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Planning for the 2026 Convention is under way ...
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Post #3: Announcement of Curiosity Rover Chief Scientist as Plenary speaker.
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By email from Mars Society 2026/05/18:
Curiosity Rover Project Scientist Joins 2026 Mars Society Convention Lineup
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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.
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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
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Tue, Jun 9 at 2:02 PM
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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.
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