By Bill Maloney, Guest Writer, Red Planet Bound Communicating rapidly and storing information are crucial for settling space, just as they were to our advancements here on Earth. Where would we be without the phone, computer, postal mail, or books? The Boston Post Road, once measured by Benjamin Franklin with an odometer attached to a carriage’s wheel, and committees of correspondence were vital for the colonists in the American Revolution. Books have inspired and educated many, spreading knowledge and wisdom… READ MORE >
Topic Area: Science
What an incredible three days of science, innovation, inspiration, and enthusiasm for the future of Mars exploration! The Mars Society extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, held October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, such a memorable event. With nearly two hundred people participating over the three days, along with viewers joining virtually from around the world, the convention brought together an enthusiastic community of scientists,… READ MORE >
By Lou Farrell, Senior Writer, Red Planet Bound Picture the moment a crew steps onto Martian soil for the first time. Mars exploration promises to become humanity’s next great leap, but reaching it will likely take more talent and resources than any single country can supply. Global partnerships can narrow that gap by letting space agencies combine their expertise and hardware. Four real-world examples, from a Japanese lunar rover to a European one bound for Mars, show that cooperation is… READ MORE >
The 2026 International Mars Society Convention lands at USC, October 22–24, and USC students are invited to attend FREE of charge! Why should you be there? Whether you’re studying engineering, science, technology, business, or public policy, this is a unique opportunity to: 🔹 Learn from the experts — Hear directly from NASA-JPL scientists, former astronauts, and commercial space pioneers about the future of Mars exploration. 🔹 Build valuable connections — Network with researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and space industry professionals who… READ MORE >
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… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce that Dr. Vinton G. “Vint” Cerf, widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of the Internet, will deliver a plenary address at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. Cerf’s presentation will focus on an extraordinary technological challenge: developing an Internet that extends beyond Earth to Mars and eventually throughout the solar system. Best known for co-designing the TCP/IP… READ MORE >
The countdown is on! In just two weeks, the 2026 International Mars Society Convention will bring together some of the world’s leading voices in space exploration for three action-packed days at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, October 22–24. This year’s convention features an outstanding lineup of scientists, astronauts, engineers, entrepreneurs, and space policy experts exploring the latest developments in Mars science, technology, exploration, and human settlement. Among the featured speakers are former NASA astronaut Dr. Garrett… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to welcome acclaimed science fiction author, scientist, and futurist Dr. David Brin as the next guest on Red Planet Live, hosted by Ashton Zeth, on Tuesday, October 13 at 6:00 PM PT. Brin is a New York Times bestselling author whose novels have earned multiple Hugo, Nebula, and other major awards and have been translated into more than 20 languages. His best-known works include the acclaimed Uplift series, Earth, Existence, and The Postman, which was… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce that renowned NASA engineer Dr. Adam Steltzner will deliver the keynote address at the Saturday evening banquet (September 24th at 7:00 pm PST) during the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. One of the most prominent engineering leaders associated with NASA’s exploration of Mars, Dr. Steltzner is an Engineering Fellow at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and has played key… READ MORE >
We’re just one month away from the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles! Join us for three packed days bringing together leading scientists, engineers, space industry innovators, policymakers, and Mars advocates to explore the latest in Mars science, exploration, technology, geopolitics, and plans for human settlement of the Red Planet. And there’s more good news: Discounted student and senior registration rates are available, and we still have… READ MORE >
What can one of the most remote places on Earth teach us about living and working on Mars? Join Red Planet Live on Tuesday, September 15 at 5:00 p.m. PT for a conversation with Crew Commander Trevor Jahn and Executive Officer Dr. Laura Thomas, members of Crew 19 – Tiriganiaq, the latest Mars analog crew to live and work at the Mars Society’s Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island in Nunavut, Canada. Located in the Canadian High Arctic… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is excited to announce that aerospace engineer and entrepreneur Dr. Fabrizio Pisani will be joining the 2026 International Mars Society Convention as a plenary speaker, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Currently serving as Lead R&D Engineer for the Mars Terraforming Team at the Astera Institute, Dr. Pisani is helping advance one of the most ambitious long-term challenges in space exploration: developing the technologies and engineering concepts that could one… READ MORE >
Calling Utah K-12 Science/STEM-focused teachers! We have opened applications for our next Spaceward Bound Utah crew, which will be held October 12-16. Please note that the application deadline is Monday, September 14th (5:00 pm MT). Spaceward Bound Utah is a 5-day workshop at the Mars Desert Research Station outside Hanksville, Utah where K-12 teachers from Utah will be able to experience what living on Mars might be like in the future. The MDRS is a research facility that has been developed to simulate… READ MORE >
From the search for life on Mars and the latest discoveries by NASA’s Curiosity rover to commercial spaceflight, space geopolitics, and the technologies that will one day enable humans to settle the Red Planet, the 2026 International Mars Society Convention promises one of the most exciting and wide-ranging programs in the event’s history. Held October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC), the convention will bring together leading scientists, engineers, astronauts, entrepreneurs, policymakers, students, and Mars advocates from around… READ MORE >
The Mars Society extends its thanks to our dedicated Mission Control Centre team, whose behind-the-scenes efforts earlier this month, helped ensure the safe and successful completion of the Crew 19 analog mission at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island in Nunavut, Territory, Canada. Led by Glenn Scott, President of the Mars Society of Canada, the all-volunteer Canadian & U.S. team included Rym Chaid, Isabella Bogecho, Bill Maloney, and Daniel Buttigieg. Throughout the mission, they provided critical operational… READ MORE >
The second half of Crew 19’s mission at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island (Nunavut Territory) highlighted the realities of long-duration exploration in one of Earth’s closest analogs to Mars. As the analog mission entered its final days, the crew balanced demanding scientific research with habitat maintenance, equipment repairs, outreach activities, and daily operations under simulated Mars mission conditions. Despite mechanical setbacks, harsh terrain, and the logistical challenges of operating in the High Arctic, the team consistently… READ MORE >
Partnership envisions creating a regional aerospace workforce, research, and education platform timed to NASA’s Artemis program and Project Ignition Moon Base initiative. The Mars Society, through its Seattle Chapter, and South Seattle College (SSC) have signed a 10-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing a multi-program partnership to build a Moon and Mars analog research station on the South Seattle College campus in West Seattle and create a regional education and workforce pathway for the next generation of aerospace researchers, technicians and engineers. … READ MORE >
Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station Crew 19 has officially begun its Mars analog mission on Devon Island, entering full simulation after completing critical maintenance activities left by the Advance Team. The five-member international crew—bringing expertise in engineering, psychology, behavioral science, geology, and the humanities—immediately put their diverse skills to work. Their first EVAs included retrieving fuel and water supplies, conducting field observations, and becoming familiar with one of Earth’s closest analogs to the Martian surface. On their second day, the… READ MORE >
July 20, 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of NASA’s historic Viking 1 landing on Mars—a landmark achievement that forever changed the course of planetary exploration and humanity’s vision for the future. When Viking 1 successfully touched down on the Chryse Planitia region of Mars on July 20, 1976, it became the first spacecraft to achieve a successful landing on the Red Planet and conduct extended scientific operations from its surface. Over the years that followed, Viking 1 transmitted thousands of… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce that Crew 19 has officially arrived at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island in Nunavut Territory approximately 900 miles from the North Pole, and is now beginning its highly anticipated analog mission. Advance Team members Rhett Woods, Raleigh Swick, Dr. Laura Thomas, and Terry Trevino traveled to the station together to prepare for the expedition. On July 13th, Rhett, Raleigh, and Terry completed a successful “crew hot-swap” and returned home,… READ MORE >
Could life have begun on Mars? In this thought-provoking review, Dr. Robert Zubrin examines Dr. Steven Benner’s new book and its exploration of one of planetary science’s biggest questions. Meet Dr. Benner in person at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, where he’ll deliver a plenary address, sign copies of his books, and join a special panel discussion on this fascinating topic. By Dr. Robert Zubrin, National Review, 07.11.26 Steve Benner is one of the heavyweights of both theoretical and applied… READ MORE >
Technology entrepreneur and commercial spaceflight pioneer Tim Ellis, Co-Founder and Board Member of Relativity Space, will participate in a special fireside chat at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. As the founding CEO of Relativity Space, Ellis spent nearly a decade building the company into one of the world’s most innovative aerospace firms, growing it to more than 1,500 employees, raising over $2 billion in funding,… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to report that the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station Advance Team, consisting of Terry Trevino, Rhett Woods, Raleigh Swick, and Dr. Laura Thomas, has arrived safely on Devon Island in Nunavut Territory, marking the official start of the 2026 Canadian Arctic field season. Over the coming days, the team will prepare the station for the upcoming arrival of Crew 19 by carrying out critical maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to the habitat’s heating, electrical,… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce the deployment of Crew 19 to the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island in Nunavut Territory in Canada for a multi-week mission beginning in early July during the 2026 Arctic field season. Located approximately 900 miles from the North Pole, Flashline is one of the world’s most important Mars analog research facilities, providing a unique environment for testing technologies, conducting scientific investigations, and studying human performance under conditions similar to those… READ MORE >
Dr. Kevin Pollpeter, Director of Research for the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), will participate 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. A leading expert on China’s space program, information warfare, and national security strategy, Dr. Pollpeter has spent decades analyzing the evolving role of space in global competition and military affairs. Prior to joining CASI, he served as a Senior Research… READ MORE >