Articles about Mars science, exploration, and education.
The Mars Society announces the 5th Annual Mission to Mars Engineering Design Competition, a fully virtual global program for students ages 13-19 running June 8 through July 10, 2026. Design a sustainable human mission to Mars.
The story of how technology has changed how we see Mars, tracing the evolution of cameras and spectrometers aboard spacecraft from Mariner through Curiosity and their role in discovering water on the Red Planet.
A comprehensive scientific review of the evidence for water on Mars, from the earliest telescope observations through modern rover discoveries, examining the ongoing debate about liquid water on the Red Planet's surface.
A guide to witnessing the historic launch of NASA's InSight Mars lander from Vandenberg Air Force Base, the first interplanetary launch from the West Coast.
The story of Space Launch Complex 4 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, its history in rocket launches, and its role in modern Mars-bound missions.
An exploration of how Martian regolith and locally sourced materials could be used to construct permanent structures on Mars, from basalt rock to clay and beyond.
An examination of how origin of life theories connect to Mars exploration, including the study of meteorites and minerals associated with the emergence of life on Earth and potentially Mars.
An inspiring reflection on pursuing lifelong dreams of space exploration and Mars advocacy, demonstrating that passion for science and space knows no age limit.
An overview of the Mars Society's mission, programs, and initiatives dedicated to advancing the human exploration and settlement of Mars.
An examination of the detection of methane in Mars' atmosphere and the discovery of active organic molecules by the Curiosity rover, exploring what these findings mean for the possibility of life on Mars.
Why scientific literacy among the general public is essential for supporting and sustaining a human mission to Mars, and how education can build the foundation for interplanetary exploration.
An analysis of the radiation hazards facing astronauts during a mission to Mars, including types of space radiation, health effects, and strategies for protection.
How additive manufacturing technology could revolutionize construction and resource utilization on Mars, enabling settlers to build structures and manufacture tools from local materials.
An exploration of the scientific evidence and ongoing search for past or present life on Mars, from Viking's biology experiments to modern astrobiology investigations.
A look at the fleet of Mars orbiters that serve as our eyes in the Martian sky, providing essential data about the planet's atmosphere, surface, and environment.
An examination of the science, challenges, and possibilities of terraforming Mars to make it more habitable for human life, from atmospheric engineering to warming the planet.
An exploration of how subsurface drilling on Mars could be the key to discovering extant microbial life, examining the scientific rationale and the technological challenges involved.
An examination of the panspermia hypothesis and the scientific evidence suggesting that life on Earth may have originated on Mars before being transported here by meteorites.
A journey through cosmic scales to understand our place in the universe, from Earth to the solar system, the Milky Way, and beyond, and why this perspective matters for Mars exploration.
A comparison of Mars and the Moon as destinations for human exploration and settlement, examining the scientific, practical, and strategic arguments for each.
An overview of the plans, challenges, and timeline for sending the first human missions to Mars, examining the engineering hurdles and the vision driving the effort.
How educators can bring Mars science into the classroom, with strategies for engaging K-12 students in planetary science, astrobiology, and the human exploration of Mars.