The Mars Society is very pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Stanley as the organization’s new Analog Research Program Director. Currently serving as the Assistant Director of the organization’s Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, Ben brings a wealth of experience and passion for space exploration to this pivotal role.
In his new position, Ben will collaborate closely with senior officials of the Mars Society to enhance overall science initiatives and implement program-level improvements. This includes developing comprehensive crew report archives for researchers, refining data accessibility, and improving the organization’s website to better serve its community. Furthermore, he will work with Mars Society Executive Director James Burk and other key members on the launch of the organization’s upcoming journal dedicated to space analog research, with publication slated to commence in the coming year.
Ben’s contributions over the past two years as the second-in-command for the MDRS program have been instrumental. He has worked diligently alongside the MDRS director, Sergii Iakymov, and has played an important role in supporting incoming crews during their Mars simulations in Utah, ensuring a smooth and productive experience. This fall, he will continue his commitment to the MDRS by assisting in the training of new onsite station managers, further strengthening the program’s leadership.
For those interested in learning more about the Mars Society and the MDRS program, please visit: marssociety.org.
