The 2026 International Mars Society Convention is underway at the University of Southern California (USC), October 22–24, and you’re invited to join us from anywhere in the world via our live YouTube broadcast! Over three exciting days, leading scientists, engineers, astronauts, entrepreneurs, and space advocates will gather to discuss the latest discoveries, technologies, and bold ideas shaping humanity’s future on Mars. Highlights include: Whether you’re interested in the search for life on Mars, the latest rover discoveries, or the challenges… READ MORE >
News & Announcements
October 20th, 2026
USC Students — Your Ticket to Mars is Free!
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 >
October 15th, 2026
Life on Mars? One Week Until the 2026 Mars Society Convention
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 >
October 11th, 2026
The Man Who Inspired Elon Musk to Shoot for Mars
By Jacob Mikanowski, The Economist, October 9, 2026 The International Space Development Conference (ISDC) is an annual jamboree for interplanetary entrepreneurs. It draws space-industry professionals, NASA researchers, rocket-launch obsessives, young dreamers and anyone else hoping one day to live in—or at least profit from—settlements beyond Earth. Last year it took place in Orlando, Florida, in a convention centre sandwiched between Sea World and the Universal theme park. Crowds flocked around vendors peddling dehydrated “space salsa” and guided tours of Florida’s… READ MORE >
October 8th, 2026
The Internet Goes Interplanetary: Vint Cerf to Speak at Mars Society Convention
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 >
October 8th, 2026
Mars Awaits: Just Two Weeks Until the 2026 Mars Society Convention!
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 >
October 7th, 2026
Award-Winning Sci-Fi Author & Futurist David Brin Joins Red Planet Live
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 >
October 3rd, 2026
How to Protect Mars Mission Electronics From Solar Radiation [Blog]
By Lou Farrell, Senior Writer, Red Planet Bound Mars mission electronics will require more protection than much of the objects humans have sent into space. While many rovers and satellites have flown into the unknown, long-term traversal of the Red Planet will require innovative solutions to shield against solar radiation on Mars. A handful of tests have informed experts about how to pursue more effective technologies and methods, though every concept is still subject to refinement, especially as this proves… READ MORE >
