Leading space policy expert Dr. Namrata Goswami will serve as a plenary speaker at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. During the convention, Dr. Goswami will deliver a featured presentation titled Mars and the Return of Geopolitics: Strategic Culture and the First Civilization Beyond Earth.
Currently serving as Professor of Space Security with the United States Space Force (USSF) Schriever and West Space Scholars Program at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Dr. Goswami is widely regarded as one of the foremost voices examining the intersection of spacepower, geopolitics, emerging technologies, and strategic competition in outer space. Her work explores how nations and institutions may shape the political, economic, and cultural foundations of future off-world civilizations.
Dr. Goswami has advised U.S. defense and policy institutions, testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, and contributed to strategic discussions involving NATO, the U.S. Space Force, and other international security organizations. She is the author of several influential books, including Scramble for the Skies: The Great Power Competition to Control the Resources of Outer Space, and has published extensively on space strategy, security studies, and the future of human expansion into space.
The 2026 International Mars Society Convention will bring together scientists, engineers, astronauts, policymakers, educators, students, and space advocates from around the world for three days of public talks, technical presentations, panel discussions, and networking focused on the exploration and settlement of Mars. For registration and additional event details, visit marssociety.org.
