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 work on missions including Mars 2020, Curiosity, Perseverance, and Ingenuity. In her plenary talk, she will discuss cutting-edge advancements in robotic operations, onboard autonomy, and human-robot interaction, sharing insights from her development of collision detection and autonomous positioning systems that are now a part of our Mars missions. Her extensive research in flight software, mission design, and systems engineering provides a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of space exploration.
For full details, including how to register for the convention, volunteer opportunities, or submit an abstract, please visit www.marssociety.org. Join us as we gather to celebrate innovation and the future of Mars exploration with one of the field’s most distinguished voices.
