HANKSVILLE, Utah – March 21, 2025 – The Mars Society announced today the launch of a landmark global fundraising campaign to bolster the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), a critical hub for training future Mars explorers and advancing research for life on the Red Planet.
Located in the Utah desert, MDRS serves as a premier analog facility where simulated Mars missions and cutting-edge STEM education converge to prepare humanity for its interplanetary future. The campaign aims to raise $250,000 to upgrade the station’s infrastructure and expand its on-site support team, ensuring it remains at the forefront of Mars exploration efforts.
“We’re thrilled to invite the public to join us in this historic mission,” said James Burk, Executive Director of the Mars Society. “MDRS isn’t just a facility—it’s where the dream of Mars becomes reality, and every contribution brings us closer to that goal.”
Supporters can unlock exclusive rewards based on donation levels, including the Friend of MDRS Package (featuring an official mission patch, T-shirt, and VIP updates), a signed copy of “The Case for Mars” by Robert Zubrin, a handcrafted wooden MDRS model, or a rare 5-day VIP simulated Mars mission experience at the station. All donors will also receive a one-year Mars Society membership ($50 value) as a thank-you for their support.
The Mars Society is calling on space enthusiasts worldwide to contribute, share the campaign, and join the growing community dedicated to humanity’s next giant leap. “This is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement to shape the future of Mars exploration,” the spokesperson added.
To donate or learn more, visit https://MDRS.MarsSociety.org.
The Mars Society urges the public to act today—because the journey to the Red Planet starts here.
