Rick Tumlinson, a leading space entrepreneur, author, and advocate for humanity’s expansion into space, will serve as a plenary speaker at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention this October at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles.

A co-founder of several commercial space ventures and one of the early architects of the NewSpace movement, Tumlinson has spent decades advancing private spaceflight, space settlement, and public engagement in space exploration.

In his plenary address, Why Space? The Purpose of People, Tumlinson will expand on the themes explored in his 2025 book of the same name, examining the deeper reasons humanity ventures beyond Earth and the role exploration plays in shaping our future. Drawing on decades of leadership in commercial space development and space settlement advocacy, he will present a compelling vision of humanity’s destiny among the stars.

A pioneering entrepreneur, author, and champion of private spaceflight, Tumlinson has helped shape the modern space movement through his work with commercial space ventures, educational initiatives, and organizations dedicated to opening the space frontier. His ideas have inspired generations of space advocates, entrepreneurs, and explorers.

Attendees can look forward to a thought-provoking discussion on the purpose of exploration, the future of human expansion into the solar system, and the opportunities that await as humanity extends its reach beyond Earth. Tumlinson’s presentation will be among the featured highlights of a convention program bringing together leading scientists, engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and space advocates from around the world.

To learn more about the upcoming Mars Society convention, please visit our website (marssociety.org).