Mark your calendars for Red Planet Live on Tuesday, May 6 at 5:30 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 Technologies 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 >
News & Announcements
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 >
April 1st, 2025
R.Zubrin Op-Ed: The Flaws in Musk’s Mars Mission
By Dr. Robert Zubrin, UnHerd, 04.01.25 In his speech to Congress last month, President Donald Trump promised to “lead humanity into space and plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond”. His claim is not serious, as Trump is far too busy wrecking the global liberal order to achieve such a splendid feat. And even if he weren’t, there’s no way we can reach Mars in the next four years. Nevertheless, it is possible that the… READ MORE >
March 28th, 2025
2025 Mars Society Convention: Dr. Vandi Verma on Space Robotics & Autonomous Exploration
The Mars Society is very pleased to announce that Dr. Vandi Verma, a trailblazer in space robotics and autonomous systems from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will deliver a plenary address at the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention. This exciting event will take place at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles from October 9–11, 2025 and promises to be a highlight for those passionate about advancing Mars exploration. Dr. Verma brings a wealth of experience from her groundbreaking… READ MORE >
March 25th, 2025
From Sol to Sol: The Crew Montes Journey
By Rodrigo Nascente Schmitt, Crew 306, Mars Desert Research Station “Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst.” Radiation, freezing cold, suffocation, starvation—on Mars, being prepared is no longer an option. It’s necessary. During our twelve-day mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), Crew Montes faced a planet that seemed determined to kill us. Nevertheless, we discovered that even a single Martian sunrise can make all the hardships worthwhile. Our crew—Commander Jesus (whom we affectionately call Messiah), Geologist Elizabeth… READ MORE >
March 24th, 2025
Exploring Space Innovation: Dr. Luther “Luke” Beegle Joins RPL Podcast
Red Planet Live is excited to welcome Dr. Luther “Luke” Beegle — a veteran NASA scientist and current executive at Northrop Grumman — for a 60‑minute live broadcast on Tuesday, April 1 at 5:00 pm PT with host Ashton Zeth. At Northrop Grumman, a global leader in aerospace, defense, and space technology, Dr. Beegle directs advanced programs in robotics, autonomous systems, and in‑situ instrumentation for NASA missions, Department of Defense initiatives, and commercial space ventures. Over his 25‑year career at NASA,… READ MORE >
