The 2026 Humans to the Moon & Mars Summit
Gathering top experts in Moon and Mars architectures, systems, science, human health, innovation, policy. July 21: Workshops and Tours. July 22-23: Plenary Sessions. At Rice University.
Confirmed participants include Vanessa Wyche, Director of NASA Johnson Space Center; Mike Gold, President of Civil & International Space at Redwire; Dr. Jennifer Rochlis, President and CEO of Advancing Frontiers; and Megan Ortiz, Senior Director of External Relations at Axiom Space. They will be joined by thought leaders and innovators from across the community, including Tiffany Vora of Explore Mars, along with experts from L3Harris, Advanced Space, and NASA.
• July 21, 2026: Workshops/Tours (Details to be announced soon)
• 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 the New Artemis Mission Cadence Advance Humans to Mars?
• Selecting a Landing Site on Mars for the First Human Missions
• ESCAPADE: Small missions to Mars
• Preserving Space Science. Enabling Human Exploration
• CLPS & CMPS: Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to the Moon and 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
• Managing Logistics on the Moon and 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
“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. More details coming soon…
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SPONSORING H2M2 2026?
Contact CEO@ExploreMars.org
