Author: Michael Stoltz

Posts by Michael Stoltz

AGH Space Systems Crowned URC 2024 Champion

After 3 days of incredible competition, the 2024 University Rover Challenge (URC2024) crowned a new champion, AGH Space Systems from AGH University of Krakow in Poland. This was the first championship win by a team from Poland since 2019. Team Mountaineers, the defending champions from West Virginia University (USA). The BYU Mars Rover team from Brigham Young University (USA) finished in third place for the second consecutive year. 102 teams from 15 countries began the year competing in URC2024. In March, the top 38… READ MORE >

UW Prof. David Catling to Speak on Mars Geological History at 2024 Mars Society Convention

The Mars Society is pleased to announce that Dr. David Catling, Professor in the Earth & Space Sciences Department and the Astrobiology Program at the University of Washington (Seattle), will be a plenary speaker at the 27th Annual International Mars Society Convention this August. Dr. Catling’s presentation, “Live Fast, Die Young, and Leave a Red Corpse: The Environmental Evolution of Mars,” will explore the changes in Mars’ environment over its geological history and discuss the potential for life on the… READ MORE >

Exploring a Martian Economy at 2024 Mars Society Convention

The Mars Society is pleased to announce that Jonathan Schramm, a financial writer and former biochemist, will present (virtually) a plenary talk titled “Building a Martian Economy” during the 27th Annual International Mars Society Convention this August at the University of Washington in Seattle. Mr. Schramm’s diverse background includes genetic analysis and clinical trials, as well as work in the pharmaceutical and water purification industries. Currently, he focuses on writing and analysis in finance, biotech, technological innovation, energy, and geopolitics…. READ MORE >

Using Rovers to Explore Mars: Insights from Dr. Vandi Verma at the 2024 Mars Society Convention

Joining us at the 27th Annual International Mars Society Convention is Dr. Vandi Verma, JPL Principal Engineer & Deputy Section Manager for NASA JPL’s Mobility & Robotics division. She’ll delve into the current missions of the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers on the Martian surface. Happening from August 8-11, 2024, at the University of Washington in Seattle, this global conference promises insights into cutting-edge space exploration. Dr. Verma serves as Chief Engineer of Robotic Operations for Mars 2020 and has an… READ MORE >

MIT-Harvard Student to Present on Artificial Gravity & Space Exploration at Mars Society Convention

Anna Wadhwa, a MD student at Harvard Medical School and a Ph.D. candidate at MIT’s Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics, will give a presentation at the 27th Annual International Mars Society Convention at the University of Washington (Seattle) this August, with the title of her address being “You Spin Me ‘Right Round’: The Latest Research on Artificial Gravity by Centrifugation and Its Implications for Human Space Exploration.”  Interested in enabling human space exploration to the Moon, Mars and beyond, Ms…. READ MORE >

Veteran Space Journalist Alan Boyle to Address 2024 Mars Society Convention

The Mars Society is pleased to announce that long-time writer and editor on science and space Alan Boyle will be giving a plenary talk about the field of space journalism during the 27th Annual International Mars Society Convention this August at the University of Washington (Seattle). Mr. Boyle served as science editor for MSNBC.com and NBCNews.com from 1996 to 2015, and in that capacity, he won the 2006 Space Frontier Award for Excellence in Journalism and the 2014 National Space… READ MORE >

MDRS Behind the Scenes (Virtual Tour)

Embark on a virtual tour of the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in southern Utah, organized by Mars Society Chicago, the national organization’s Chicagoland chapter! On Sunday, May 26th at 1:00 pm PT / 4:00 pm ET, join Sergii Iakymov, the Director of MDRS and a seasoned analog astronaut, for an immersive online event. With extensive experience leading crew missions and serving as the Assistant Director of MDRS, Sergii offers invaluable insights into life and work in this very Mars-analog… READ MORE >

RPL Panel Discussion with Members of Space-Science Media

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring two members of the space-science media, Ling Xin and Laura Forczyk. Tune in for the next episode of Red Planet Live on Tuesday, May 21st at 5:00 pm PT / 8:00 pm ET to be part of this exciting opportunity to explore space exploration, lunar missions, and more!  Ling Xin, originally from Beijing and now based in Ohio, is a science journalist known for her coverage of space, astronomy, and physics. With… READ MORE >

A Practical Approach to the Mars Sample Return Mission [R.Zubrin]

By Dr. Robert Zubrin, SpaceNews.com, 05.06.24 NASA’s Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission has run aground, wrecked by a $10 billion price estimate, a 16 year timeline and excessive mission and programmatic risk. If the mission is to proceed, a much simpler and cheaper approach must be found. Fortunately, such an approach is available. The current MSR mission plan is so costly, complex, and risky because it has not been approached as a mission to be accomplished as swiftly and cheaply as possible,… READ MORE >

Journalist Ling Xin to Discuss China’s Space Program during 2024 Mars Society Convention

Join us at the 27th Annual International Mars Society Convention, where we’re excited to host Ling Xin, a veteran science journalist. Ms. Xin will be sharing insights into China’s expanding presence in space exploration, covering its activities in low Earth orbit (LEO), lunar missions, and ambitious long-term plans. Based in Ohio, Ms. Xin’s work has appeared in esteemed publications like the South China Morning Post, Science, Nature, and Scientific American, where she brings her expertise in space, physics, and astronomy… READ MORE >

Sign Up for the 3rd Annual Mission to Mars Engineering Design Competition for High School Students!

The Mars Society is thrilled to announce the launch of the Third Annual International Mission to Mars Engineering Design Competition for high school students aged 13-19 worldwide. Students are invited to register online for this exciting exploratory design challenge. Inspired by engineering design courses at leading universities, the virtual program will feature morning and afternoon sessions (Monday-Friday) from June 3rd to July 12th, 2024. Participants will engage in lectures led by prominent scientists and engineers from NASA, the aerospace industry,… READ MORE >

NASA’s Howard Hu to Speak on Artemis Plans at Mars Society Convention

The Mars Society is excited to announce that Howard Hu, the Orion Program Director at NASA, will be a plenary speaker at the 27th Annual International Mars Society Convention, taking place at the University of Washington from August 8-11, 2024. Hu will discuss “NASA’s Artemis plans for returning to the Moon and beyond”. As the leader of the Orion Program, Mr. Hu oversees the development of NASA’s Orion spacecraft, which is designed for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. He… READ MORE >

Brig. General (Ret.) Dr. S. Pete Worden to Address 2024 Int’l Mars Society Convention

The Mars Society is excited to announce that Brig. General (Ret.) Dr. S. Pete Worden will give an address about “Life in the Universe and Private Sector Space Science Initiatives” during the 27th Annual International Mars Society Convention, held in August at the University of Washington (Seattle). Dr. Worden currently serves as Chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation and as Executive Director of the foundation’s “Breakthrough Initiatives,” a groundbreaking program launched in 2015 with the aim of searching for extraterrestrial… READ MORE >

Exploring the Red Frontier: Robotic Mining & Space Exploration with Dr. Kris Zacny

Dr. Kris Zacny, VP and Director of Exploration Technology at Honeybee Robotics, will be speaking at the 27th Annual International Mars Society Convention (Aug 8-11, 2024) at the University of Washington Seattle. He’ll share insights on robotic space exploration and mining. Honeybee Robotics is renowned for its innovative robotic systems, serving diverse industries such as spacecraft, defense, medical devices, and more. Dr. Zacny’s expertise spans space mining, In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), and planetary geotechnical engineering. With a Ph.D. in… READ MORE >

Call for Abstracts (2024 Convention)

Presentations for the 27th Annual International Mars Society Convention are invited. This year’s four-day global forum (August 8-11, 2024 at the University of Washington in Seattle) will deal with all matters associated with the exploration and settlement of the Red Planet, including science, technology, engineering, spaceflight, artificial intelligence, politics, public policy & advocacy, STEM education, economics, etc. Abstracts between 150-300 words can be uploaded on to our Mars Society abstract page. Please note that the deadline for submitting abstracts for consideration is Sunday,… READ MORE >

Next RPL Guest Dr. Jan Špaček to Take Questions about the Search for Extant Life in the Solar System

In our upcoming April episode of 2024, Red Planet Live welcomes the respected astrobiologist, Dr. Jan Špaček. Hosted by the dynamic Ashton Zeth, this episode promises an engaging and insightful conversation about space. Dr. Jan Špaček, a prominent astrobiologist and senior research scientist at the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, is set to join the Mars Society’s podcast, Red Planet Live, on Tuesday, April 16th (5:00 pm PT). Renowned for his expertise in molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and organic chemistry, Dr. Špaček’s… READ MORE >

Mars Society Welcomes Nissan Advanced Technology Center Silicon Valley (NATC-SV) as 2024 URC Sponsor

The Mars Society is excited to welcome the Nissan Advanced Technology Center – Silicon Valley (NATC-SV) as a sponsor of the 2024 University Rover Challenge. Based in Santa Clara, Calif., NATC-SV is the center of global excellence for Artificial Intelligence and next-generation mobility solutions at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Researchers and scientists at the center study all areas of automotive research, from the use of AI for developing new battery materials to the design of new systems on a chip for the… READ MORE >

Red Planet Creativity: Join Our 2024 Poster Contest!

The Mars Society is hosting its annual poster design contest, and we want YOU to join in! If you’ve got a knack for creativity, graphic work, and love of Mars and space exploration, this is your chance to shine. The winning design will be used as the primary promotional graphic for our 27th Annual International Mars Society Convention (August 8-11, 2024) at the University of Washington (Seattle). This year’s convention theme, “The Road to Mars,” centers on the tangible progress… READ MORE >

Register for the 2024 International Mars Society Convention!

Calling all Mars and space advocates! Mark your calendars for the 2024 International Mars Society Convention, taking place Thursday, August 8th through Sunday, August 11th at the University of Washington campus (The HUB) in Seattle. This annual event, now in its 27th year, remains the premier global gathering focused on Mars exploration, human settlement planning, and cutting-edge space-related topics. The convention will bring together a diverse array of experts including scientists, engineers, aerospace executives, policymakers, journalists, and space enthusiasts to discuss humanity’s… READ MORE >

RPL Welcomes Back Veteran Space Journalist Leonard David for Podcast Interview

The Mars Society is excited and honored to welcome back to its Red Planet Live (RPL) podcast Leonard David, a veteran journalist with over 50 years of experience covering space-related news stories for a variety of media sources, including Space.com, The Financial Times, Foreign Policy, Astronomy, Space News, Sky & Telescope and his own blog, Inside Outer Space. Scheduled for a live one-hour broadcast on Tuesday, March 19th at 5:00 pm PT / 8:00 pm ET, Leonard will join our… READ MORE >

Mars Society to Publish Journal of Space Analog Research

The Mars Society (TMS) is pleased to announce the launch of The Journal of Space Analog Research, a groundbreaking publication aimed at showcasing the latest advancements in analog research from around the globe. As a leader in analog research for over two decades, TMS recognizes the need for a dedicated platform to highlight the significant contributions and innovations emerging from this field. Scheduled for release in 2024, this quarterly journal will feature invited and peer-reviewed papers covering a wide range… READ MORE >

New Robert Zubrin Book – “The New World on Mars” – Has Been Published!

Mars Society President Dr. Robert Zubrin’s new book “The New World on Mars: What We Can Create on the Red Planet” has now been published! As SpaceX rapidly advances its new “Starship” launch system through its test flight program, it has become apparent that it will soon be possible to voyage to the Red Planet. That possibility opens up a truly grand question: What can we create on Mars? It is this question that Zubrin’s new book attempts to answer…. READ MORE >

NASA Funded STEM Opportunity at MDRS for Teachers in Utah

Spaceward Bound Utah will host its final two MDRS cohorts in Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 NASA Spaceward Bound (SWB) is a popular and successful program to train K-12 teachers in how to engage their students in activities that will inspire careers in the space sciences by taking educators into the field with scientists who are working on space-related research in a given location.  First instituted by scientists and researchers at NASA Ames, today researchers involved in that early project… READ MORE >

Call for Arctic Explorers for 2024 & 2025 Missions on Devon Island

The Mars Society is calling all Arctic-aspiring scientists and analog astronauts to apply to be a part of the annual Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station field seasons in the summers of 2024 and 2025. Flashline Station is located on Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic 900 miles from the North Pole in one of the most Mars-like environments on Earth. Since the early 2000’s, the facility’s Mars mission simulations have been unmatched in value in terms of helping trained professionals… READ MORE >

“Like Father, Like Son” – RPL to Welcome Space Explorers Jose & Julio Hernandez

Mark your calendars for an inspiring episode of Red Planet Live on Tuesday, February 27th at 5:00 pm PT / 8:00 pm ET. We’re honored to host former NASA astronaut Jose M. Hernandez alongside his son, Dr. Julio Hernandez, a researcher at Purdue University and former Mars analog astronaut. Jose worked at NASA Johnson Space Center from 2001 to 2011, where he served as an astronaut, legislative analyst, branch chief, and materials research engineer. He was on the STS-128 shuttle mission, during which he oversaw… READ MORE >