Author: Michael Stoltz

Posts by Michael Stoltz

JPL Chief Engineer Rob Manning to Headline Friday Banquet at Mars Society Convention

Rob Manning, one of NASA JPL’s most accomplished and respected engineers, will deliver the Friday evening keynote at the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 9-11, 2025, at USC in Los Angeles. His address is scheduled for the evening of Friday, October 10th. With a career spanning more than three decades at JPL, Rob has helped shape nearly every phase of modern Mars exploration. He served as Chief Engineer for Mars Pathfinder, where he led the Entry,… READ MORE >

Reimagining Spaceflight: BlackStar Orbital CEO CJ Jannette on RPL Podcast

Get ready for a high-velocity conversation on the next episode of Red Planet Live (RPL)! Christopher “CJ” Jannette, Co-Founder & CEO of BlackStar Orbital, will join host Ashton Zeth on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET. A systems engineer, entrepreneur, and technologist, CJ has been instrumental in advancing modular, reusable satellite platforms. His impressive background includes work with SpaceX, NASA KSC, Ripple Aerospace, and the U.S. Air Force, where he contributed to Starship’s thermal protection systems… READ MORE >

JPL’s Dr. Abigail Fraeman Returns to Share New Curiosity Insights at 2025 Mars Society Convention

We’re excited to welcome back Dr. Abigail Fraeman as a plenary speaker at the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 9–11 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Dr. Fraeman is a Research Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and currently serves as the Deputy Project Scientist for the Mars Science Laboratory mission, home to the Curiosity rover. In her plenary talk, she will provide a compelling update on Curiosity’s latest discoveries as it continues… READ MORE >

How Close Is The U.S. To Sending Humans To Mars? [CNBC Report]

An in-depth CNBC video report takes a close look at the technical, psychological, and logistical challenges of sending humans to Mars. The segment includes a visit to the Mars Society’s Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, showcasing life inside a Mars analog simulation. It features interviews with Mars Society President Dr. Robert Zubrin, members of MDRS Crew 315, and other leading space experts discussing what it will take to get astronauts to the Red Planet—and keep them alive. Ever… READ MORE >

Deadline Extensions Announced!

The Mars Society has extended the application deadlines for two major 2025 programs: Mars Society Poster Contest (for the 2025 Convention): Submit your original artwork around the theme “Mars: The Time Has Come!” for a chance to have your design featured as the official poster for the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, happening October 9–11, 2025, at USC in Los Angeles. The winning poster will be used in promotional materials and showcased at the event. Designs should be 11″… READ MORE >

Mars Society Launches Publishing Partnership with Purdue & JHPEE

The Mars Society (TMS) is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Purdue University and the Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments (JHPEE).  We will be publishing special sections within JHPEE dedicated to space analog research conducted at sites such as our Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) and Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (Flashline).  Our Analog Research Program Director, Ben Stanley, will serve as guest editor of these special sections. We are excited to engage with the incredible researchers who have contributed… READ MORE >

Advancing Space Nuclear Strategy: A Plenary by Dr. Bhavya Lal during the 2025 Mars Society Convention

The Mars Society is honored to welcome Dr. Bhavya Lal, Professor at the RAND School of Public Policy and former NASA Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy, as a plenary speaker at the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 9-11, 2025, at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. Dr. Lal, a renowned expert in space policy, strategy, and nuclear systems, will address the convention on Strategic Options for U.S. Space Nuclear Leadership. Drawing… READ MORE >

Exciting Summer Missions to Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station Announced!

The Mars Society is thrilled to announce a series of upcoming missions this summer to the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island in the Nunavut Territory approximately 900 miles from the North Pole, advancing our mission of Mars analog research and exploration training. Three official crews will be deployed: In addition, a European science team, including Blue Origin astronaut Sarah Sabry and potentially two ESA astronauts, will conduct an independent mission from mid-August through early September under the… READ MORE >

Trump Assaults American Space Science [Op-Ed R.Zubrin]

By Dr. Robert Zubrin, SpaceNews.com, 05.09.25 On May 2, the Trump administration announced its intention to impose massive cuts on the Science directorate of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), reducing its budget from $7.3 billion in 2025 to $3.8 billion in FY2026. These cuts will almost certainly entail the abandonment of the Curiosity rover, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Voyager and New Horizon interstellar probes, among others, and derail almost all plans for future American planetary exploration and astronomy missions…. READ MORE >

Red Planet Live: Launching Change – Women in STEM & Space Panel

Join us on Tuesday, May 20 at 5:00 PM PT for a special edition of Red Planet Live, hosted by Ashton Zeth. This important conversation will explore the real-world challenges and opportunities women face in STEM and space careers—sparked in part by the recent all-female Blue Origin suborbital flight and broader discussions around representation and impact in the space and technology industry. Meet Our Panelists: Janet Ivey – Creator of Janet’s Planet and a longtime science communicator, Janet is a… READ MORE >

Mars Society Welcomes Lou Farrell as New Official Blogger for ‘Red Planet Bound’

The Mars Society is excited to announce that Lou Farrell, Senior Editor at Revolutionized and long-time writer covering space, technology, and robotics, has joined our communications team as the official blogger for Red Planet Bound, our flagship blog dedicated to all things Mars, space, and technology. Lou brings a deep passion for space exploration, rooted in childhood dreams of one day living on the Red Planet. With years of experience writing about cutting-edge science and his unmatched enthusiasm for storytelling,… READ MORE >

AI SpaceFactory CEO David Malott to Deliver Plenary at 2025 Mars Society Convention

The Mars Society is excited to announce that David Malott, co-founder and CEO of AI SpaceFactory, will be a plenary speaker at the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 9–11, 2025, at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. In his address, Mr. Malott will discuss how 3D printing is revolutionizing space exploration and Mars settlement. He’ll spotlight AI SpaceFactory’s cutting-edge work on using local materials—such as Martian regolith—to build sustainable, off-world habitats. A NASA award-winning… READ MORE >

Final Mission Summary – MDRS Crew 315

By David Laude, Crew Commander (April 20 – May 3, 2025) Being a Mars Society crew, we had nearly no previous knowledge of one another, making for an unknown compatibility outcome. As the Zoom meetings progressed it became apparent that this crew could work together in harmony and become friends along the way. Over the course of months, the crew was informed, guided, and educated by the experienced Commander. In the end, with the crew’s diligent work, everything paid off… READ MORE >

Science Cuts Threaten Our Path to Mars [J.Burk Statement]

A robust science program is not a luxury—it is the bedrock of our ability to explore and ultimately settle other worlds, including the planet Mars. Every step toward a sustained human presence on the Red Planet relies on the knowledge gained through Earth and planetary science, helio-physics, astrophysics, and robotic exploration. These missions tell us where and how humans can survive on Mars, how to protect them from solar radiation, how to find water, and how to understand Mars’ past… READ MORE >

Exploring Mars & Beyond: ESA’s Dr. Orson Sutherland Joins 28th Int’l Mars Society Convention

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 >

To Mars, We Strive: A Tribute to the Mars Society

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 >

Fueling the Final Frontier: Innovation, Space Tech & Entrepreneurship with Dr. Oleg Demidov on RPL

Mark your calendars for Red Planet Live on Tuesday, May 6 at 5:00 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 >

Students “Land” on Mars in Greece’s First-Ever Analog Simulation: DES@Mars 2024

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 >

Pushing the Boundaries of Space Robotics: Dr. Kris Zacny at 2025 Mars Society Convention

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Kris Zacny, Vice President and Director of Exploration Technology at Honeybee Robotics (an American subsidiary of Blue Origin), will be a featured speaker at the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, scheduled for October 9–11, 2025 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. As a senior research scientist with expertise in planetary robotic systems for life detection, planetary mining, mobility, surface power, and structures, Dr. Zacny offers invaluable insights into advancing… READ MORE >

A Journey Beyond Earth: NASA Astronaut Dr. Tracy Dyson on Red Planet Live

We’re excited to announce that the Mars Society’s Red Planet Live podcast, hosted by Ashton Zeth, will feature an in‑depth conversation with Dr. Tracy C. Dyson on Tuesday, April 15th (5:30 pm CT / 3:30 pm PT). Dr. Dyson is a veteran NASA astronaut and scientist whose career is as distinguished as it is inspiring. With over 1,000 hours in space across multiple missions and a Ph.D. in chemistry, she has been at the forefront of scientific research on the… READ MORE >

R.Zubrin Op-Ed: The Flaws in Musk’s Mars Mission

By Dr. Robert Zubrin, UnHerd, 04.01.25 In his speech to Congress last month, President Donald Trump promised to “lead humanity into space and plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond”. His claim is not serious, as Trump is far too busy wrecking the global liberal order to achieve such a splendid feat. And even if he weren’t, there’s no way we can reach Mars in the next four years. Nevertheless, it is possible that the… READ MORE >

2025 Mars Society Convention: Dr. Vandi Verma on Space Robotics & Autonomous Exploration

The Mars Society is very pleased to announce that Dr. Vandi Verma, a trailblazer in space robotics and autonomous systems from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will deliver a plenary address at the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention. This exciting event will take place at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles from October 9–11, 2025 and promises to be a highlight for those passionate about advancing Mars exploration. Dr. Verma brings a wealth of experience from her groundbreaking… READ MORE >

Exploring Space Innovation: Dr. Luther “Luke” Beegle Joins RPL Podcast

Red Planet Live is excited to welcome Dr. Luther “Luke” Beegle — a veteran NASA scientist and current executive at Northrop Grumman — for a 60‑minute live broadcast on Tuesday, April 1 at 5:00 pm PT with host Ashton Zeth. At Northrop Grumman, a global leader in aerospace, defense, and space technology, Dr. Beegle directs advanced programs in robotics, autonomous systems, and in‑situ instrumentation for NASA missions, Department of Defense initiatives, and commercial space ventures. Over his 25‑year career at NASA,… READ MORE >

Mars Desert Research Station Films Projected on Manhattan Bridge – April 2-27

Visual artist Juan José Cielo is thrilled to share that two of his video works—filmed during his tenure as artist‑in‑residence with Crew 181 at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS)—will be projected onto the Brooklyn side of the Manhattan Bridge this spring. Running April 2 through April 27 (Wednesdays through Sundays, dusk to 11 PM), this large‑scale public exhibition invites New Yorkers to encounter Cielo’s Martian vision against the city skyline. Cielo’s short film Runway (2017) transforms the Utah desert… READ MORE >

Final Round of URC 2025 Ready to Roll!

Awesome news! 38 students from 11 countries have advanced to the final round of the Mars Society’s 2025 University Rover Challenge! Student teams have built their next-generation Mars rovers before the final round and will now showcase their robotics expertise at the MDRS – Mars Desert Research Station campus in southern Utah May 28-31. These innovative rovers are designed to one day assist human explorers on the Red Planet. URC was launched in 2006, with competitions being held every summer… READ MORE >