The objective of H2M2 is to advance the goal of a sustainable & permanent human presence on the Moon in the 2020s and on Mars in the 2030s

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.

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.

Workshop # 1 - Mars Innovation Workshop: Feeding the Future

Facilitated by Dr. Tiffany Vora (Explore Mars; Singularity University)

Description: What will it take to nourish a thriving human community on Mars?

This one-day special edition of the Mars Innovation Workshop brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, technologists, investors, and industry leaders to explore the future of food and nutrition for space, with a special emphasis on innovations that can transform food systems on Earth today. Using Mars as a powerful design lens, participants will examine challenges and opportunities across food production, biomanufacturing, personalized nutrition, circular resource use, and resilient supply chains.

Through focused discussions and collaborative exercises, participants will surface breakthrough ideas, spark new partnerships, and identify high-impact opportunities for research, investment, and innovation. By the end of the day, participants will leave with a clearer view of how solving the challenge of feeding humans in extreme environments can help build healthier, more sustainable food systems and the flourishing communities they support—on Earth and beyond.

Workshop # 2 - Leveraging Commercial Space Capabilities for Crewed Missions to Mars

Facilitated by Humphrey “Hoppy” Price (NASA JPL) and Rick Davis (former NASA HQ)

Description: In the next ten years, commercial space developments are expected to provide space station modules, propulsion systems, logistics, computing elements, space suits, power systems, and other capabilities that could be utilized for crewed missions to Mars. This workshop will identify vehicles, systems, operations, and commercial services that could be utilized to perform Mars exploration on a faster schedule and at a lower cost than is currently envisioned. The workshop will brainstorm ideas and put forward notional concepts that would utilize commercial capabilities.

“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.