You are not logged in.
Planning for the 2026 Convention is under way ...
This topic is available for NewMars members who might wish to contribute posts before, during and after the event.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
This post is reserved for an index to posts that may be contributed by NewMars members.
Index:
Post #3: Announcement of Curiosity Rover Chief Scientist as Plenary speaker.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
By email from Mars Society 2026/05/18:
Curiosity Rover Project Scientist Joins 2026 Mars Society Convention Lineup
InboxNew Mars Forums Mailer
·
Mon, May 18 at 2:02 PM
MARS SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENTCuriosity Rover Project Scientist Joins 2026 Mars Society Convention Lineup
The Mars Society is pleased to announce that renowned planetary scientist Dr. Ashwin Vasavada will serve 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.Dr. Vasavada is a leading expert on Mars exploration and currently serves as Project Scientist for NASA’s Curiosity rover mission at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Throughout his distinguished career, he has played a major role in advancing scientific understanding of the Martian climate, geology, and surface environment, helping guide some of NASA’s most important robotic missions to the Red Planet.
As part of the convention’s plenary program, Dr. Vasavada is expected to discuss the latest discoveries from Curiosity, the future of robotic and human Mars exploration, and the scientific opportunities and challenges awaiting future missions. His participation adds to an expanding roster of prominent scientists, engineers, and industry leaders expected to speak at what is anticipated to be the world’s largest Mars-focused conference of 2026.
The 2026 International Mars Society Convention will offer both in-person and virtual attendance options, featuring plenary talks, panel discussions, technical tracks, networking opportunities, and public engagement activities focused on humanity’s future on Mars. For additional information and registration details, visit The Mars Society.
The Mars Society
Our mailing address is:
1100 Johnson Road, Suite 18257
Golden, CO 80402 U.S.A.
www.marssociety.org
https://www.facebook.com/TheMarsSociety
@TheMarsSocietyCopyright © 2026 The Mars Society, Inc., All rights reserved.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
Today's announcement is for another speaker at this year's Mars Society Convention:
China Space Expert Kevin Pollpeter to Speak at 2026 Mars Society Convention
InboxMars Society Announcements
Tue, Jun 9 at 2:02 PM
Message Body
MARS SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENTChina Space Expert Kevin Pollpeter to Speak at 2026 Mars Society Convention
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 Scientist at the Center for Naval Analyses and held leadership positions with major China-focused research initiatives and policy programs.
Dr. Pollpeter is widely published on issues related to China’s aerospace ambitions, satellite navigation systems, intelligent warfare, and space deterrence. His recent work includes studies on the implications of the Russia-Ukraine war for Taiwan and the growing strategic competition between China and the United States in space.
The 2026 International Mars Society Convention will bring together scientists, engineers, policymakers, educators, students, and space advocates from around the world to discuss the future of Mars exploration and human space settlement. For registration and additional event information, please visit: marssociety.org.
The Mars Society is also now accepting abstracts for presentations on all aspects of Mars exploration and settlement, inviting scientists, engineers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and space advocates to submit 150–300 word proposals and share their work at this October's global gathering in Los Angeles. Visit our website for more info.
The Mars Society
Our mailing address is:
1100 Johnson Road, Suite 18257
Golden, CO 80402 U.S.A.
www.marssociety.org
https://www.facebook.com/TheMarsSociety
@TheMarsSocietyCopyright © 2026 The Mars Society, Inc., All rights reserved.
You are receiving this you joined the Mars Society or gave us your email address.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
WE have another message from the Society...
Conversation View
Submit an Abstract – 2026 International Mars Society Convention
Message 1 of 1. For JAWS, turn virtual PC Cursor on if needed.New Mars Forums Mailer
·
Mon, Jun 15 at 5:30 PM
MARS SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENTSubmit an Abstract – 2026 Int'l Mars Society Convention
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 is technical, conceptual, or interdisciplinary, we encourage you to contribute to the conversation.
To be considered for in-person presentation during the October convention at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, please submit a 150–300 word abstract by Saturday, June 27th (5:00 pm MT) via: convention.marssociety.org.
The Mars Society
Our mailing address is:
1100 Johnson Road, Suite 18257
Golden, CO 80402 U.S.A.
www.marssociety.org
https://www.facebook.com/TheMarsSociety
@TheMarsSocietyCopyright © 2026 The Mars Society, Inc., All rights reserved.
You are receiving this you joined the Mars Society or gave us your email address.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
SETI speaker announcement ...
MARS SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENT
SETI Institute’s Nathalie Cabrol to Discuss Search for Life Beyond Earth at Mars Society Convention
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 moons of the outer Solar System. A veteran of numerous NASA science initiatives, she played a key role in advocating for Gusev Crater as the landing site for NASA’s Spirit rover and has spent decades studying Earth’s most extreme environments to better understand where life may have once existed on ancient Mars.
During the convention, Dr. Cabrol will take part in a special interactive Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with one of the world’s leading experts on the search for life beyond Earth. Joined by a moderator and audience participants, she will discuss the latest discoveries in Mars exploration, planetary habitability, astrobiology, and the scientific advances driving humanity’s search for life elsewhere in the universe.
Whether you’re a scientist, engineer, student, or simply passionate about space exploration, this promises to be one of the convention’s most thought-provoking sessions.
Join us this October at USC for this unique opportunity to hear from one of today’s most influential voices in planetary science and the search for life beyond Earth. For full info, including how to register online, visit our website (marssociety.org).
The Mars Society
Our mailing address is:
1100 Johnson Road, Suite 18257
Golden, CO 80402 U.S.A.
www.marssociety.org
https://www.facebook.com/TheMarsSociety
@TheMarsSocietyCopyright © 2026 The Mars Society, Inc., All rights reserved.
You are receiving this you joined the Mars Society or gave us your email address.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
Property Rights on Mars ....
MARS SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENT
Property Rights & the Future of Mars: Dr. Rainer Zitelmann to Speak at 2026 ConventionThe 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 technological innovation in building a sustainable human presence on the Red Planet.
Dr. Zitelmann holds doctorates in history and sociology and has authored or edited 32 books that have been translated into 35 languages. His work has appeared in, or he has been interviewed by, leading international media including The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Newsweek, Forbes, Financial Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Le Monde, Corriere della Sera, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, and numerous publications throughout Latin America and Asia.
Join us at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention to hear Dr. Zitelmann share his perspective on one of the most important legal and economic questions surrounding the future settlement of Mars. Visit our website (marssociety.org) for full details.
The Mars Society
Our mailing address is:
1100 Johnson Road, Suite 18257
Golden, CO 80402 U.S.A.
www.marssociety.org
https://www.facebook.com/TheMarsSociety
@TheMarsSocietyCopyright © 2026 The Mars Society, Inc., All rights reserved.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
This post is about a book written by a gent who will be a speaker at the upcoming Mars Convention.
MARS SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENT
Did Life Begin on Mars? – Book Review by Dr. Robert Zubrin
Could life have begun on Mars? In this thought-provoking review, Dr. Robert Zubrin, President of the Mars Society, 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 upcoming 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 biology. A founder of the field of synthetic biology, he was the first person to synthesize a gene and one of the originators of the RNA-world theory of origin of life. He is also a successful biotech entrepreneur — relevant because his wealth has given him the freedom to speak freely, even when his views contradict NASA and other members of the scientific establishment.
His terrific new book, Meet the Neighbors: Life on Mars and How to Find It, is an example of his doing just that: Benner pulls no punches in drawing powerful conclusions based on both his own research and an encyclopedic knowledge of the work of the astrobiology community. Assembling impressive evidence, Benner boldly argues that there is almost certainly life on Mars — and that life originated on the Red Planet before it appeared on Earth.
In its statements supporting its various Mars missions, NASA’s public relations department has always claimed that their purpose was to search for life. They’ve said this because they know that the possibility of extraterrestrial life is what the American people — quite rightly — are most interested in when it comes to Mars. Unfortunately, NASA has failed to follow through.
In point of fact, America’s space agency has not flown a life detection instrument to Mars since the Viking mission, which landed on the Red Planet almost exactly a half-century ago on July 20, 1976. Since that time, NASA has flown orbiters, stationary landers, and rovers to Mars. While these missions have obtained some very useful data on the Martian environment, none have attempted to look for life itself.
However, the Viking landers also carried a fourth instrument, known as a Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS). The GCMS assessed the chemical composition of the soil, and it detected no organic material in Martian dirt. This came as quite a surprise to NASA’s scientists, because even if there was no life on Mars, they expected that some organics would be found — if from no other sources than meteorites, which frequently contain sturdy organic compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can survive impact.
To read the full book review by Dr. Zubrin, please try this link to the National Review:
https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/07/ … b9402000a5[Image: NASA/JPL/CalTech]
The Mars Society
Our mailing address is:
1100 Johnson Road, Suite 18257
Golden, CO 80402 U.S.A.
www.marssociety.org
https://www.facebook.com/TheMarsSociety
@TheMarsSocietyCopyright © 2026 The Mars Society, Inc., All rights reserved.
You are receiving this you joined the Mars Society or gave us your email address.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here