The Mars Society extends its deepest gratitude to the sponsors of the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention. Their generous support made it possible to bring together an exceptional community of experts, students, and space enthusiasts from around the world, both in-person and virtually — all united in advancing the cause of Mars exploration and human spaceflight. “Our sponsors make this convention possible each year.” said James Burk, Executive Director of the Mars Society. “Their support helps us connect the… READ MORE >
Topic Area: Space Advocacy
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 5:00 PM PT Watch at: https://bit.ly/3Wg8Yfa. Join Ashton Zeth, host of Red Planet Live, for a special premiere episode featuring exclusive highlights from the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, held earlier this month at the University of Southern California. This one-hour recap offers a dynamic look at some of the most inspiring and forward-thinking talks from the event — a perfect opportunity to relive (or catch up on) the excitement of the world’s premier Mars… READ MORE >
Looking for the perfect gift for the space enthusiast in your life? Look no further than The Mars Store — the one-stop shop for all things Red Planet. From everyday essentials like mugs, tumblers, and hydration gear to unique collectibles like signed space art, Mars mission patches, and out-of-this-world apparel, there’s something here for every kind of space geek. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or just to surprise your favorite astronaut-in-training, you’ll find plenty of stellar options to… READ MORE >
The New York Times just featured our 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention at USC in an in-depth article! From packed panels to spirited discussions, the piece captures the excitement and momentum of our recent gathering in Los Angeles. By Alex Vadukul, New York Times, Oct. 15, 2025 On the campus of the University of Southern California, the morning sun illuminated an inflatable replica of a white space station fit for human habitation. The little sign next to it declared: “Mars:… READ MORE >
The European Mars Conference (EMC-2025), hosted by the Association Planète Mars (APM), the French chapter of The Mars Society, will take place in Paris on 28-29 November, 2025. This annual event serves as a major forum for collaboration and idea exchange among Europe’s leading Mars advocates, researchers, engineers, and policymakers. This year’s conference will feature an impressive lineup of speakers and participants from across the continent, including representatives of the European Space Agency (ESA), the Austrian Space Forum (OEWF), and… READ MORE >
**Update from the Mars Society Convention Team** “Houston, we have a problem.” Unfortunately, the USC A/V team is experiencing technical difficulties with the livestream for the sessions at the 2025 International Mars Society Convention. While we won’t be able to stream the talks live, all sessions are being recorded and will be uploaded to our YouTube channel soon for everyone to watch. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Please stay tuned here and on our website… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 University Rover Challenge (URC), the world’s premier robotics competition for college students designing and building the next generation of Mars rovers. Teams from around the globe are invited to participate in this exciting challenge, which pushes innovation and teamwork in the field of space robotics and analog mission support. To complete registration, teams must fill out the URC 2026 Registration Form, submit the application fee,… READ MORE >
This October 9–11, 2025, USC will host the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, bringing together leading voices in Mars science, space technology, policy, and advocacy from around the globe. We’re now inviting companies, foundations, and individuals to partner with us as sponsors to help make this pivotal gathering a success—and to share in the spotlight. Together with Boeing, Archipelago Space Research, and other sponsors, you’ll be front and center among visionaries in science, engineering, policy, and space advocacy. Sponsoring… READ MORE >
Join the Planetary Society, the Mars Society, and other advocacy groups in urging Congress to protect NASA Science. With a Continuing Resolution likely, OMB is pushing for drastic cuts that Congress has already rejected—threatening jobs and over $12 billion in active missions. Tell your elected officials to set clear funding guidelines under any CR and keep NASA operating at current levels. Raise your voice today to safeguard America’s leadership in space and science! Sign up here: https://bit.ly/42qHk2q. You are invited… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce the release of the program itinerary for its 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, which will be held October 9–11, 2025 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Widely recognized as the premier international conference on Mars and space exploration, the convention will bring together an extraordinary roster of scientists, engineers, aerospace leaders, policymakers, and advocates for three days of discussion about humanity’s future in space. The program will cover a… READ MORE >
Join us on Tuesday, September 16th at 5:00 pm PT for a special episode of Red Planet Live, hosted by Ashton Zeth, featuring James Burk, Executive Director of the Mars Society. A veteran analog astronaut and crew commander at our Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, a former Microsoft project leader, and co-founder of our growing Mars Technology Institute, James will provide an in-depth update on the Mars Society’s work and initiatives. From the latest Mars Society analog missions in… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is seeking applications from highly qualified individuals to help with the management and operation of the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, the largest and longest-running Mars analog facility in the world. Set amid some of the most spectacular landscapes you will ever see, MDRS attracts researchers from across the globe to carry out Mars-related field studies. The organization is looking for people able to begin working at the facility in the coming months. Applicants must… READ MORE >
Leonard David brings over 50 years of experience covering space—from the earliest robotic planetary probes to the emerging private space economy. Best known as Space.com’s Space Insider Columnist, he has reported for SpaceNews, Scientific American, Aerospace America, and more. He’s the author of key works like Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet (2016), Moon Rush: The New Space Race (2019), and Mission to Mars: My Vision for Space Exploration (co‑authored with Apollo 11’s Buzz Aldrin). Leonard is also the… READ MORE >
Curious about who’s making space exciting, accessible, and just plain cool for the rest of us? Join us on Tuesday, July 15 at 4:00 PM PT [1-hour earlier than usual] for a special live episode of Red Planet Live, where we’ll be diving into the world of space communication with some of the most dynamic voices in the field. Hosted by Ashton Zeth, this one-hour livestream will feature a stellar panel including Camille “The Galactic Gal” Bergin, Susan Martinez, and… READ MORE >
By Lou Farrell, Senior Blog Writer Transportation to Mars requires more than a spaceship. Science fiction writers, astrophysicists and engineers have speculated for decades about what technologies could be viable for traveling to and surveying other planetary surfaces. Exploratory vehicles have already paved the way, demonstrating what specifications, materials and expenses are needed. What were some pioneering machines, and what could the future hold for planetary exploration? Existing Mars Exploration Devices Any predictions about future transportation tech will be born… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce that Tasia Cobbs, a graphic artist and entrepreneur from Twin Falls, Idaho, has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Mars Society Poster Contest. Known professionally as “TASIA,” Tasia is a registered Choctaw artist with a strong passion for technology, space, and the effort to make humanity a multi-planetary species. Her dynamic and visionary poster design will be used as a key promotional graphic for the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention,… READ MORE >
Get ready for a high-velocity conversation on the next episode of Red Planet Live (RPL)! Christopher “CJ” Jannette, Co-Founder & CEO of BlackStar Orbital, will join host Ashton Zeth on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET. A systems engineer, entrepreneur, and technologist, CJ has been instrumental in advancing modular, reusable satellite platforms. His impressive background includes work with SpaceX, NASA KSC, Ripple Aerospace, and the U.S. Air Force, where he contributed to Starship’s thermal protection systems… READ MORE >
Join us on Tuesday, May 20 at 5:00 PM PT for a special edition of Red Planet Live, hosted by Ashton Zeth. This important conversation will explore the real-world challenges and opportunities women face in STEM and space careers—sparked in part by the recent all-female Blue Origin suborbital flight and broader discussions around representation and impact in the space and technology industry. Meet Our Panelists: Janet Ivey – Creator of Janet’s Planet and a longtime science communicator, Janet is a… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is excited to announce that Lou Farrell, Senior Editor at Revolutionized and long-time writer covering space, technology, and robotics, has joined our communications team as the official blogger for Red Planet Bound, our flagship blog dedicated to all things Mars, space, and technology. Lou brings a deep passion for space exploration, rooted in childhood dreams of one day living on the Red Planet. With years of experience writing about cutting-edge science and his unmatched enthusiasm for storytelling,… READ MORE >
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 >
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 >
News broke today that the Trump administration will ask for a 50 percent cut in NASA’s Space Science Directorate budget for FY 2026. These cuts will almost certainly entail the shutting down of the Mars Curiosity rover, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Voyager and New Horizon interstellar probes, among others, and derail almost all plans for future American planetary exploration and astronomy missions. The Mars Society stands 100 percent in opposition to this brutal attempt to wreck American space science…. READ MORE >
Get ready, Mars enthusiasts! The 2025 International Mars Society Convention is set for Thursday-Saturday, October 9–11 at USC (University of Southern California) in Los Angeles—its 28th year as the premier global conference on Mars exploration, human settlement planning, and cutting-edge space technologies. As the U.S. government announces its intention to make a near-term human mission to Mars the central goal of America’s space program, the convention’s theme “Mars: The Time has Come” will be right on target. Join leading scientists,… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce that Jim Cantrell, a renowned space entrepreneur and founding team member of SpaceX, will be the featured guest on the next episode of Red Planet Live (Feb. 18, 5pm PST) with host Ashton Zeth. Jim has played a pivotal role in the space industry, founding Phantom Space, Vector, and StratSpace, and contributing to 46+ satellite flight missions, including Iridium Next, Lightsail solar sail, and Osiris-Rex asteroid return. His extensive experience includes work with… READ MORE >
By Dr. Robert Zubrin, The New Atlantis, 01.31.25 Between SpaceX’s breakthroughs and Trump’s inaugural promise, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity. But it can’t be realized as an eccentric’s project or a pork banquet. Here’s a science-driven program that could get astronauts on the Red Planet by 2031. America now has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to open the space frontier by initiating a sustained program of human exploration of Mars. Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship launch system will soon be operational, offering payload… READ MORE >