Red Planet Live returns with host Ashton Zeth for a pre-recorded episode featuring companies of the Mars Technology Institute (MTI). James Burk, Director and co-founder of MTI, introduces the three space startup companies; Unleashed Robotics, Dynamik Orbits, and Space DIRT. 1. Quinn Morley, CEO & Co-founder of Unleashed Robotics, https://www.unleashedrobotics.com2. Shaun Riddell, CEO of Space DIRThttps://spacedirt.ca3. Julien Villa-Massone, Dynamik Orbits https://www.dynamikorbits.comSpecial announcement from Nicole Willett, Director of Mars Society Education program for the 5th Annual Mission to Mars Engineering Design Competition. https://education.marssociety.org/com...For questions, please contact education@marssociety.org-------Mars Societymarssociety.orgTo join or find out more information on the Mars Technology Institute (MTI), please visit:https://marstechnology.institute/

🚀 In this episode: Ashton Zeth sits down with Casey Dreier — Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society — joins us to dig into why the search for life should be the guiding star of U.S. space policy. Casey breaks down how advocacy actually works in Washington, how NASA’s science budget is hanging in the balance, and what space lovers can do right now to help protect the future of exploration.We cover:🌌 Search for life as policy: Why astrobiology and exploration aren’t just cool science — they are the most enduring driver of public and political support for NASA.⚖️ Politics & NASA leadership: What it means that Jared Isaacman may bring energy and big expectations to the NASA Administrator role, and the real dynamics of confirmation and bipartisan support.🧠 People pleasing and political strategy: How leaders navigate both sides of the aisle — including big personalities and unexpected allies.📉 NASA Science under threat: From proposals to cut nearly half of NASA’s science funding to grassroots advocacy, we talk real numbers and real stakes. The Planetary Society’s Save NASA Science campaign has mobilized hundreds of advocates and worked with dozens of partner organizations to bring space science defenders to Capitol Hill.Planetary Society : https://www.planetary.org/📣 Planetary Society advocacy tools:

2025 Planetary Society Impact Report --

➡️ 🔗 https://www.planetary.org/about/our-impact/2025-impact-report➡️ 🔗 Save NASA Science Action Hub — https://www.planetary.org/save-nasa-s...➡️ 🔗 NASA Science Spending Tracker (interactive map) — https://dashboards.planetary.org/nasa...➡️ 🔗 Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition — (check ThePlanetary.org for latest episodes & archives)➡️ 🔗 The Space Advocate Newsletter — sign up at https://www.planetary.org/space-advocate📆 DAY OF ACTION APRIL 19th-20th, 2026: In Washington, D.C., an annual advocacy event where space enthusiasts meet with Congress members to push for strong space science funding and exploration, with registration opening with early bird discounts and offering training and organized meetings with lawmakers. 🎙️ Don’t forget — subscribe to Casey’s Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition and sign up for the monthly policy newsletter to stay informed and get involved. Your voice matters in shaping America’s space future!👇 Hit like, comment your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for more space policy insights!

Dr. Robert Zubrin returns to Red Planet Live with major updates from the Mars Society and unfiltered insight into the future of space exploration. In this wide-ranging conversation, Zubrin shares his candid perspective on incoming NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and raises serious concerns about what he describes as an ongoing assault on science—examining the implications for cornerstone missions including Hubble, the James Webb Space Telescope, Voyager, and more.

The discussion also explores the state of Mars analog research, with updates on Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station, the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), and the newly established HOPE analog station in Ladakh, India. Zubrin closes by previewing the 2026 International Mars Society Convention, returning to USC in Los Angeles.

Bold ideas, hard truths, and a relentless focus on the road to Mars. Onto Mars! 🚀