Are we alone in the universe? Could life exist beneath the Martian surface? And might NASA’s Viking landers have discovered evidence of life on Mars 50 years ago?
These fascinating questions will take center stage at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, now just ONE WEEK AWAY! The three-day gathering will bring together leading scientists, astronauts, engineers, entrepreneurs, and space advocates at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, October 22–24.
Among the convention’s highlights will be a special Thursday evening panel discussion, “Did Life Begin on Mars?”, featuring renowned scientist Dr. Steven Benner, Viking experiment researcher Ron Levin, and Mars Society founder Dr. Robert Zubrin, moderated by Red Planet Live host Ashton Zeth.
The discussion will explore one of the greatest scientific mysteries of our time: whether life ever emerged on the Red Planet, whether it might still exist today, and what decades of robotic exploration have taught us about Mars’ potential habitability.
The search for Martian life is just one part of an exciting convention program.
Featured speakers include former NASA astronaut Dr. Garrett Reisman; former NASA Chief Scientist Dr. James Green; Curiosity Project Scientist Dr. Ashwin Vasavada; JPL Chief Mars Engineer Humphrey “Hoppy” Price; Internet pioneer Dr. Vint Cerf; Relativity Space co-founder Tim Ellis; and award-winning science fiction author and futurist David Brin.
Additional presentations will explore Mars mission planning, emerging space technologies, artificial intelligence, commercial spaceflight, space geopolitics, and the challenges of establishing permanent human settlements on the Red Planet.
Attendees can look forward to three packed days of plenary presentations, expert panel discussions, specialized track talks, and networking opportunities, offering a unique chance to hear directly from many of the people helping shape the future of Mars exploration.
The convention will conclude Saturday evening, October 24, with a special banquet featuring a keynote address by Dr. Adam Steltzner, NASA JPL engineering pioneer who helped lead the development of the innovative landing systems used by the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers. A limited number of banquet tickets remain available.
There’s still time to join us! Special registration rates are available for students, and USC students may attend free of charge with a valid student ID. Virtual participation is also available for those unable to travel to Los Angeles.
Whether you’re fascinated by the search for extraterrestrial life, excited about the latest Mars discoveries, or eager to help make human settlement of the Red Planet a reality, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
One week. Three days. One Red Planet. And perhaps the biggest question of all: Are we alone?
For the complete convention program, registration details, hotel information, and banquet tickets, visit convention.marssociety.org.
