THE 2026 HUMANS TO THE MOON & MARS SUMMIT
July 21st - 23rd, 2026
Rice University
Houston, Texas
The 2026 Humans to the Moon and Mars Summit
Houston, Texas
Limited Early Bird Rates Now Available for Explore Mars, Inc.’s
2026 Humans to the Moon and Mars Summit
Rice University, Houston, Texas
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 GlennNuclear 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.
Availability is limited. Lock in your place among the stars now. –
The 2025 Humans to the Moon and Mars Summit: A Resounding Success!
On May 28–29, 2025, the Humans to the Moon and Mars Summit (H2M2) brought together over 11,000 online participants and nearly 200 in-person attendees at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Hosted by Explore Mars, Inc., the summit featured groundbreaking discussions on the future of space exploration.
Highlights Included:
-
David Limp, CEO of Blue Origin, publicly sharing the company's Moon and Mars plans for the first time.
-
Kristin Houston, President of the Space Propulsion & Power Systems sector at Aerojet Rocketdyne (L3Harris Technologies), discussing advancements in space propulsion.
-
Vanessa Wyche, NASA's Acting Associate Administrator, outlining NASA's strategic roadmap for lunar and Martian missions.
These sessions, among many others, are now available to watch on demand. Experience the insights and innovations that are propelling humanity toward a multi-planetary future.
2025 H2M2 SPEAKERS
PROUD SPONSORS OF H2M2 2025
GOLD Sponsor:
BRONZE Sponsors:
SCIENCE Sponsor:
VENUE PARTNER:
STREAMING Sponsor:
May 28th Reception, Washington Compact Signing Ceremony:
May 29th Closing H2M2 2025 Reception
SUPPORTER Sponsor:
ADVOCATE Sponsors:
MEDIA Sponsor:
WHISKEY Sponsor:
WINE Sponsor:
Hotel & Lodgings
Sophisticated Washington, DC Hotel in the Heart of Foggy Bottom
Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, State Plaza Hotel is in the city's business and financial districts, just steps from vibrant F Street. Situated on a tree-lined street by George Washington University, in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, our Washington, DC hotel is a five-minute walk from the iconic monuments on the National Mall and the White House. Experience the grandeur of the Lincoln Memorial and enjoy inspiring views from the Washington Monument. Enjoy a concert at the Kennedy Center, meet wildlife at the National Zoo or explore the National Gallery of Art by using the Foggy Bottom Metro Station, 3 blocks from the hotel. For corporate travelers, State Plaza Hotel is just minutes from Capitol Hill, the K Street business corridor, State Department, World Bank, National Academy of Sciences, and many embassies and national organizations. Experience the culture and commerce of our nation's capital from our Foggy Bottom DC hotel..