The 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.

[Image: America Out Loud]