By David Laude, Crew Commander (April 20 – May 3, 2025) Being a Mars Society crew, we had nearly no previous knowledge of one another, making for an unknown compatibility outcome. As the Zoom meetings progressed it became apparent that this crew could work together in harmony and become friends along the way. Over the course of months, the crew was informed, guided, and educated by the experienced Commander. In the end, with the crew’s diligent work, everything paid off… READ MORE >
News & Announcements
April 29th, 2025
Science Cuts Threaten Our Path to Mars [J.Burk Statement]
A robust science program is not a luxury—it is the bedrock of our ability to explore and ultimately settle other worlds, including the planet Mars. Every step toward a sustained human presence on the Red Planet relies on the knowledge gained through Earth and planetary science, helio-physics, astrophysics, and robotic exploration. These missions tell us where and how humans can survive on Mars, how to protect them from solar radiation, how to find water, and how to understand Mars’ past… READ MORE >
April 24th, 2025
Exploring Mars & Beyond: ESA’s Dr. Orson Sutherland Joins 28th Int’l Mars Society Convention
The Mars Society is honored to announce that Dr. Orson Sutherland, Programme Manager for Mars Exploration and Acting Exploration Chief Scientist at the European Space Agency (ESA), will deliver a (virtual) plenary address during the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention October 9-11, 2025 at the University of Southern California (Los Angeles). Dr. Sutherland will outline ESA’s current and future plans for exploring Mars and beyond, drawing from his extensive experience leading key programs such as the ExoMars mission and… READ MORE >
April 20th, 2025
To Mars, We Strive: A Tribute to the Mars Society
In ninety-eight, a vision sparked,By Zubrin’s hand, the flame embarked.A call to reach the crimson sphere,To plant our dreams, to persevere. With “Mars Direct,” a daring plan,To send our kind, both woman and man.To live, to learn, to build anew,Beneath the sky of rusty hue. In deserts vast and Arctic’s chill,They train with grit, unwavering will.Simulations test the human core,Preparing for that distant shore. Through rovers’ race and VR’s glance,They give the youth a fighting chance.To touch the stars, to… READ MORE >
April 16th, 2025
Fueling the Final Frontier: Innovation, Space Tech & Entrepreneurship with Dr. Oleg Demidov on RPL
Mark your calendars for Red Planet Live on Tuesday, May 6 at 5:00 pm PT—we’re sitting down with Dr. Oleg Demidov, a trailblazing space and tech entrepreneur, investor, and all-around innovation guru. With two successful startups under his belt, Dr. Demidov is the co-founder of Beyond Earth Ventures and COSolve, both focused on game-changing advances in space and climate tech. He also launched the First Space Tech Syndicate on AngelList to open up space investing to a broader audience. Oh,… READ MORE >
April 12th, 2025
Students “Land” on Mars in Greece’s First-Ever Analog Simulation: DES@Mars 2024
In a groundbreaking educational experience last year, students across Greece stepped into the boots of astronauts during DES@Mars 2024, the country’s first interactive Mars Analog Simulation. Organized by DES School in collaboration with Mars Society Hellas—the official Greek chapter of The Mars Society—the program brought space exploration to life for elementary and high school students through immersive, role-based learning. Set in the year 2047, the simulation imagined the early days of a Martian settlement. Students, now “New Martians,” were tasked… READ MORE >
April 7th, 2025
Pushing the Boundaries of Space Robotics: Dr. Kris Zacny at 2025 Mars Society Convention
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Kris Zacny, Vice President and Director of Exploration Technology at Honeybee Robotics (an American subsidiary of Blue Origin), will be a featured speaker at the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, scheduled for October 9–11, 2025 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. As a senior research scientist with expertise in planetary robotic systems for life detection, planetary mining, mobility, surface power, and structures, Dr. Zacny offers invaluable insights into advancing… READ MORE >
April 2nd, 2025
A Journey Beyond Earth: NASA Astronaut Dr. Tracy Dyson on Red Planet Live
We’re excited to announce that the Mars Society’s Red Planet Live podcast, hosted by Ashton Zeth, will feature an in‑depth conversation with Dr. Tracy C. Dyson on Tuesday, April 15th (5:30 pm CT / 3:30 pm PT). Dr. Dyson is a veteran NASA astronaut and scientist whose career is as distinguished as it is inspiring. With over 1,000 hours in space across multiple missions and a Ph.D. in chemistry, she has been at the forefront of scientific research on the… READ MORE >
