The Mars Society is pleased to announce that Dr. James Green, former NASA Chief Scientist and one of the world’s foremost leaders in planetary exploration, will speak at the 29th Annual International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24, 2026, at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
During his distinguished 42-year career at NASA, Dr. Green served as the agency’s Chief Scientist and as the longest-serving Director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division, where he oversaw many of the missions that transformed our understanding of Mars and the solar system. His leadership helped guide landmark Mars missions including Phoenix, Curiosity, InSight, MAVEN, and Perseverance, while also supporting the continued success of Mars Odyssey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Spirit, and Opportunity.
Dr. Green’s presentation, “Designing a Human Mars Campaign Using Current Technologies,” will examine how existing and near-term technologies can be combined into a practical strategy for sending humans to Mars. Drawing on decades of experience directing some of NASA’s most ambitious planetary programs, he will discuss the opportunities, challenges, and mission architectures that could make human exploration of the Red Planet and beyond a reality.
A recipient of NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal and Exceptional Achievement Medal, Dr. Green has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed scientific papers and has played a pivotal role in advancing planetary science and exploration. He also coordinated NASA’s collaboration on The Martian in 2015 and continues to promote space science through his work with Space Science Endeavors.
Join us for this special presentation from one of the key figures behind NASA’s modern Mars exploration program and hear his perspective on the next giant leap toward a human mission to Mars. For full details, please visit our website (marssociety.org).
