, November 15th at 11:00 AM PT / 7:00 PM London time, as host Ashton Zeth welcomes Dex Hunter-Torricke, one of the world’s leading strategists on artificial intelligence and technology, for an exclusive conversation on AI, ethics, and the future of innovation. With nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of technology and global leadership, Dex has shaped communication and strategy for some of the… READ MORE >

Courage, Freedom & Exploration: Dr. Zubrin’s Call to Action from Austin

Dr. Robert Zubrin, President of The Mars Society, inspired audiences at the 2025 New Worlds Conference in Austin over the weekend with a compelling message: “Freedom will give us Space, and Space will give us Freedom — but only if we have the courage to use and defend it.” Hosted by longtime space visionary Rick Tumlinson, the New Worlds Conference brought together leaders, thinkers, policymakers, and explorers to discuss humanity’s next great leap into the cosmos. In his remarks, Dr…. READ MORE >

Exploring New Worlds: Dr. Sara Seager on Red Planet Live (Nov. 4)

We’re thrilled to welcome MIT’s Dr. Sara Seager to Red Planet Live, our 60-minute podcast hosted by Ashton Zeth, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET — one hour earlier than usual. A pioneering exoplanet scientist, Dr. Seager is the Class of 1941 Professor of Planetary Science, Physics, and Aeronautics & Astronautics at MIT. Her groundbreaking research helped establish the field of exoplanet atmospheres, advancing our understanding of distant worlds beyond our solar system…. READ MORE >

Advancing the Mission Together: Mars Society Recognizes 2025 Convention Sponsors

The Mars Society extends its deepest gratitude to the sponsors of the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention. Their generous support made it possible to bring together an exceptional community of experts, students, and space enthusiasts from around the world, both in-person and virtually — all united in advancing the cause of Mars exploration and human spaceflight. “Our sponsors make this convention possible each year.” said James Burk, Executive Director of the Mars Society. “Their support helps us connect the… READ MORE >

Red Planet Live Premiere: 2025 Mars Society Convention Highlights

Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 5:00 PM PT Watch at: https://bit.ly/3Wg8Yfa. Join Ashton Zeth, host of Red Planet Live, for a special premiere episode featuring exclusive highlights from the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, held earlier this month at the University of Southern California. This one-hour recap offers a dynamic look at some of the most inspiring and forward-thinking talks from the event — a perfect opportunity to relive (or catch up on) the excitement of the world’s premier Mars… READ MORE >

Shop Mars! Support Space! Spark Discovery!

Looking for the perfect gift for the space enthusiast in your life? Look no further than The Mars Store — the one-stop shop for all things Red Planet. From everyday essentials like mugs, tumblers, and hydration gear to unique collectibles like signed space art, Mars mission patches, and out-of-this-world apparel, there’s something here for every kind of space geek. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or just to surprise your favorite astronaut-in-training, you’ll find plenty of stellar options to… READ MORE >

Mars Society Launches 2025–26 MDRS Field Season with Crew 319 as Part of the World’s Biggest Analog Project

The Mars Society is pleased to announce the start of the 2025–26 field season at its Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in southern Utah on October 12th, with the arrival of Crew 319 — a four-person team of professionals in science, engineering, astronomy, and health sciences, joined by a documentary photographer from National Geographic. This mission marks the beginning of a new year of analog research and field operations at MDRS and is part of the World’s Biggest Analog (WBA)… READ MORE >

2025 Mars Society Convention Featured in New York Times

The New York Times just featured our 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention at USC in an in-depth article! From packed panels to spirited discussions, the piece captures the excitement and momentum of our recent gathering in Los Angeles. By Alex Vadukul, New York Times, Oct. 15, 2025 On the campus of the University of Southern California, the morning sun illuminated an inflatable replica of a white space station fit for human habitation. The little sign next to it declared: “Mars:… READ MORE >

Europe’s Mars Advocates Unite in Paris for EMC-2025

The European Mars Conference (EMC-2025), hosted by the Association Planète Mars (APM), the French chapter of The Mars Society, will take place in Paris on 28-29 November, 2025. This annual event serves as a major forum for collaboration and idea exchange among Europe’s leading Mars advocates, researchers, engineers, and policymakers. This year’s conference will feature an impressive lineup of speakers and participants from across the continent, including representatives of the European Space Agency (ESA), the Austrian Space Forum (OEWF), and… READ MORE >

Celebrating the Success of the 2025 Mars Society Convention — Thanks to Our Community & Sponsors

The Mars Society and its leadership team led by Dr. Robert Zubrin (President) and James Burk (Executive Director) would like to sincerely thank everyone who joined us for the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, held on the University of Southern California (USC) campus in Los Angeles from October 9–11, 2025. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement made this year’s gathering truly special. We’re grateful to all who attended the inspiring talks and panel discussions featuring leading scientists, policymakers, and aerospace… READ MORE >

Watch the 2025 Mars Society Convention Live—Free on YouTube!

**Update from the Mars Society Convention Team** “Houston, we have a problem.” Unfortunately, the USC A/V team is experiencing technical difficulties with the livestream for the sessions at the 2025 International Mars Society Convention. While we won’t be able to stream the talks live, all sessions are being recorded and will be uploaded to our YouTube channel soon for everyone to watch. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Please stay tuned here and on our website… READ MORE >

Registration Opens for the 2026 University Rover Challenge

The Mars Society is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 University Rover Challenge (URC), the world’s premier robotics competition for college students designing and building the next generation of Mars rovers. Teams from around the globe are invited to participate in this exciting challenge, which pushes innovation and teamwork in the field of space robotics and analog mission support. To complete registration, teams must fill out the URC 2026 Registration Form, submit the application fee,… READ MORE >