Author: Michael Stoltz

Posts by Michael Stoltz

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 >

Join the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention – Oct. 9-11 at USC

The Mars Society invites everyone with a passion for Mars and space exploration to take part in the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, happening October 9–11, 2025 at the University of Southern California (Taper Hall – THH201) in Los Angeles. The event is open to a global audience, with both in-person and virtual participation available. Over the course of three days, the convention will feature an extraordinary lineup of distinguished speakers and thought leaders who will share the latest… READ MORE >

Become a Sponsor for the 2025 Mars Society Convention @USC

This October 9–11, 2025, USC will host the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, bringing together leading voices in Mars science, space technology, policy, and advocacy from around the globe. We’re now inviting companies, foundations, and individuals to partner with us as sponsors to help make this pivotal gathering a success—and to share in the spotlight. Together with Boeing, Archipelago Space Research, and other sponsors, you’ll be front and center among visionaries in science, engineering, policy, and space advocacy. Sponsoring… READ MORE >

India’s First Crewed Mars Analog Launches with Protoplanet, ISRO, & The Mars Society

The Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE), India’s first full-scale, crewed Mars analog mission, successfully completed its inaugural simulation last month in the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh. This groundbreaking initiative is being led by Protoplanet in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Mars Society. Situated in the Tso Kar Valley at an elevation of 4,530 meters (14,500 feet), HOPE was purposefully established in one of the harshest environments on Earth. With thin air, freezing temperatures,… READ MORE >

Urgent Call to Action – Save NASA Science!

Join the Planetary Society, the Mars Society, and other advocacy groups in urging Congress to protect NASA Science. With a Continuing Resolution likely, OMB is pushing for drastic cuts that Congress has already rejected—threatening jobs and over $12 billion in active missions. Tell your elected officials to set clear funding guidelines under any CR and keep NASA operating at current levels. Raise your voice today to safeguard America’s leadership in space and science! Sign up here: https://bit.ly/42qHk2q. You are invited… READ MORE >

Mars Society Unveils Program Itinerary for 2025 International Convention at USC

The Mars Society is pleased to announce the release of the program itinerary for its 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, which will be held October 9–11, 2025 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Widely recognized as the premier international conference on Mars and space exploration, the convention will bring together an extraordinary roster of scientists, engineers, aerospace leaders, policymakers, and advocates for three days of discussion about humanity’s future in space. The program will cover a… READ MORE >

Inside the Mars Movement: A Conversation with James Burk

Join us on Tuesday, September 16th at 5:00 pm PT for a special episode of Red Planet Live, hosted by Ashton Zeth, featuring James Burk, Executive Director of the Mars Society. A veteran analog astronaut and crew commander at our Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, a former Microsoft project leader, and co-founder of our growing Mars Technology Institute, James will provide an in-depth update on the Mars Society’s work and initiatives. From the latest Mars Society analog missions in… READ MORE >

Mars Society Seeks Applicants for MDRS Management & Operations

The Mars Society is seeking applications from highly qualified individuals to help with the management and operation of the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, the largest and longest-running Mars analog facility in the world. Set amid some of the most spectacular landscapes you will ever see, MDRS attracts researchers from across the globe to carry out Mars-related field studies. The organization is looking for people able to begin working at the facility in the coming months. Applicants must… READ MORE >

Winners Announced: 2025 Int’l Mission to Mars Design Engineering Challenge

The Mars Society is proud to announce the results of the 2025 International Mission to Mars Design Engineering Competition for high school students. This year’s contest brought together outstanding teams of young innovators from around the world to design future human missions to the Red Planet. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the students, mentors, and judges who dedicated their time, energy, and creativity to making this year’s competition such a success,” said Nicole Willett, Mars Society Education… READ MORE >

Shaping the Future of Space Policy – Dr. Bhavya Lal Joins Red Planet Live

The Mars Society is pleased to announce that Dr. Bhavya Lal, professor of Space Policy at the RAND School of Public Policy and former NASA Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy, will be the featured guest on our next Red Planet Live podcast. The program will take place on Tuesday, September 2nd at 5:00 pm PT and will be hosted by Ashton Zeth. Dr. Lal has had a remarkable career in space leadership and policy, having served as the… READ MORE >

From Runways to Rockets: Matt Gjertsen’s Lessons in Leadership & Innovation

We’re thrilled to announce that Matt Gjertsen—graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, former Air Force Instructor Pilot with over 2,500 flight hours, and past head of training & development at SpaceX—will join our next Red Planet Live podcast on Tuesday, August 19th at 5pm PT! Now founder of Better Every Day Studios and a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserves supporting Space Systems Command, Matt brings 20 years of experience leading high-performing teams worldwide. He’s worked with organizations… READ MORE >