By Lou Farrell, Senior Writer, Red Planet Bound Eventually, humans will make their way to another planet, and harvesting Mars’ resources is an inevitable part of the colonization process. People can only sustain building and living operations on the Red Planet if there is a reliable flow of materials. It may require a logistics setup unlike anything on Earth, especially for the most complex industries. Fortunately, experts already have a few frameworks that could inspire success beyond the blue marble…. READ MORE >
Topic Area: Mars
Could life have begun on Mars? In this thought-provoking review, Dr. Robert Zubrin examines Dr. Steven Benner’s new book and its exploration of one of planetary science’s biggest questions. Meet Dr. Benner in person at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, where he’ll deliver a plenary address, sign copies of his books, and join a special panel discussion on this fascinating topic. By Dr. Robert Zubrin, National Review, 07.11.26 Steve Benner is one of the heavyweights of both theoretical and applied… READ MORE >
Technology entrepreneur and commercial spaceflight pioneer Tim Ellis, Co-Founder and Board Member of Relativity Space, will participate in a special fireside chat at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. As the founding CEO of Relativity Space, Ellis spent nearly a decade building the company into one of the world’s most innovative aerospace firms, growing it to more than 1,500 employees, raising over $2 billion in funding,… READ MORE >
The Mars Society welcomes internationally acclaimed historian, sociologist, author and entrepreneur Dr. Rainer Zitelmann as a plenary speaker at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, to be held at the USC campus in Los Angeles October 22-24. Dr. Zitelmann will present “Private Property in Space: The Missing Ingredient,” exploring how private property rights and free-market incentives could play a key role in the long-term settlement of Mars. His presentation will examine why secure property rights may be as essential as… READ MORE >
One of the world’s foremost astrobiologists and planetary scientists, Dr. Nathalie Cabrol, will join an outstanding lineup of speakers at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. Dr. Cabrol serves as Director of the Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe at the SETI Institute, where she leads pioneering research in astrobiology and helps shape exploration strategies for Mars, Titan, and the icy… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce that Guru Sharma has been selected as the First Place winner of the 2026 Mars Society Poster Contest! A cybersecurity analyst by profession in Ireland, Guru has nurtured a lifelong passion for astronomy and space exploration. That enthusiasm shines through in his outstanding winning poster, which impressed our judges with its creativity, artistic quality, and compelling vision of humanity’s future on Mars. The annual Mars Society Poster Contest celebrates artists and designers who… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce that Dr. James Green, former NASA Chief Scientist and one of the world’s foremost leaders in planetary exploration, will speak at the 29th Annual International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24, 2026, at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. During his distinguished 42-year career at NASA, Dr. Green served as the agency’s Chief Scientist and as the longest-serving Director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division, where he oversaw many of the… READ MORE >
Dr. Kevin Pollpeter, Director of Research for the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), will participate as a plenary speaker at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, taking place October 22–24 at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. A leading expert on China’s space program, information warfare, and national security strategy, Dr. Pollpeter has spent decades analyzing the evolving role of space in global competition and military affairs. Prior to joining CASI, he served as a Senior Research… READ MORE >
By Leo Farrell, Senior Writer, Red Planet Bound Landing a craft on Mars is one of the most scientifically advanced feats of engineering humanity has ever pulled off. A handful of rovers have touched down, and these successes, along with modern efforts like the Artemis II mission, signify the leaps and bounds researchers have made in forging resilient spacecraft. Eventually, a human will set foot on the red planet because of a next-generation machine, thanks to the years of research… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is proud to join a broad coalition of scientific organizations, advocacy groups, industry associations, labor unions, and research institutions in urging Congress to reject the proposed FY 2027 cuts to NASA’s space science programs. Led by The Planetary Society, this joint effort reflects growing concern across the American space community that these proposed reductions would seriously damage U.S. leadership in planetary exploration, scientific discovery, technology development, and STEM education. We invite supporters to read and share the… READ MORE >
By Lou Farrell, Senior Writer, Red Planet Bound There has been a recently-renewed focus on lunar exploration as of late, best exemplified by the Artemis II mission, which began on April 1, 2026 and lasted nine days. The mission garnered worldwide interest and acclaim. On a surface level, one can understand the appeal of prioritizing lunar exploration, as the Moon provides a controlled environment near Earth for testing technologies and strategies under real space conditions. Thankfully, that same factor also… READ MORE >
The 2026 International Mars Society Convention is now accepting abstract submissions for presentations covering all aspects of Mars exploration and settlement. We welcome proposals across a wide range of topics, including science, engineering, technology development, human factors, public policy, economics, and other key areas shaping the future of the Red Planet. This global gathering will bring together scientists, engineers, policymakers, industry leaders, and space advocates to share ideas, research, and strategies for advancing human exploration of Mars. Whether your work… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is excited to announce the Fifth Annual International Mission to Mars Engineering Design Competition, a dynamic virtual summer program open to high school students ages 13–19 worldwide. The program will run June 8 through July 10, 2026, offering students an immersive opportunity to tackle real-world challenges related to human exploration of the Red Planet. During this five-week competition, students will think and work like aerospace engineers and mission planners by designing a comprehensive human mission to Mars… READ MORE >
The next episode of our 60-minute Red Planet Live podcast has been recorded and posted for broadcast TODAY (Tuesday, January 20th at 5:00 pm PST). In this wide-ranging conversation, host Ashton Zeth sits down with Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, to explore why the search for life should be the guiding principle of U.S. space policy. The discussion dives into how space advocacy actually works in Washington, the political realities shaping NASA leadership and confirmation dynamics, and… READ MORE >
This holiday season, give gifts that truly support space exploration and spark lifelong passion by supporting The Mars Society. One great option is shopping at The Mars Store—the official store of The Mars Society. You’ll find mission patches, space-themed apparel, books, collectibles, model rockets, and unique Mars-inspired artwork. Every purchase directly helps fund hands-on research like the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), student competitions, global outreach, and programs that advance human exploration and settlement of the Red Planet. It’s a… READ MORE >
For just $25/year, you can enroll a child or teen as a Mars Society Student Member, giving them a meaningful connection to the global movement dedicated to advancing human exploration and settlement of the Red Planet. As the world’s largest and most influential Mars advocacy organization, the Mars Society leads educational programs, analog research missions, public outreach, international initiatives, and chapter development that inspire the next generation of explorers. It’s a unique gift that fuels curiosity, builds excitement, and invites… READ MORE >
Celebrate Red Friday (through Monday, Dec. 1st) and support space exploration by shopping at The Mars Store — your one-stop destination for gifts that are truly out of this world. Run by The Mars Society, the world’s largest and most influential organization dedicated to the human exploration and settlement of Mars, The Mars Store isn’t just another online shop — it’s a way to wear your passion for discovery and directly support groundbreaking research, education, and outreach. Inside The Mars Store, you’ll find a wide array… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce the launch of a new weekly series of 25 short videos highlighting compelling reasons why humanity should settle Mars—and why investing in this bold endeavor is both critical and worthwhile. Created for a broad public audience, each video offers a clear, accessible look at how Mars exploration drives scientific discovery, technological innovation, economic growth, and long-term planetary resilience. “We want to extend our sincere thanks to Nicole Willett and John Carter of the… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is proud to be a key partner in a new coalition of leading space advocacy organizations working to protect NASA’s science programs and budget. Our latest joint statement expresses strong support for the nomination of Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator. This statement has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Robert Zubrin, President of the Mars Society, and James Burk, Executive Director. We are enthusiastic about this partnership with The Planetary Society, National Space Society, and other organizations,… READ MORE >
Mars Society President Dr. Robert Zubrin appeared on CNN earlier today to discuss NASA’s long-term plans for Mars exploration, the challenges of human missions to the Red Planet, and why establishing a human presence there is vital for our future. From technological hurdles to the spirit of discovery that drives exploration, Dr. Zubrin shared powerful insights on what it will take to make humanity multiplanetary. Watch the full interview here: https://bit.ly/43pRktm…. READ MORE >
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 5:00 PM PT Watch at: https://bit.ly/3Wg8Yfa. Join Ashton Zeth, host of Red Planet Live, for a special premiere episode featuring exclusive highlights from the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, held earlier this month at the University of Southern California. This one-hour recap offers a dynamic look at some of the most inspiring and forward-thinking talks from the event — a perfect opportunity to relive (or catch up on) the excitement of the world’s premier Mars… READ MORE >
**Update from the Mars Society Convention Team** “Houston, we have a problem.” Unfortunately, the USC A/V team is experiencing technical difficulties with the livestream for the sessions at the 2025 International Mars Society Convention. While we won’t be able to stream the talks live, all sessions are being recorded and will be uploaded to our YouTube channel soon for everyone to watch. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Please stay tuned here and on our website… READ MORE >
The Mars Society invites everyone with a passion for Mars and space exploration to take part in the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, happening October 9–11, 2025 at the University of Southern California (Taper Hall – THH201) in Los Angeles. The event is open to a global audience, with both in-person and virtual participation available. Over the course of three days, the convention will feature an extraordinary lineup of distinguished speakers and thought leaders who will share the latest… READ MORE >
Join the Planetary Society, the Mars Society, and other advocacy groups in urging Congress to protect NASA Science. With a Continuing Resolution likely, OMB is pushing for drastic cuts that Congress has already rejected—threatening jobs and over $12 billion in active missions. Tell your elected officials to set clear funding guidelines under any CR and keep NASA operating at current levels. Raise your voice today to safeguard America’s leadership in space and science! Sign up here: https://bit.ly/42qHk2q. You are invited… READ MORE >
The Mars Society is pleased to announce the release of the program itinerary for its 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, which will be held October 9–11, 2025 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Widely recognized as the premier international conference on Mars and space exploration, the convention will bring together an extraordinary roster of scientists, engineers, aerospace leaders, policymakers, and advocates for three days of discussion about humanity’s future in space. The program will cover a… READ MORE >