The Mars Society and its leadership team led by Dr. Robert Zubrin (President) and James Burk (Executive Director) would like to sincerely thank everyone who joined us for the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, held on the University of Southern California (USC) campus in Los Angeles from October 9–11, 2025. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement made this year’s gathering truly special. We’re grateful to all who attended the inspiring talks and panel discussions featuring leading scientists, policymakers, and aerospace… READ MORE >
News & Announcements
October 8th, 2025
Watch the 2025 Mars Society Convention Live—Free on YouTube!
**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 >
October 5th, 2025
Registration Opens for the 2026 University Rover Challenge
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 >
September 29th, 2025
Join the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention – Oct. 9-11 at USC
The Mars Society invites everyone with a passion for Mars and space exploration to take part in the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, happening October 9–11, 2025 at the University of Southern California (Taper Hall – THH201) in Los Angeles. The event is open to a global audience, with both in-person and virtual participation available. Over the course of three days, the convention will feature an extraordinary lineup of distinguished speakers and thought leaders who will share the latest… READ MORE >
September 24th, 2025
Become a Sponsor for the 2025 Mars Society Convention @USC
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 >
September 16th, 2025
India’s First Crewed Mars Analog Launches with Protoplanet, ISRO, & The Mars Society
The Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE), India’s first full-scale, crewed Mars analog mission, successfully completed its inaugural simulation last month in the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh. This groundbreaking initiative is being led by Protoplanet in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Mars Society. Situated in the Tso Kar Valley at an elevation of 4,530 meters (14,500 feet), HOPE was purposefully established in one of the harshest environments on Earth. With thin air, freezing temperatures,… READ MORE >
September 16th, 2025
Manufacturing for Mars: The Importance of the Unsung Heroes — Part One
Source: Photo by David Hofmann on Unsplash By Lou Farrell, Senior Blog Writer The future of space discovery is now, as experts are adamantly manufacturing for Mars exploration. Countless small contributions comprise these massive accomplishments of diving into the great unknown, but many go unrecognized. As humanity approaches setting foot on the Red Planet, now is the best time to appreciate everything going into viable orbital observational technologies and spacecraft operations. Thermal Management Coatings Orbital and space traversal technologies are… READ MORE >
September 16th, 2025
Urgent Call to Action – Save NASA Science!
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 >
