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 >
News & Announcements
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 >
March 22nd, 2025
Mars Desert Research Station Films Projected on Manhattan Bridge – April 2-27
Visual artist Juan José Cielo is thrilled to share that two of his video works—filmed during his tenure as artist‑in‑residence with Crew 181 at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS)—will be projected onto the Brooklyn side of the Manhattan Bridge this spring. Running April 2 through April 27 (Wednesdays through Sundays, dusk to 11 PM), this large‑scale public exhibition invites New Yorkers to encounter Cielo’s Martian vision against the city skyline. Cielo’s short film Runway (2017) transforms the Utah desert… READ MORE >
March 21st, 2025
Mars Society Launches Global Campaign to Support Mars Desert Research Station
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… READ MORE >
March 20th, 2025
Final Round of URC 2025 Ready to Roll!
Awesome news! 38 students from 11 countries have advanced to the final round of the Mars Society’s 2025 University Rover Challenge! Student teams have built their next-generation Mars rovers before the final round and will now showcase their robotics expertise at the MDRS – Mars Desert Research Station campus in southern Utah May 28-31. These innovative rovers are designed to one day assist human explorers on the Red Planet. URC was launched in 2006, with competitions being held every summer… READ MORE >
March 10th, 2025
Legacies of Exploration: Red Planet Live with MDRS Leadership
Join us on Tuesday, March 18 at 5pm PT for an extraordinary journey into the future of space exploration on Red Planet Live. Hosted by Ashton Zeth, this special episode brings together the visionary leadership of the Mars Society’s Mars Desert Research Station, located near Hanksville, Utah. In an engaging conversation, Executive Director James Burk, Director of MDRS Sergii Iakymov, and Director of Refits Kay Radzik will share the insights and experiences garnered from over twenty years of groundbreaking research… READ MORE >
March 10th, 2025
Unleash Your Creativity: 2025 Mars Society Poster Contest
The Mars Society is thrilled to announce its annual poster design contest—and is calling on all creative minds! If you have a passion for graphic design and a love for Mars and space exploration, this is your chance to make your mark. The winning poster will be featured as the main promotional graphic for the 28th Annual International Mars Society Convention, set for October 9–11, 2025 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. This year’s convention theme, “Mars:… READ MORE >
