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 from her extensive experience at NASA—where she served as Acting Chief Technologist and advanced key initiatives in nuclear propulsion, Moon-to-Mars strategy, and space sustainability—Dr. Lal will explore pathways for the U.S. to maintain and expand its leadership in space nuclear power and propulsion technologies, which are critical for deep space missions, including to Mars.
Prior to NASA, Dr. Lal led high-impact studies on space science and technology at the Institute for Defense Analyses’ Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI) and currently continues her leadership in policy as a professor at the RAND School of Public Policy.
This year’s Mars Society convention will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers from NASA, the commercial space sector, academia, and international space agencies. The event will include plenary talks, panel discussions, technical presentations, and public sessions, with in-person and virtual attendance options available.
To learn more about the 2025 International Mars Society Convention, including online registration and volunteer opportunities, visit: www.marssociety.org.
