Presenter
Bob Zubrin, Mars Society
Robert Zubrin is President of Pioneer Astronautics, an aerospace R&D company located in Lakewood, Colorado. He is also the founder and President of the Mars Society, an international organization dedicated to furthering the exploration and settlement of Mars by both public and private means. Formerly a Staff Engineer at Lockheed Martin Astronautics in Denver, he holds a Masters degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Washington. Zubrin is the inventor of several unique concepts for space propulsion and exploration, the author of over 200 published technical and non-technical papers in the field, and was a member of Lockheed Martin’s “scenario development team” charged with developing broad new strategies for space exploration. In that capacity, he was responsible for developing the "Mars Direct" mission plan, a strategy which by using Martian resources, allows a human Mars exploration program to be conducted at a cost 1/8th that previously estimated by NASA...
Summary:
In his upcoming book, “What the New World on Mars: What Can We Create on the Red Planet,” Robert Zubrin explores the emergence of civilizations on Mars, focusing on technological, economic, social, and political aspects. Zubrin believes that intellectual property (IP) will be the main export of Mars, as the challenges faced by a Mars settlement will drive innovation. These challenges include a labor shortage, limited acreage for agriculture, and the need for energy. To overcome these challenges, Zubrin suggests in situ resource utilization (ISRU) and the development of a Martian economy based on licensing inventions and innovations. The Mars Society aims to establish a Mars Technology Institute to develop the necessary technologies for colonization. While initially a non-profit organization, it may transition to a for-profit entity in the future. The Mars Society is seeking support to create the institute and contribute to the economic development of a Mars colony.
