The 2026 Humans to the Moon & Mars Summit

Explore Mars is excited to announce that for the first time, the Humans to the Moon and Mars Summit (H2M2) will take place at Rice University in Houston, Texas, on July 21-23, 2026.

Exclusive Early Bird Opportunity: With only 50 spots available at the special early-bird rate, be sure to reserve your place at the cutting edge of exploration and innovation.

H2M2 will gather the top experts in Moon and Mars architecture and systems, science, human health, innovation, policy, STEM education, and innumerable other disciplines who will provide the latest news about and generate momentum for our Moon and Mars goals.

Dates: July 21-23, 2026

· July 21, 2026: Workshops/Tours

· July 22-23, 2026: H2M2 Plenary Sessions

Location: BioScience Research Collaborative Auditorium, Rice University, Houston, Texas

H2M2 2026 will focus on questions that include:

• Artemis II: Return to the Moon
• Managing the Moon and Mars: How can NASA and its partners efficiently return to the Moon in the 2020s and to Mars in the 2030s?
• Selecting a Landing Site on Mars for the First Human Missions
• ESCAPADE: Small missions to Mars
• Preserving Space Science. Enabling Human Exploration
• CMPS: Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to Mars
• Can the United States Beat China Back to the Moon?
• The Age of Heavy Lift: SLS, Starship, and New Glenn
• Nuclear Power Enabling a Sustainable Mars Campaign
• Mobility on the Moon and Mars: Spacesuits, rovers, drones, etc.
• Food and Nutrition in Deep Space
• How Do Private Space Stations Advance Humans to Mars?
• How can we most effectively protect the physical and mental health of astronauts voyaging to and from the Moon and Mars?

During Humans to the Moon and Mars Week, attendees can look forward to:

1. Networking Receptions: Rub shoulders and connect with key figures in the space industry.

2. Exclusive Tours & Collaborative Initiatives: Get a first-hand behind-the-scenes look into the future of space exploration.

3. Expert-led Workshops: Dive deep into STEM advancements, the integral role of skilled trades in space, and the latest in Martian innovation.

“2026 could be the most critical year in the history of the United States space program,” stated Explore Mars CEO, Chris Carberry. “In addition to the launch of Artemis II to the Moon, decisions will need to be made that could determine whether we achieve our Moon and Mars objectives, and if the United States remains the preeminent leader in space exploration. These topics and many more will be discussed at H2M2 in Houston.”

The objective of H2M2 is to advance the goal of a sustainable and permanent human presence on the Moon beginning in the 2020s and on Mars no later than the 2030s. To advance this objective, H2M2 aims to foster synergy and shared commitment between governmental entities and the private sector, ensuring a united and successful approach to a sustainable future in space for all humanity.

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